Kunozan Toshogu Shrine — Cliff-Edge Shrine for Tokugawa Ieyasu

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine (久能山東照宮) is a lavishly decorated Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who unified Japan and founded the Edo Period. The shrine sits atop a 200-meter cliff overlooking Suruga Bay and was Ieyasu's burial site before his remains were moved to Nikko Toshogu. Constructed in 1617, it features intricate wood carvings, gold leaf decoration, and vermillion-lacquered buildings characteristic of early Edo architecture.

The shrine is accessed via two routes: 1,159-step stone staircase from sea level (30–40 minute climb) or ropeway from Nihondaira plateau (5 minutes). The main hall (本殿, honden) and worship hall (拝殿, haiden) are designated National Treasures, featuring carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and seasonal flowers covered in gold leaf. The cliff-edge location provides panoramic views over Suruga Bay and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.