What is Kishu Toshogu Shrine? A summary of the highlights and access information

What is Kishu Toshogu Shrine?

Kishu Toshogu Shrine in Wakaura, Wakayama City, was founded in 1621. It was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu's 10th son, Yorinobu, to enshrine his father, Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Yorinobu are enshrined as deities.

Kishu Toshogu Shrine, affectionately known as "Gongen-san" since ancient times, has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and still exudes a dazzling presence.

Highlights of Kishu Toshogu Shrine

There are many things to see at Kishu Toshogu Shrine.

First, the gorgeous shrine building. Just like Nikko Toshogu Shrine, inside the building there are carvings of red carp by Hidari Jingoro and paintings on the sliding doors by Kano Tan'yū. These are especially must-sees among the Kishu Toshogu Shrines.

At Kishu Toshogu Shrine, you can also have a priest or shrine maiden guide you around the sculptures and murals surrounding the main hall and worship hall.

Another highlight is the vermilion-painted tower gate that appears at the top of the 108 steps of Samurai-zaka. This vermilion-painted tower gate, as well as seven other buildings including the worship hall and main hall, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. All of them are representative buildings from the early Edo period that continue the traditions of the Momoyama period.

Another must-see attraction is the maple tree, also known as the "tree that never falls." The distinctive feature of maple trees is that they keep their old leaves until new ones appear. In spring, they are covered in lush, new leaves, but because the old leaves do not fall, they are considered to be "auspicious," and are popular among many exam-takers hoping to receive some of the blessings.

Prayer at Kishu Toshogu Shrine

At Kishu Toshogu Shrine, you can receive more than 19 types of prayers, including prayers for the safety of the family, prosperity in business, road safety, protection from misfortune, recovery from illness, success in exams, safe childbirth, first shrine visit of the year, and Shichigosan (four-year-old child's seven-five-three festival).

Prayers are accepted at the shrine office or Toshogu Kaikan between 9:00 and 16:00.

Access to Kishu Toshogu Shrine

Address: 2-1-20 Wakaura Nishi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture

Admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 100 yen for elementary, middle and high school students

・Access by train (Train is recommended!):

From Wakayamashi Station on the Nankai Main Line, take the bus bound for Shin-Wakaura for 25 minutes, get off at Gongen-mae, and then walk for a short distance.

Access by car:

From the Wakayama Interchange exit, head straight towards Wakayama for about 5km. Turn left at the Prefectural Office intersection (where you can see Wakayama Castle on your right), head south on National Route 42 for about 3km, turn right at the Wakauraguchi intersection (a three-way intersection), and continue for about 50m.

From the Kainan Interchange, head towards Wakayama on National Route 42 for about 5km, turn left at the Kimiidera intersection, and go straight for about 2km. Turn left at the Wakaura intersection (three-way intersection), and go straight for about 1km.

・Parking lot: Available

Come visit Kishu Toshogu Shrine and experience the splendor of the Tokugawa clan!

At the gorgeous Kishu Toshogu Shrine, you can feel the splendor of the Tokugawa family. The view of Wakanoura from the top of the 108-step Samurai-zaka is also spectacular. If you visit Wakayama, be sure to stop by Kishu Toshogu Shrine.

Original article: https://otent-nankai.jp/category/topic/221024_kishu-tosyogu_816