What is Kishu Toshogu Shrine? Summary of Highlights and Access Information

What is Kishu Toshogu Shrine?

Located in Wakanoura, Wakayama City, Kishu Toshogu Shrine was established in 1621 (Genna 7) by Tokugawa Yorinobu, the tenth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, in honor of his father. The shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Yorinobu.

Known affectionately as "Gongen-san" by locals, Kishu Toshogu Shrine remains a stunning cultural icon, designated as an "Important Cultural Property of Japan".

Highlights of Kishu Toshogu Shrine

Kishu Toshogu Shrine boasts numerous highlights!

First, its ornate buildings, which include carvings of scarlet and black car by the famous Hidari Jingoro (A famous Edo-period artist), and the sliding screen paintings by Kano Tanyu, similar to those at Nikko Toshogu Shine. These works are a must-see within the shrine!

Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour by shrine staff members, explaining the carvings and murals surrounding the main and worship halls.

One of the notable sights is the vermillion gate at the top of the 108-step "Samurai Hill". The gate and seven other buildings, including the main and worship halls, are all designated as "Important Cultural Properties" and represent iconic Edo-period architecture that carries on the style of the Momoyama period.

Another highlight is the "Feng" tree, also called the "Tree that doesn't fall". Its unique characteristic is that old leaves remain until new ones emerge in spring. Because of this, it is considered "auspicious", attracting students who seek its luck before taking their exams.

Prayer Offerings 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 (Literally 7-5-3. An event where boys and girls aged three, boys aged five, and girls aged seven visit a Shinto shrine with their parents).

Prayer offerings are accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the shrine office or the Toshogu Hall.

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

・By Train (Recommended!):

Take the Nankai Main Line to Wakayama City Station, then take the “Shin Wakanoura” bus for 25 minutes. Get off at “Gongen-mae,” and it’s a short walk from there.

・By Car:

From the Wakayama IC exit, drive straight toward Wakayama for about 5 km. At the intersection in front of the prefectural office (Wakayama Castle on the right), turn left onto National Route 42 and head south for about 3 km. At the Wakanoura-guchi intersection, turn right and drive for about 50 meters.

From the Kainan IC exit, drive along National Route 42 toward Wakayama for about 5 km, then turn left at the Kimiidera intersection and continue straight for about 2 km. At the Wakanoura intersection, turn left and drive straight for about 1 km.

・Parking lot: Available

Experience the Grandeur of the Tokugawa Family at Kishu Toshogu Shrine!

At Kishu Toshogu Shrine, you can feel the splendor of the Tokugawa family's legacy. The view of Wakanoura from the top of the 108-step "Samurai Hill" is also breathtaking. Be sure to visit Kishu Toshogu Shrine when you are in Wakayama!

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