Weekend GuideWEEKEND GUIDE

SpotShizuoka · Suruga-ku, Shizuoka CityVOL.0 · 2026-W43

Kunozan Toshogu Night Viewing "IRODORI"

Reach the shrine at night by the only way in, the ropeway, to halls of black and red lacquer.

By the APEX DRIVE editors (based on official sources)Published Last checked

Some sights exist only after dark, and this one is worth a night's stay. The National Treasure shrine is gongen style, main and worship halls joined by a stone-floored room, black lacquer on the pillars and red at the edges. Master carpenter Nakai Masakiyo began it for shogun Hidetada in 1616 and finished in December 1617.

Go up to the 307-meter top of Nihondaira while it's light, about 40 minutes from Shimizu or Shizuoka IC, free parking. The Nihondaira Yume Terrace, by Kengo Kuma & Associates, opens until 21:00 on Saturdays, facing Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay and Izu. Night entry on Oct 24–25 is in 30-minute slots from 18:00, last at 20:00. The 1,159 stone steps are closed at night; everyone crosses by ropeway. The baku on the Romon gate express Ieyasu's wish for peace.

The last ropeway back leaves at 21:00, and the drive down from the summit is in the dark, so a room nearby lets you take the evening slowly. Tickets (adults ¥2,400 ahead) are limited daily.

Highlights HIGHLIGHTS

  1. 01

    Nihondaira Yume Terrace

    Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, with views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula. Open until 21:00 on Saturdays.

    Source：Nihondaira Yume Terrace nihondaira-yume-terrace.jp
  2. 02

    Nihondaira Ropeway

    About 1 km in 5 minutes from the 307 m summit, looking down on Suruga Bay. The only entrance for night visits.

    Source：City of Shizuoka city.shizuoka.lg.jp
  3. 03

    Baku on the Romon gate

    Carvings of the baku that express Ieyasu's wish for peace.

    Source：Shizuoka Railway / Kunozan Toshogu Shrine toshogu-lightup.com
  4. 04

    National Treasure main shrine

    Gongen style, fully lacquered in black and red and richly painted; completed in 1617 after a year and seven months.

    Source：Kunozan Toshogu Shrine toshogu.or.jp

Sources and official information SOURCES

Written by the APEX DRIVE editors from facts in the official sources above (not a copy of the official text).Last checked: . Details may change. Please check the official page before you go.

Also nearby

  • PANihondaira PA

Shizuoka this weekend

In seasonCosmos at Hamanako Garden ParkPark the car, then ride a boat along the park's canal to a recreation of Monet's garden. In seasonPampas Grass Maze at Mt. Fuji Children's KingdomClimb Fuji's lower slopes on Route 469, then walk into grass taller than you. RoadFujisan Skyline (autumn color before the winter closure)Drive all the way to the 5th Station, billed as Japan's highest point reachable by private car.

Details were checked on Oct 18, 2026, 18:00 JST against official sources. Events may be cancelled or changed due to weather. Follow on-site guidance for parking and traffic restrictions.