The Kunozan Toshogu Museum is located within the sacred grounds of Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, the original burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate and one of the most influential figures in Japanese history. The museum plays a vital role in preserving and presenting the political, cultural, and international legacy of early Edo-period Japan.

Its most celebrated exhibit is the Spanish Clock of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a 16th-century Western mechanical clock that has achieved worldwide recognition for its extraordinary preservation. Remarkably, approximately 99% of its original components remain intact, an almost unheard-of condition for a mechanical device over 400 years old. The clock was presented to Ieyasu in 1611 by King Felipe III of Spain, as an expression of gratitude after Japanese villagers rescued Spanish sailors shipwrecked off the coast of Chiba. Later scientific analysis revealed that the clock was crafted by Nicolaus de Troestenberch, royal clockmaker to Emperor Charles V.

Beyond the clock, the museum houses more than 2,000 cultural artifacts, including a complete set of armor from all 15 Tokugawa shoguns, highlighted by Ieyasu’s iconic fern-leaf-patterned armor worn at the Battle of Sekigahara. The sword collection is equally exceptional, with many blades designated not only as Important Cultural Properties but as National Treasures of Japan. Personal items such as writing tools, medicine cases, and a rare 17th-century telescope offer an intimate glimpse into the daily life and intellect of Japan’s first shogun.

By Nihondaira Ropeway (Recommended)

• Drive to Nihondaira Plateau

  • Approx. 20 minutes from Nihondaira Kunozan Smart Interchange

  • Approx. 40 minutes from Tomei Shizuoka–Shimizu Interchange

• From the summit, take the Nihondaira Ropeway

  • Ropeway ride: 5 minutes

• After arrival, walk a short distance to the museum

Additional Information 

• Free parking available at Nihondaira summit (approx. 200 spaces)
• For car navigation systems, enter the ropeway phone number: TEL: +81 54-334-2026

By Public Bus

• From JR Shizuoka Station

  • Take Shizutetsu Just Line Bus (Ishida Kaido Line)

  • Get off at Higashi-Otani (approx. 40 minutes)

• Transfer to a bus bound for Kunōyamashita

  • Get off at Kunōyamashita (approx. 15 minutes)

• From Kunōyamashita

  • Walk up 1,159 stone steps (approx. 20 minutes) to the shrine and museum

• Visit the shrine first, then explore the museum for a deeper historical understanding

• The museum is air-conditioned, making it an ideal place to cool down after visiting the shrine

• Photography is restricted in certain areas—please observe posted signs

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if using the stone-step route

• Check ropeway schedules carefully during winter months

Admission Fee:

• Adults: ¥400

• Children: Varies by age

• Note: Discounted combo tickets (Shrine + Museum) are available and offer the best value

Opening Time:

• 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Last admission: 04:45 PM)

• Seasonal Note: During the winter season (October–March), the shrine and museum may close earlier at 04:00 PM to align with ropeway operations