Nikko-Toshogu is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. It places Nikko, Tochigi prefecture. But, do you know there are some other Toshogu in Japan? One of which locates at “Kunozan”. It means “Mt.Kuno”. Mt.Kuno is a relatively small mountain, it is 216-meter height. But “Mt.Kuno” is located at a very important military place and has been used as a temple for 1500 years. It was also used as a castle at one time.

Story

After Sengoku-era ended, Tokugawa Ieyasu who unified Japan told his son to mourn his body to “Kuno-zan” before he was gone. This statement gives a glimpse that he was a real samurai. “Kunozan” is an important place for defending lands, and because of its steep hills, enemies cannot attack to this place easily.
Therefore Ieyasu contributed to ending bloody history, you should visit there.
Now, some buildings of Kunozan Toshogu have been designated as national treasures.

Access

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Because of its steep slope, you might not be able to go up if you have difficulty even walking on flat ground. You have to turn back and climb the slope many times. But it tells us how much difficult to attack this place is and how suitable it is for a military base.
After reaching the top, beautiful views and historical buildings wait for you. This mountain is so close to shore. You can see a stunning shoreline. Tiny cars and people look so tiny from there. You also find nice trees(pine, bamboo, maple) and a Japanese-style yard.

You need 1 hour to visit, Parking lot is beside this shrine (the fee is about 500 yen).
I highly recommend drinking strawberry juice. You should be tired after getting off. So it relieves your fatigue of climbing.
There are many strawberry farmers beside the shore, so you will enjoy it.
The name of the shore is “Strawberry Shore”. What a cute name!