Kishu Toshogu
紀州東照宮
A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, built in 1621 by Tokugawa Yorinobu, lead founder of the Kishu domain, and known as the “Nikko of Kansai” for its ornate carvings.
Kishu Toshogu was founded in 1621 by Tokugawa Yorinobu, founder of the Kishu domain, to enshrine his grandfather Tokugawa Ieyasu. After climbing the steep 108 stone steps known as the “Samurai Slope,” you reach a vermilion gate and a shrine building covered in gold and lacquer. The carvings are said to be the work of Hidari Jingoro, and the murals are by the Kano school. The shrine complex is an Important Cultural Property of Japan, which is why it is called the “Nikko of Kansai.” Every year in mid-May, the Wakayama Festival features portable shrines charging down the stone steps. Admission costs about 300 yen, and it is open from 9:00 to 17:00. It is located in the Wakanoura area, and nearby Wakanoura Tenmangu Shrine can also be visited.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Wakanoura & Tamatsushima Shrine
- Yosuien Garden
- Saikazaki & Bandokoro Garden
- Kimii-dera
- Wakayama Castle
- Kuroshio Market (Wakayama Marina City)
- Wakayama Ramen (Ide Shoten)
- Hinokuma & Kunikakasu Shrines