Kasugaokayama Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi]

【Overview of Kasugaokayama Toshogu (Sano Toshogu)】

Kasugaokayama Toshogu is a Shinto shrine enshrined within the grounds of Sano Yakuyoke Daishi (Sosuji Temple).It was established due to a deep historical connection: in 1617, when the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu were being transferred from Mt. Kuno (Shizuoka) to Nikko (Tochigi), the funeral procession stayed overnight at this very location.

Sano Yakuyoke Daishi [Tochigi]

【The Road to “Immortality” via Mt. Fuji and the North Star】

Ieyasu’s remains were moved from Mt. Kuno in Shizuoka to Nikko, and there is a mysterious alignment along the straight line connecting these two points. *Please note: Kasugaokayama Toshogu itself is not located directly on this specific ley line.

[Kunozan Toshogu] — [Mt. Fuji] — [Nikko Toshogu]

Kunouzan Toshogu Shrine [Shizuoka]

Nikko Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi]

The Imperial Palace (Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Ruins of Edo Castle, East Gardens) [Tokyo]

These locations form a perfectly straight line on the map.

The “Fuji” Wordplay (Immortality):

In Japanese, “Fuji” (富士) is a homophone for “Fushi” (不死), which means “immortality” or “never-dying.” It is believed that by having Ieyasu’s soul depart from Mt. Kuno and pass through Mt. Fuji (the Mountain of Immortality), it was ritualistically transformed into a deity with eternal life, known as Tosho Daigongen.

Faith in the North Star (Hokushin):

There is also a profound reason why Nikko was chosen as the final destination. From the perspective of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Nikko lies directly to the North. The North Star is the only star in the night sky that does not move, and was anciently revered as the ruler of the universe.

The Form of Protection:

Ieyasu wished to “become the North Star after death to watch over Edo and the Shogunate forever.” In other words, enshrining him in Nikko was a spiritual mechanism to integrate Ieyasu with the truths of the universe, ensuring that the Tokugawa reign would be “immortal” and never end.

【Kasugaokayama Toshogu (Sano Toshogu):Karamon Gate】

The Karamon Gate, completed in 1828, represents the pinnacle of late Edo-period craftsmanship. The entire gate is adorned with gold leaf and vibrant polychrome colors, featuring a magnificent design reminiscent of the famous Yomeimon Gate at Nikko Toshogu.

It is currently designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Tochigi Prefecture.

【Kasugaokayama Toshogu (Sano Toshogu):Shrine Buildings (Shaden)】

In 1828 (Bunka 11), the current lavish shrine buildings were completed through donations from various feudal lords (daimyo) to commemorate this site as a sacred land linked to Ieyasu.

Modeled after Nikko Toshogu, these buildings are highly acclaimed as being among the most outstanding of the more than 400 Toshogu shrines across Japan.

Note on Names: It can be confusing, but “Kasugaokayama Toshogu,” “Sano Toshogu,” and “Sosuji Toshogu” all refer to the same place. The name “Kasugaokayama” comes from the fact that the temple (Sosuji) was originally built on Kasugaoka (the area around the current Sano Castle ruins), which was land belonging to Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara clan.

【Kasugaokayama Toshogu (Sano Toshogu) Nearby Tourist Spots】

Sano Yakuyoke Daishi, Asahimori Tenmangu,Karasawa-yama Shrine

Sano Yakuyoke Daishi [Tochigi]

Asahimori Tenmangu Shrine [Tochigi]

Karasawayama Shrine [Tochigi]

【Kasugaokayama Toshogu (Sano Toshogu) Access】

Admin’s Impressions

This is the place where Lord Ieyasu spent his final night before reaching his resting place in Nikko. Unlike Nikko, there are no large crowds, allowing you to quietly admire the exquisite carvings up close. The more you know about the splendor of Nikko Toshogu, the more you will be surprised by the density and beauty of the carvings here in Sano. I recommend visiting here along with the nearby Asahimori Tenmangu.

Scale

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Accessibility

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History / Origins

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Nature / Scenery

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Quietness

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Goshuin Variety

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Address of Kasugaokayama Toshogu (Sano Toshogu)

Kanaiue-cho, Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture 327-0015

※Free parking available.

Approx. 15-minute walk from JR Ryomo Line Sano Station.

Approx. 10-minute walk from Tobu Sano Line Sanoshi Station.

Official Website of Kasugaokayama Toshogu

参考

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関連投稿(Related Posts):

Sano Yakuyoke Daishi [Tochigi] Asahimori Tenmangu Shrine [Tochigi] Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple and Taiyuin [Tochigi] Karasawayama Shrine [Tochigi]