What to know
The Tokugawa Mausoleum (Tokugawa-ke Reidai) on Mount Koya was built in 1643 by the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, to give his family a resting place near Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. It comprises two buildings that enshrine Iemitsu's grandfather Ieyasu and father Hidetada, the first two Tokugawa shoguns.
The mausoleum's two identical structures took twenty years to complete and showcase the extravagant style of the early Edo Period, with graceful sloping roofs, rich ornamentation, intricate carvings, lacquer, and gold leaf. They stand side by side: the right building enshrines Ieyasu, the left one Hidetada.
Note that many other mausoleums were built for Tokugawa Ieyasu and his descendants across Japan. The most famous among them is Nikko's Toshogu Shrine.
The Tokugawa Mausoleum is about a ten-minute walk from the Senjuinbashi intersection along the road leading to Koyasan Cablecar Station. The closest bus stop is Namikiri Fudo-mae.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:30 to 16:30 (last entry at 16:00)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 200 yen (~$1.28) (mausoleum only)
- English name
- Original name
- Tokugawa Mausoleum
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.