2023.02.10
Hamamatsu Castle
The Edo period was a period of stable and peaceful government in Japan, which lasted for some 270 years from 1600. It all began with Shogun TOKUGAWA Ieyasu – the ruler who kicked off this period. He was familiar with Hamamatsu City as he had been the one to renovate the old castle located at the center of this very strategic point, and had actually lived there personally for a total of 17 years over the course of his unification of Japan.
After the Edo period started, lords close to the TOKUGAWA family were often appointed as head of Hamamatsu Castle, and many of those same people were later promoted to hold important positions in the shogunate. For this reason, it was nicknamed the “Castle of Eminence,” and therefore, it was said that some lords were more than willing to take up the role in Hamamatsu Castle. This legend has brought forth a lucky charm souvenir called the “Castle of Eminence Power Card” in recent years.
Today, Hamamatsu Castle, whose castle tower was rebuilt in 1958, and its surrounding areas are maintained as a park, and both are open to the public. The castle has recently undergone refurbishment, as of January 2021, and exhibits new historical items and armaments, to remind visitors of the image of a young Ieyasu and his dreams. The exterior of the castle tower was refurbished in December 2022 and it now offers its beautiful exterior to the public.
Within the park limits there are art museums, Japanese gardens, and tea rooms, making it one of the most popular spots in the city for visitors. You can enjoy the park in all seasons, seeing the cherry blossoms in spring, and the leaves changing color in fall.
https://www.entetsuassist-dms.com/hamamatsu-jyo/en/
Hamamatsu Castle Tower & Park
Exhibits in the castle
The tower amongst the cherry blossoms
