Okazaki Castle

Okazaki Castle, also known as “Ryujo” (the “Dragon Castle”), is one of Japan’s most historically significant castles as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun who led Japan to unification. Legend tells that a golden dragon appeared in the sky on the day of Ieyasu’s birth in 1542.
Originally built in 1455 (moved to its current location in 1531) and expanded over the generations, Okazaki Castle became the stronghold from which the young Ieyasu launched his path toward unification. During the Edo period, the castle had special value as Ieyasu’s birthplace, and the Tokaido Road—an important national highway that connected Kyoto and Edo during this period—was even brought to pass through the castle town of Okazaki. Though much of the original castle structure was lost in the Meiji era, the current three-story, five-floor keep, reconstructed in 1959, remains a proud symbol of the city.
Inside the castle keep, you’ll find engaging exhibits tracing the history of Okazaki Castle and the bustling culture of the old castle town. You can see AR-enhanced dioramas and a projection theater that shows visitors scenes of the castle town in the Edo period. The Ieyasu and Mikawa Bushi Museum within the grounds also has exhibitions of armor and weapons.
Okazaki Castle Park, within which the castle is located, is also a must-see in spring when its beautiful cherry blossoms and wisteria bloom.