Following in the Footsteps of Tokai’s Great Shogun

Sumpu Castle in the heart of Shizuoka City had one of the grandest castle keeps in Japan before it was lost to fire, and is where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his retirement years. The grounds are now an attractive park with a traditional-style garden and more to explore. Beyond the park you’ll find the Shizuoka City Museum of History, and the lavish Shizuoka Sengen Shrine that was long patronized by the Tokugawa family.

Kunozan was chosen by Ieyasu to be his final resting place in his will. His successor, Hidetada, built the lavishly ornate shrine to enshrine Ieyasu after his death. Perched atop Mt. Kuno, it’s worth a visit for the stunning views of Suruga Bay alone.

Hamamatsu Castle is where Ieyasu spent his formative years. The current structure is a reproduction of the original. Inside, you can explore the Edo period through exhibits of armor, weapons and historical artifacts, and take in sweeping views from the top. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and stop by Shoin-tei, where visitors can participate in a tea ceremony experience.

Okazaki Castle is the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The museum in the reconstructed castle keep houses a collection of historical artifacts and features a projection theater for an immersive glimpse into the Edo period. In Okazaki Park, you’ll find statues of Ieyasu and the must-see Mikawa Samurai and Ieyasu Museum. The area is also home to other shrines and temples connected to the shogun’s life.

Topped with a pair of golden tiger-fish, the majestic Nagoya Castle is one of the most recognizable symbols of Tokugawa rule. The original structure was completed under Ieyasu and later became the center of Owari Tokugawa power. Other places of interest around the city include the Tokugawa Art Museum, which houses clan treasures, and Atsuta Shrine. Further afield, consider visiting the historical quarter of Arimatsu, home to a traditional tie-dyeing industry that developed under Owari Tokugawa patronage.

Seki-juku, the 47th post town along the Tokaido road, flourished due to its location at the crossroads of several major routes including the road to Ise Shrine. With beautifully preserved Edo- and Meiji-period townhouses, today it stands as a remarkable time capsule of life on Japan’s roads. While you’re there, visit the town’s museums, take a craft workshop, and sample famous local sweets that have sustained travelers since the Edo period.

Ise Jingu is a vast, sprawling complex of some 125 shrines, with the two main halls (the Inner and Outer Shrines) located several kilometers apart from each other. It is customary to pay your respects to the Outer Shrine first.

The Inner Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, a prominent deity in Japanese mythology. It’s reached via an 800-meter cobblestone approach lined with traditional shops, some of which have stood for generations, offering souvenirs and local treats. About halfway along lies Okage Yokocho, a charming district that recreates the atmosphere of an Edo period town.

Elegance on the Rails
Make the journey back an experience by taking the premium limited express train that operates between Ise to Nagoya. The luxurious carriages ensure a memorable ride as you watch the countryside fly by through panoramic windows.