Hamamatsu Castle

Hamamatsu Castle is best known as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, during his formative years. From 1570, he spent 17 years here, turning the stronghold into his headquarters while preparing for his unification of Japan. Because many of the castle’s later lords went on to hold senior posts in the shogunate in the Edo period, it earned the nickname “the Castle of Advancement.”
Although the original structures were lost in the Meiji era, the main castle keep was rebuilt in 1958 on the original stone foundations. Today, the tower contains displays of armor, weapons, and artifacts connected to the castle and Hamamatsu’s history. If you climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with views over the modern city.
The castle grounds are part of Hamamatsu Castle Park, a spacious green space in the city center. On the grounds you’ll find a traditional Japanese garden with a pond and waterfall, wide lawns for picnics and seasonal events, and an athletic playground for children. You can also participate in a tea ceremony experience at Shoin-tei teahouse within the park.