Photo By: ©HVCB/©JNTO
Region
Chubu
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Shizuoka
Population
3,767,427

Hamamatsu Castle

Check out Shizuoka's "Castle of Success."

Hamamatsu Castle is a small but picturesque reconstructed castle in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka Prefecture. Once home to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became the first shogun of the Edo period, it now houses a museum and observation deck. In the spring, it’s one of the most popular spots in the city for cherry blossom viewing.

Photo by: Plattard Hamamatsu Castle in spring.

Originally called Hikuma Castle, Hamamatsu Castle was renovated, expanded and renamed by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the 17 years he spent living there. The castle was home to many other influential figures after Ieyasu, earning it the name “The Castle of Success.”

Although the castle was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration, the existing castle tower was rebuilt in 1958. Inside are several exhibits and items on display from the Tokugawa period – including armor, swords and other relics – which are sure to appeal to those with an interest in Japanese history. There’s also a model reconstructing what Hamamatsu city might have looked like at that time.

Photo by: ©JNTO A success!

For a great 360-degree of what the city looks like now, head up to the observation deck on the top floor. If the weather is clear, you’ll even be able to spot the iconic peak of Mount Fuji on the horizon.

The grounds around the castle are as much of an attraction as the building itself, with a Japanese garden, a teahouse and a large lawn area sometimes used to host live events. The castle park is also home to hundreds of cherry trees, and is particularly beautiful in the spring when the blossoms are in bloom.

Things To Know

Hours and details

The castle is open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. every day. Entry is ¥200 for adults, and free for children under 15. If you speak Japanese, volunteer guides can give you a free tour of the castle and tell you more about the exhibits.

How To Get There

Address

100-2 Motoshirochō, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka-ken 430-0946, Japan

By train

The nearest station is JR Hamamatsu station, the city’s main station. By Shinkansen it’s about 25 minutes from Shizuoka, 30-45 minutes from Nagoya and 88-115 minutes from Tokyo.

By bus

Take any bus from Stand 1 at the bus terminal next to the station, and get off at the “Shiyakusho minami” bus stop. The journey takes about 5 minutes.

By car

The castle is about a 10-minute drive from JR Hamamatsu station. Free parking is available.

By foot

The castle is about a 20-minute walk from JR Hamamatsu station.

Where To Stay

Hotel Act Garden Hamamatsu
  • 314-47 Renjakucho, Hamamatsu-Shi Chu-Ku, Shizuoka, 430-0939 Japan
  • From ¥6000
  • 0.5 km
Spa Solani
  • 100-1 Kajimachi, Hamamatsu-Shi Chu-Ku, Shizuoka, 430-0933 Japan
  • From ¥3000
  • 0.9 km
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hamamatsu
  • 9-1 Asahicho, Hamamatsu-Shi Chu-Ku, Shizuoka, 430-0927 Japan
  • From ¥6900
  • 1.0 km
Hotel Crown Palais Hamamatsu
  • 110-17 Hoteru Kuraunparesuhamamatsu, Hamamatsu-Shi Chu-Ku, Shizuoka, 430-8511 Japan
  • From ¥5672
  • 1.1 km
Hotel Livemax Budget Hamamatsu Station
  • 1-2 Kajimachi, Hamamatsu-Shi Chu-Ku, Shizuoka, 430-0933 Japan
  • From ¥5000
  • 1.2 km

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