Okazaki Castle

by Japan Guide

Okazaki Castle was built between 1455 and 1542 by a warrior named Saigo Tsugiyori. At the end of the Edo period, Okazaki Castle was the seat of the Honda clan, daimyo of the Okazaki domain; however, Okazaki Castle is famous as the castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tokugawa clan) was born.

Rebuilt in 1959 to support local tourism, Okazaki Castle is located within Okazaki Park, and signs are available in English and Portuguese. The park is dominated by the white walls of the old castle and the keep. In 2006, the castle was on the list of one hundred notable Japanese castles.

The castle has become a historical museum that divides the theme by floor; the second floor shows “dominion and control,” the third floor displays the “cultural and industrial city” exhibits, and the fourth floor provides information about the castle.

The reinforced concrete structure has three roofs and five interior floors, and features exhibits of artifacts from the original castle, Japanese swords, armor, and diagrams depicting local history.

On the fifth floor is an observation room from which you can see the surrounding Yahagigawa and Sugogawa rivers, and the mountains to the north and the city of Okazaki to the east, a glorious 360-degree panorama, from which you can see the Taika-dera temple where Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have prayed.

Entrance to the Castle: adults 200 yen / children 100 yen.
Parking: 100 yen every 30 minutes.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (however, entry is until 4:30 PM)
Closed: New Year’s Eve (December 29th to December 31st)
Note: Taking photos inside the Castle is prohibited.

Sakura – Cherry Blossom (March~April)

Festival: Cherry Blossom.
Period: Late March to mid-April.
Attraction: 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees.
Lighting: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Food and drink stalls: Available.
Admission Free

Samurai Ieyasu Festival (First Sunday of April)

Event: Samurai Ieyasu Parade / Sakura of Okazaki Park.
Date: Always on the first Sunday in April.
Time: From 1:30 p.m.
Attractions: Parade of the Emperor’s great battles, with samurai, warriors and knights in Edo period costumes.

Gomangoku Wisteria Flower Festival (Mid April~Early May)

Date: Annually from mid-April to early May (may vary slightly depending on weather conditions).
Wisteria Blossom Hours: 10:00 to 21:00.
Illumination Hours: 18:00 to 21:00.
Food and Drink Stalls: Available from 10:00 to 17:00.
Admission: Free.

Autumn Leaves (November)