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A lush city park set on the revamped site of historic residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo Shogunate.
Tokugawa Ieyasu is the legend known for establishing the Edo Shogunate who’s also known locally here for building a castle in 1585 where he spent his retirement years after stepping down as Shogun. Located in the heart of Shizuoka City, the park is surrounded by a double moat and stone walls and is a popular tourist destination.
Make your way to the park to find restored gems like the East Gate, Tatsumi Tower, and Hitsujisaru Tower of Sumpu Castle, each of which can be toured for a fee. The East Gate, restored in 1996, and the Tatsumi Tower, restored in 1989 and unique for its L-shaped plan in Japan, now serve as museums. At the Hitsujisaru Tower visitors will find the floor and ceiling boards have been removed between the 1st and 3rd floors, allowing a rare glimpse into the fascinating traditional construction methods used in its restoration.
The park is also home to remarkable statues that depict the later years of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a famed spot that doubles as a destination for gorgeous cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Other highlights include Momijiyama Garden, known for its seasonal flowers, and Fujimi Mountain Plaza, where Mt. Fuji can be viewed on clear days.
Statues depicting the later years of Tokugawa Ieyasu await inside.
View of Mt. Fuji from Fujimi Mountain Plaza on clear days.
Momijiyama Garden is a famous spot for autumn leaves.
Inside the Hitsujisaru Tower, a tour of the interior is possible.
The interior of the East Gate and Tatsumi Tower can also be toured.
Scattered benches throughout the park make it a pleasant place for a stroll or rest.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Yes, pamphlets are available in English. Shizuoka City also provides multi-language pamphlets in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Available at paid facilities (East Gate, Hitsujisaru Tower).
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Q
Are there restrooms available?
Yes, there are.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Re-entry is not permitted at paid facilities.
Q
The hours are listed as 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; does this mean the park is closed outside these hours?
The listed hours apply only to the paid facilities. The park itself is open 24 hours a day.
Q
Can I bring pets?
Pets are not allowed in paid facilities, but dogs on leashes are permitted elsewhere in the park.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
When visiting Shizuoka, don't miss Sumpu Castle Park, where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in his later years! The former castle grounds have now been transformed into a lush city park, offering both a sense of history and a relaxing atmosphere.
Inside the park, you can see reconstructed historic buildings such as the Higashi Gomon Gate and Tatsumi Yagura Turret. Walking around at a leisurely pace feels like traveling back to the Edo period. The scenery is charming in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall, and it's also a pleasant place for a casual stroll anytime.
It's within walking distance of Shizuoka Station, so it's very convenient to get to. If you want to experience Japanese history while enjoying a relaxing walk in Shizuoka, this place is well worth adding to your itinerary.
When visiting Shizuoka, you can't miss Sumpu Castle Park! This is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, lived in his later years. Although the castle no longer stands and the former Sumpu Castle was destroyed by fire long ago, what remains is a lush public park.
The park has a bronze statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu and a mandarin orange tree said to have been planted by Ieyasu himself. Walking along the tree-lined paths, it's hard to imagine that this was once the center of power.
The weather was also great that day, and everything looked good in photos with the sunlight. Although we didn't get to see the most spectacular flower season, we unexpectedly enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the old castle grounds.
