Okazaki Castle looks super grand from the outside, and it photographs really well. If you’re into Tokugawa Ieyasu, this place will feel extra meaningful.
Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Okazaki Castle
The birthplace castle of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who rose to become Japan’s supreme ruler.
3.86
3
A castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542–1616), who founded the Edo shogunate, was born. In 2006, it was selected as one of the “Top 100 Castles in Japan.”
With many legends tied to dragons, it is also known as “Tatsugajo (Dragon Castle).” One legend says that when Takechiyo (later Ieyasu) was born, dark clouds swirled above the castle and a golden dragon appeared.
The reconstructed, three-tier, five-story castle keep, rebuilt in 1959, is a symbol of Okazaki City. Inside, there are many highlights, including areas where you can learn about Okazaki Castle’s features through castle models, and areas where you can experience what Okazaki’s castle town was like as a transportation hub that prospered thanks to the Tokaido route and river shipping, using dioramas and AR (augmented reality) technology. From the 5th floor, you can look out over the Yahagi River and the cityscape of Okazaki.
The area around Okazaki Castle has been developed as Okazaki Park, with plenty of must-see spots for history lovers, including the Mikawa Bushi no Yakata Ieyasu Museum, which introduces Ieyasu and the warriors who served him. It’s also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms and wisteria.
Highlights
-
The birthplace castle of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Edo shogunate.
-
Inside the reconstructed, three-tier, five-story castle keep are fun exhibits using the latest technology, including AR.
-
The area around the castle is maintained as “Okazaki Park,” with interesting spots scattered throughout for history fans.
-
Okazaki Park is also known as a cherry blossom spot and has been selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.”
Photos
-
The reconstructed, three-tier, five-story castle keep rebuilt in 1959
-
Okazaki Park, also selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” Enjoy the castle framed by cherry blossoms
-
The castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu, who built a peaceful era, was born.
-
A well said to be where water was drawn for Ieyasu’s first bath still remains
-
During the “Okazaki Sakura Festival,” the cherry blossoms are illuminated as well
-
Wisteria typically reaches its peak bloom around late April
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes, there are several spots where you can use it.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
Yes.
Q
Is re-entry (re-admission) allowed?
A
Okazaki Park is free to enter, but re-entry is not allowed for Okazaki Castle or the Mikawa Bushi no Yakata Ieyasu Museum.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
Yes, there is one spot inside the park.
Reviews
3
Some reviews are AI-translated.
-
-
The exhibits inside are pretty seriously done—not the kind of place you just breeze through. If you’re a history nerd, you can easily spend longer here than you’d expect.
-
Compared to Nagoya Castle, Okazaki Castle feels more like a cozy, neighborhood-style little castle. It’s not insanely crowded, so it’s really pleasant to walk around.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 岡崎城
- Postal Code
- 444-0052
- Address
- 561-1 Koseicho, Okazaki, Aichi
- Phone
- 0564-22-2122
- Closed on
- December 29–31
- Hours
- 9:00am–5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
- Admission
- 300 yen for middle school students and up, 150 yen for ages 5 and up
- Access
- 15 minutes on foot from “Higashi Okazaki” Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
Popular Articles