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Okazaki Castle

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Okazaki Castle

The birthplace castle of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who rose to become Japan’s supreme ruler.

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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

    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

    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.

    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

    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

    During the “Okazaki Sakura Festival,” the cherry blossoms are illuminated as well

  • Wisteria typically reaches its peak bloom around late April

    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

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • hdwf2002
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    Located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, it can be reached in about 30 minutes from Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Although it may not be a top priority when visiting Nagoya, Okazaki City is historically significant as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, and Okazaki Castle itself has important historical value. It is about a 15-minute walk from Higashi Okazaki Station. Along the way, you will pass Sugo Shrine, Okazaki Park, and Ryujin Shrine, while Okazaki Castle is located inside Okazaki Park. Although the grounds are not very large, you can see the castle keep from Tonobashi Bridge over the Oto River. Okazaki Castle has 3 stories and 5 floors, and from the top you can look out over the Higashi Okazaki area. There aren't many visitors inside, so you can take your time exploring. After visiting Okazaki Castle, you can return to the area near the station for some food and finish up this half-day trip. If you visit Nagoya, remember that you can also stop by this historic site just 30 minutes away.

  • wendy
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    Okazaki Castle, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan, is a historical attraction well worth visiting when in Okazaki. From Nagoya, it takes just over 30 minutes by limited express train to reach Higashi Okazaki Station, followed by a little over a 10-minute walk to the castle, making it quite convenient to get to.

    There are many shrines, temples, and historic sites around Okazaki Castle, and the entire area is very well maintained. Besides going up to the castle keep and taking in views of Okazaki from the top, I also visited the Ieyasu Museum, which has a very comprehensive collection of historical information. Anyone interested in Japan's Sengoku period will probably really enjoy it.

    There really aren't many visitors here, and it's especially peaceful on weekdays. Taking a leisurely walk through Okazaki Park is very pleasant.

  • Kelvin Lee
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    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.

  • 梅美
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    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.

  • 福福
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    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)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa