All Reviews of Okazaki Castle

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.

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.

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.

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.