What is Okazaki Castle?
Okazaki Castle (Okazaki-jō) is a castle located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, known as the birthplace of the Sengoku-period hero Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Built in 1455, it is an important sightseeing spot where you can experience the historical trail of Ieyasu, who later laid the foundations of the Edo Shogunate.
The appeal of Okazaki Castle lies in its location surrounded by beautiful nature and its museum-like exhibits where you can learn about history.
It is also famous as a cherry-blossom viewing spot in spring, and especially during the hanami season it attracts many visitors.
How to get there
Okazaki Castle is located in the center of Aichi Prefecture and is easy to access by various means of transportation.
By public transport
- Using Meitetsu trains
- Get off at Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line’s “Higashi-Okazaki Station” and walk about 15 minutes.
- Using the JR Tōkaidō Main Line
- From JR “Okazaki Station,” take a bus for about 10 minutes. Get off at the “Okazaki Park-mae” stop and walk 3 minutes to the castle.
By car
About 10 minutes from the Tomei Expressway “Okazaki IC.”
There are parking lots around the castle, so access by car is convenient.
Highlights of Okazaki Castle
1. The keep (tenshukaku)
The castle keep at Okazaki Castle is a reconstruction, but the interior is open to the public as a museum.
It features extensive exhibits where you can learn about Tokugawa Ieyasu’s life and the history of the Sengoku period—an unmissable spot for history enthusiasts.
2. Tokugawa Ieyasu’s birth-bath well (Tōshō-kō’s birth-bath well)
Within the castle grounds remains the well associated with Ieyasu’s birth, known as the “Tōshō-kō birth-bath well.”
It is a special place where you can feel the weight of history.
3. Okazaki Park
Okazaki Park surrounds the castle and offers seasonal natural beauty year-round.
In spring the cherry trees are in full bloom, and there is also night illumination of the blossoms.
4. Ryujō Shrine
Ryujō Shrine, located on the castle grounds, has long been cherished by local residents.
While offering prayers you can also sense the history along with the castle.
5. Hatcho miso breweries
Okazaki is also famous as a production area for Hatcho miso.
Alongside castle sightseeing, you can visit miso breweries and enjoy dishes made with miso.
Nearby attractions
1. Iga Hachiman Shrine
Iga Hachiman Shrine, about a 10-minute walk from Okazaki Castle, is a shrine with deep ties to the Tokugawa family.
Its beautiful grounds and historic architecture are very appealing.
2. Hatcho Miso Village
About a 15-minute drive away, “Hatcho Miso Village” lets you learn about miso production and enjoy tastings.
Practical information for travelers
Recommended times to visit
Visiting in the morning can help you avoid crowds.
Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are especially beautiful and recommended.
Admission fees
- Adult: ¥300
- Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥150
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (to explore the park and castle grounds)
- Camera (to photograph the cherry blossoms and the keep)
- Small change (for shrine offerings and souvenir purchases)
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Okazaki Castle is a place where you can both learn about Tokugawa Ieyasu’s history and enjoy beautiful natural surroundings.
Experience Japan’s history at a site linked to Ieyasu while savoring seasonal scenery.
The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are particularly worth seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to tour Okazaki Castle?
A: Allow about 2–3 hours to tour the castle interior and stroll through Okazaki Park.
Q: When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
A: The best time is usually from late March to early April each year. Night illumination of the cherry blossoms is also recommended.
Q: Is Okazaki Castle suitable for families with children?
A: Yes. The historical exhibits are educational, and the spacious park is ideal for children to enjoy.
Enjoy a special time at Okazaki Castle, where history and nature come together!
