Sunpu Castle Park (駿府城公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A park that spreads over the site of Sunpu Castle, where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his final years as retired shogun. Inside the restored Higashi-gomon Gate, Tatsu Turret, and Konki Turret, you can learn about Sunpu Castle's history and the castle-building techniques of the time through models and materials. The park also features a bronze statue of Ieyasu and a mikan (mandarin orange) tree said to have been planted by Ieyasu himself—walking through with history-loving children while saying "Ieyasu was here" is truly exciting. The spacious park surrounded by moats and stone walls is perfect for strolling, and the Japanese garden landscape of Kouyouzan Garden is also recommended.

Tips

The park itself is free to enter, and the Higashi-gomon Gate, Tatsu Turret, Konki Turret, and Kouyouzan Garden charge admission (discounted combination tickets available). The park is flat and easy to navigate with a stroller, though the turrets have stairs inside. Early morning hours have fewer visitors, and photos of the turrets across the moat are particularly beautiful.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1.5 hours. The 9 a.m. hour tends to be quiet, making turret viewing smooth

Access & map

1-1 Sunpu Castle Park, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture 420-0855