Okazaki Castle
Birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate. The compact three-tiered castle sits within Okazaki Park, renowned for its 800-metre tunnel of cherry trees lining the Oto River. The castle museum narrates the rise of the Tokugawa clan.
1–1.5 hours
¥300 (adults), ¥150 (age 5+)
9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); park always open
March–April
15 min walk from Higashi-Okazaki Station (Meitetsu Line)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Tokugawa Ieyasu was born in this castle in 1543 — the spot that launched Japan's 265-year shogunate
- 2
The riverside cherry blossom tunnel in April is ranked among the best in the country
- 3
Connected to Iga Ueno by the "Ninja Road" — Ieyasu escaped Iga-no-sato disguised as a monk
Local Tips
Tokugawa Ieyasu's birthplace — the castle displays the founder of the Edo shogunate's life and legacy in detail. The cherry blossom season (late March–early April) with 800 trees lining the castle moat is one of the finest in the Tokai region. Combine with the Iga Ninja Museum (1.5 hours by car) for a full feudal Japan day.
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