Park • 1-1 Sunpujōkōen, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0855, Japan
Located in the center of Shizuoka City, Sunpu Castle Park is a historical site where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his later years. Ieyasu, who established the Edo Shogunate, spent his final days here. The area remains beloved by locals as a peaceful place, preserving the vestiges of the past.
Upon entering the park, the grand stone walls immediately catch the eye. These walls, surrounded by a double moat, tell a story of over 400 years of history. Particularly, the scale of the outer moat is awe-inspiring, conveying the castle's dignity to this day.
Inside the park are the restored East Gate and Tatsumi Turret. For an entrance fee of 200 yen, visitors can glimpse the castle's structure and lifestyle at the time. The exhibits inside the Tatsumi Turret are especially suited for those interested in learning more about Sunpu Castle's history.
In the park, there is a restored display of Takechiyo's study room, where the young Ieyasu (Takechiyo) supposedly studied. Visitors can also see the orange trees said to be planted by Ieyasu himself, making it a spot where history feels close.
The charm of Sunpu Castle Park isn't limited to its history. The park features a beautiful Japanese garden with four different gardens, each showcasing a unique expression of the seasons. Notably, Momijiyama Garden has a tea room and offers an experience of Japan's traditional culture.
Currently, an excavation investigation is underway for the castle keep base in the park. This project is a critical effort to further unveil Sunpu Castle's history, offering visitors a chance to experience the excitement of archeology firsthand.
Sunpu Castle Park is a 15-minute walk from Shizuoka Station, making it very accessible. The area is abundant with tourist spots such as Shizuoka Sengen Shrine and Aoba Oden Street, providing a full day of enjoyment.
Sunpu Castle Park continues to captivate visitors as a city park harmonized with beautiful nature, tracing Tokugawa Ieyasu's footsteps. It is an ideal place not only for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful time. When visiting Shizuoka, be sure to experience this special space woven with history and nature.