Hamamatsu Castle - Shizuoka, Japan
Hamamatsu Castle is one of those places I wish I had explored a bit more. I arrived after the castle had already closed, which meant I wasn’t able to go inside, but I was still able to learn about its history through the signage around the grounds.
The castle is located not far from Hamamatsu Station and sits within the larger Hamamatsu Castle Park. Originally known as Hikuma Castle, it was later expanded, rebuilt, and renamed when it became the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He lived here for 17 years before going on to unite Japan following the Battle of Sekigahara and later moving the capital to Edo.
I walked through the castle park, where there are statues of Tokugawa Ieyasu, remnants of old castle wells, and other surviving features that hint at the site’s past. The pathways winding through the park offered great views of the castle itself, framed by greenery and open space.
From what I learned, the interior of the castle has been converted into a museum displaying samurai armour, swords, and other historical artefacts related to the Tokugawa era. While walking the grounds gave me a good sense of the castle’s importance, it definitely felt like I had missed out on a significant part of the experience by not being able to go inside.
After making my way around the park, I walked back toward Hamamatsu Station. Although I did visit the castle grounds, leaving without seeing the interior left the visit feeling slightly incomplete. With plans to move on to another area, this will have to wait until my next trip back to Hamamatsu.
History & Background
Hamamatsu Castle (浜松城) has a strong historical connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most influential figures in Japanese history. Originally built as Hikuma Castle during the Sengoku period, it gained prominence when Ieyasu took residence there in 1570. During his time at the castle, he consolidated power in the region, laying the groundwork for his eventual victory at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600.
The castle later became known as Hamamatsu Castle and earned the nickname “Castle of Success,” as several of its former lords went on to hold prominent positions within the Tokugawa shogunate. While the original structures no longer survive, the current keep is a reconstruction that serves as a historical museum, preserving the legacy of the Tokugawa clan and the castle’s role in Japan’s unification.
Getting There
Hamamatsu Castle is located in central Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. From Hamamatsu Station, the castle is approximately a 15–20 minute walk. Alternatively, local buses departing from the station stop near Hamamatsu Castle Park, with a short walk from the bus stop to the castle grounds.
Route Overview
Distance: 2.21 km (Hamamatsu Castle Park → Hamamatsu Station)
Total elevation gain: 8 m
Duration: 30 min (with breaks 35 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Food: ¥896
