Introducing Hamamatsu Castle!

This is an informational video titled "One of Japan's Top 100 Castles｜Hamamatsu Castle｜Shizuoka Prefecture" (続日本100名城　浜松城　静岡県　Hamamatsu Castle), that introduces Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka Prefecture, which has been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Castles." It is published by "castle shrine."

A popular theory is that Hamamatsu Castle, in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, was built around the 15th century by Sadasuke Imagawa as a Hikuma Castle.
Later on, Tokugawa Ieyasu entered the castle and it became a point of interest among historians.
In this article, we'll explore the history of Hamamatsu Castle and look at some of its highlights!

What Kind of Castle Is Hamamatsu Castle?

Photo：Hamamatsu Castle

Hamamatsu Castle is also called "Shusse castle" due to many of the successive lords becoming executive officers of the Edo Shogunate one after another. (出世, or Shusse, roughly means "Success in life" in Japanese, making the rough translation "Castle of Success").

In 1570, Tokugawa Ieyasu entered the castle to prepare for the invasion of Takeda Shingen, and renamed the castle Hamamatsu Castle.
After the Battle of Mikatagahara and the Battle of Sekigahara, the castle became the residence of the feudal lords of the Tokugawa family of the Edo shogunate, and the castle was passed down to the twenty-two generations of the nine families.

What to Do at Hamamatsu Castle!

Photo：Tenshu-mon Gate, Hamamatsu Castle

The area around the castle tower at Hamamatsu Castle is independent from the main castle tower and is called "Tenshu Guruwa."
On the east side is the castle gate, which can be seen at 1:37 in the video.
Hamamatsu Castle was originally an earthen castle without stone walls or tiled buildings.
Another feature of Hamamatsu Castle is that the castle is built on a pile of natural, unprocessed stones.
Be sure to climb the castle tower and enjoy the view of Hamamatsu city as well.

Inside the castle tower, which you can see at 2:50 in the video, you can see treasures such as armor and firearms.
You can also receive the castle seal and red seal, and see a realistic statue of Ieyasu.

Sightseeing Around Hamamatsu Castle

Photo：Hamamatsu Castle Park

The area around Hamamatsu Castle is Hamamatsu Castle Park. It is a place of relaxation for citizens and tourists alike.
In a corner of Hamamatsu Castle Park, there's a full-scale tea house called Shointei.
You can also enjoy stamp rallies and other events at Hamamatsu Castle.

It is also known as a famous spot for Someiyoshino cherry blossoms, and many people come to view the cherry blossoms when they are in bloom.
On weekends and holidays, you can see the popular character, "Ieyasu-kun," in the vicinity of the park, so be sure to keep an eye out for him!

Summary of Hamamatsu Castle

Photo：Hamamatsu Castle

The video introduces the historic Hamamatsu Castle in detail, so be sure to watch it if you haven't yet.
In Hamamatsu Castle Park, you'll find lunch spots and cafes such as Starbucks and there are also shops where you can buy souvenirs.
At 4:27 in the video, you can see a statue of the brave Tokugawa Ieyasu in Hamamatsu Castle Park. Be sure to give it a visit!

◆Introduction to Hamamatsu Castle facilities◆
【Address】100-2 Motoshiro-cho, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
【Access】An 8 minute walk from Enshu Railway Enshubyouin-mae Station
【Entrance fee】200 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger
【Hours】8:30-16:30
【Parking】Available (free)
【Telephone No】053-453-3872

【Official Website】A castle for the sake of 300 years in Tokugawa. Hamamatsu Castle-Hamamatsu Tourism Navigation
https://www.entetsuassist-dms.com/hamamatsu-jyo/en/

【Tripadvisor】Hamamatsu Castle
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303148-d1313765-Reviews-Hamamatsu_Castle-Hamamatsu_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html