Okazaki Castle is the birthplace of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Edo Shogunate.

From the age of eight, Ieyasu Tokugawa spent his childhood being sent to another country as a hostage. However, Ieyasu, who excelled in his skills, returned to his own country at the age of 19, conquered all of Mikawa, and set out to unify the country with Okazaki Castle as his base.

Okazaki Castle is said to have started in 1452 when it was built by Saigo Yoritsugu as a fortress on Mount Ryuzu. In 1531, it was moved to its current location by Ieyasu's grandfather, Kiyoyasu Matsudaira, and was called Okazaki Castle.

It is also called "Dragon Castle" because it was originally located on Mt. Yongdu. As the castle is related to Ieyasu Tokugawa, you can see the statue of Ieyasu Tokugawa and the memorial monument of Lord Tosho.

This area has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots, and is known to be crowded with many tourists during the cherry blossom season.

■ Basic information
Name: Okazaki Castle
Address: 561 Kouseicho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture
Nearest station: Nagoya Railway Higashi-Okazaki Station (15 minutes on foot)
Business hours: 9:00-17:00
Price: 300 yen for adults (150 yen for children)
No regular holiday
Parking lot: Parking available at the facility (charged)

*Please check the website for detailed information.