The central park of Hamamatsu City
Hamamatsu Castle Park
Despite its location in center of the city of Hamamatsu, Hamamatsu Castle Park is an oasis of greenery.
In addition to Hamamatsu Castle, where Ieyasu Tokugawa spent 17 years in the prime of his life, the park offers Japanese gardens, a central lawn area, and more so residents can come to relax throughout the year.
Outline and History
Hamamatsu Castle Park opened in 1950. In 1972, it was redeveloped to commemorate Emperor Showa’s golden jubilee with the addition of promenade-style Japanese gardens that live up to the views of Hamamatsu Castle, Sakuza Forest, and more to become the park we see today.
Hamamatsu’s top spot for cherry blossoms
From late March to early April, approximately 360 cherry blossom trees bloom. They are primarily Somei Yoshino trees, but other variants such as Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossom) and Yamazakura (wild cherry blossom) can also be seen. The impressive sights make this one of the best places to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Hamamatsu and draws crowds of people.
During the Cherry Blossom Festival, lights illuminate Hamamatsu Castle and the cherry blossoms until 9 p.m.
The central lawn
This large, expansive lawn (approx. 7,000 ㎡) offers views of Hamamatsu Castle. It is a perfect place to enjoy the playground equipment with children, take a walk around the park, and more. Events are sometimes held in the park as well.
Guide to the Park’s Surroundings
Hamamatsu Municipal Museum of Art
The Hamamatsu Municipal Museum of Art is adjacent to the verdant Hamamatsu Castle Park.It opened in 1971 to commemorate the city’s 60th anniversary. The museum offers glass paintings and Ukiyo-e prints enjoyed by many art lovers as well as an active exhibit program.
View moreHamamatsu Motoshiro-cho Toshogu
Built on the site of Hikuma Castle, the predecessor of Hamamatsu Castle, this shrine is dedicated to Ieyasu Tokugawa, Okuninushi-no-mikoto, the deity of Izumo (also known as Daikokuten), and Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto, son of Okuninushi-no-mikoto (also known as Ebisu).
Said to have been visited by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, it is also known as Shusse Jinja (“Success Shrine”).
Hamamatsu Motoshiro-cho Toshogu has ties to Ieyasu and Hideyoshi, two of the men who rose to rule Japan, and enshrines two gods of fortune. To those in the know, it is a place of strong energy and luck.
Tsubakihime Kannon
A small hall enshrining Tsubakihime Kannon, located in a residential area of Motohama-cho in Naka-ku.
It is dedicated to a heroic woman who died fighting Ieyasu’s forces at Hikuma Castle, the predecessor of Hamamatsu Castle. This Kannon (goddess of mercy) is said to answer prayers for prosperity in business and for the birth of a first child.
Shointei
An authentic teahouse in a corner of the relaxing greenery of Hamamatsu Castle Park.
Standing among the trees on the slopes of Kamei Hill with the sounds of trickling streams through rocks and small waterfalls, the location embodies the ideal view of nature expressed by the Chinese philosopher Hong Yingming.