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the city Ieyasu loved
Shizuoka is the historic home of Tokugawa
Ieyasu(1542-1616), the renowned Shogun(generalissimo)who established
the Edo Bakufu feudal government.
The former site of Sumpu Castle, erected by Ieyasu in 1585 defore
establishing his regime, is located on the north side of Shizuoka
Station, retaining the flavor of the Edo period (1603-1867).
Shizuoka City developed as a castle town centered on this citadel,
and flourished along with Edo(current-day Tokyo), the capital
of Japan at that time, as a thriving hub of political, economic
and cultural activity.
A lush green park spreads out on the remains of Sumpu Castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1585. Ieyasu dwelled in this castle for four years prior to moving to Edo Castle, and then again for another 10 years after transferring the official powers of the office of Shogun to his son Hidetada. Today, a bronze statue of Ieyasu, with a falcon perched on his arm, stands at the remains of the castle keep.
| Access | 10-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station (1 km) |
|---|---|
| Tel. | 054-221-1121 |
| Admission | Free |
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Snippets
The old name for Shizuoka City. The provincial capital of Suruga-no-kuni (present-day Shizuoka Prefecture) was established here, with the area known as a post station on the Tokaido Highway from the Kamakura period (1192-1333). Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo Bakufu feudal government, built a castle here in 1585. The name Sumpu was changed to Shizuoka in 1869.
These structures, built on the grounds of Sumpu Castle constructed by Ieyasu in 1585, were intended to blunt attacks by invading forces during wartime. The gate and turret have been restored as extremely sturdy structures reminiscent of centuries past. Inside the turret, there is a reference library.
| Access | 10-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station (1 km) |
|---|---|
| Tel. | 054-251-0016 |
| Admission | ¥200 for adults; ¥50 for children |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m. |
| Closed | Mondays (Open if Monday is a national holiday), /New Year holiday season |
This shrine contains an extensive collection of items associated with the Tokugawa Shogunate, the powerful feudal family that ruled Japan for nearly 300 years during the Edo period. Included in the collection is a suit of armor worn by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first of the Tokugawa shoguns, at his coming-of-age ceremony. The existing structure was rebuilt over a 60-year period starting in 1804. Reservations are required to tour the inner shrine, which is famed for its exquisite sculptures. The entrance fee is ¥500 for junior high school students and older, and ¥300 for elementary school students.
Tel.054-245-1820
| Access | 8-minute bus ride from JR Shizuoka Station on the Abe Route bus (get off at the Akadorii stop) (2 km) |
|---|
An extensive collection of items associated with the Tokugawa Shogunate.
| Access | 8-minute bus ride from JR Shizuoka Station on the Abe Route bus (get off at the Akadorii stop) (2 km) |
|---|---|
| Tel. | 054-245-3500 |
| Admission | ¥200 for adults; free of charge for junior high school students and younger (for general exhibitions) |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m. |
| Closed | Mondays (the following day when Monday is a national holiday) |
Ieyasu lived here when he was a child. The main structure of this complex is designated as an important cultural treasure. It is normally not possible to view the main temple except during special admission periods in the spring and fall.
| Access | 15-minute bus ride from JR Shizuoka Station on the Ando-Junkan (2-minute walk from Rinzaiji-mae stop) (3 km) |
|---|---|
| Tel. | 054-245-2740 |
This museum has 180 works of Japanese-style painting and 370 pieces of brush writing by Ieyasu and Katsu Kaishu in storage and on exhibit.
| Access | A five-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station (0.5 km) |
|---|---|
| Tel. | 054-252-0111 |
| Admission | Exhibit from the Permanent Collection - ¥300 for adults, ¥100 for high school students and younger (Admission for special exhibits varies with each exhibit) |
| Hours | 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Depends on each exhibit) |
| Closed | Mondays (Open if Monday is a national holiday) |
This is an ideal photo spot where Yaji (left) and Kita (right), characters of “Tokaidochu Hiza-kuri-ge (Travels on Foot on the Tokaido),” written 200 years ago by Jippensha Ikku, are standing dressed to travel as appropriate for that period.
| Access | A 10-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station (1 km) |
|---|
A Helpful Guide for Making Wonderful Memories
Sightseeing Volunteer Guide
Guiding you to famous sites, historical places, culture and history with hospitality. Tours of your interest are available from one person. Please apply two weeks in advance.
*Since there are few English-speaking guides, there may
be times be when the tour of your choice is not available.

There will be no fees charged except for transportation which is ¥1,000.
For Inquiries and Application:
Sumpu Wave
●Tel:054-253-3616 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays)
This retro-style bus is built in the image of the Orient Express train that traverses Europe, and provides a convenient means to leisurely tour local sites of scenic and historical interest. The bus covers a loop of about 6 kilometers in 40 minutes. See the MAP

●Hours of operation:
(Weekdays) 10:00 a.m. ~ 4:20 p.m.
(Weekends, national holidays) 10:00 a.m. ~ 4:15 p.m.
●Fares: ¥100 for adults; ¥50 for children
●Inquiries:
[Shin-Shizuoka Bus Center] Tel: 054-252-0505
[Shizuoka Station Front Information Office] Tel: 054-253-8635

Circuit of the city; 40 minutes for one loop (about 6 km).