HOME > HOT SPOTS > Shizuoka City

SHIZUOKA PHOTOIMAGES

Shizuoka City Center

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.

Shizuoka City

Shizuoka City PDF

Sumpu Park
It expands Sumpu Park

Sumpu Park

駿府公園

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
Sumpu Part Map

Snippets

Information on Sumpu

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.

Higashi-Gomon Gate (East Gate)
It expands Higashi-Gomon Gate (East Gate)

Tatsumi Yagura (Turret)
It expands Tatsumi Yagura (Turret)

Higashi Gomon Gate (East Gate)/Tatsumi Yagura (Turret)

東御門/巽櫓

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

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
It expands Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

静岡浅間神社

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)
City Cultural Assets Museum

静岡市文化財資料館

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)

Rinzai Temple
It expands Rinzai Temple

Rinzai Temple

臨済寺

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

Sumpu Museum
It expands Sumpu Museum

Sumpu Museum

駿府博物館

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)

Shizuhata-yama Park
It expands Shizuhata-yama Park

Shizuhata-yama Park

賤機山公園

A famous spot for viewing cherry blossoms. You can see the entire Shizuoka City area from here.

Access Ride the Abe-sen bus from JR Shizuoka Station for eight minutes and get off at the Akadorii bus stop. (2 km)

Aoba Symbol Road
It expands Aoba Symbol Road

Aoba Symbol Road

青葉シンボルロード

This is a restful park that stretches about 500 meters from Shizuoka City Hall to Tokiwa Park. The illuminations from December through February are a must-see.

Access A 10-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station (1 km)

Bronze Statue of Yaji-Kita
It expands Bronze Statue of Yaji-Kita

Bronze Statue of Yaji-Kita

弥次喜多銅像

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)

Sumpu Wave

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)

Sumpu Roman Bus

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).