Although the castle was destroyed by a major fire long ago, the reconstructed turret museums are well worth a visit. Visitors can relax in the Japanese garden while enjoying Shizuoka tea.
Throughout the year, the park hosts various events and serves as a favorite gathering place for locals. It is also famous as one of Shizuoka’s best cherry blossom spots.
The residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who brought an end to the Sengoku period and established the Edo shogunate as Seii Taishogun. Sumpu Castle was originally built in 1585 and underwent major renovations in 1607. Today, many remains can still be seen at the Sumpu Castle site.
After passing the title of shogun to his son Hidetada in 1605, Ieyasu returned to Sumpu the following year and made it the center of his retired rule, known as the “Ogosho government.” He then began developing the town layout and flood control systems of Sumpu, creating the foundation of today’s central Shizuoka City.
Sumpu Castle Park Guide Map
Higashi Gomon (Gate）／Tatusmi Yagura (Turret)・Hitsujisaru Tagura (Turret) 東御門 巽櫓・坤櫓
The East Gate was reconstructed in 1996 using traditional Japanese building methods and is now open as a museum. The nearby Tatsumi Yagura Turret, rebuilt in 1989, and was once an important defensive structure of Sumpu Castle.
Inside, you can see archaeological finds from the park and a recreated study room of Tokugawa Ieyasu!
The Hitsujisaru Yagura Turret was faithfully reconstructed in 2014 based on historical records, using traditional Japanese wooden construction techniques. Timber from trees more than 100 years old was used, and the foundations, pillars, and beams are joined with traditional woodworking methods without metal fittings.
Architecture enthusiasts should not miss it!
Momijiyama Garden 紅葉山庭園
From the entrance, the garden is divided into four themed areas: the Village Garden, Sea Garden, Mountain Village Garden, and Mountain Garden. Visitors can relax while enjoying seasonal plants and scenery. There is also a tea house where you can enjoy Shizuoka green tea or matcha with traditional Japanese sweets.
The green hill covered with spring satsuki azaleas in the photo on the left is designed to represent Mount Fuji!
Oden-ya Obachan おでんや おばちゃん
Why not try Shizuoka Oden, a local specialty unique to Shizuoka City? Enjoy fish cakes, daikon radish, eggs, beef, and other local ingredients slowly simmered in flavorful broth.
The ingredients are full of rich, savory flavor, and the retro-style building is so charming too!
Open Hours
- Opening Hours: Turret Museums/Momijiyama garden 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM(The last admission is at 4:00 p.m.) *Sumpu Castle Park itself is open at all times.
- Admission: Combined Ticket for All Sumpu Castle Park Facilities (East Gate & Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Hitsujisaru Yagura Turret, and Momijiyama Garden) ¥360 *Individual admission tickets for each facility are also available. *Admission fees can be paid by cashless payment methods. For details, please refer to the Shizuoka City Hall website: Cashless Payment.
- Closed on Mondays. Open on Mondays that fall on public holidays, with no substitute closure. Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 3).
- Accessible Multipurpose Restroom with Handrails
How to Get There
There are two ways to reach Sumpu Castle Park by public transportation.
<Shizutesu train> From Shin-Shimizu Station, take the Shizuoka Railway to Shin-Shizuoka Station (the last stop), about 20 minutes, then walk for 5 minutes.
One-way fare: ¥300 *You can tap your credit card or IC card at the ticket gate.
＜JR train> From Shimizu Station, take the JR train to Shizuoka Station, about 10 minutes, then walk for 15 minutes.
One-way fare: ¥240 *You can buy a ticket with cash from the ticket machine, or use a transportation IC card.
Cruise ship passengers can easily reach either Shin-Shimizu Station or Shimizu Station if a shuttle bus from Shimizu Port is available.
