Hamamatsu castle: Tokugawa Ieyasu’s first castle residence
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Hamamatsu Castle is the fortress where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent 17 years, from the age of 29 to 45. It is also known as the “Castle of Success,” as those who resided there after Ieyasu often went on to hold significant positions within the shogunate.
Hamamatsu Castle, originally known as Hikuma Castle, has a rich history dating back to the Sengoku period. In 1570, Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s most influential historical figures, moved his base to this castle and expanded it significantly. He renamed it Hamamatsu Castle and used it as his headquarters for 17 years, during which he laid the foundation for his eventual unification of Japan.
The castle played a strategic role in several battles, including the famous Battle of Mikatagahara. After Ieyasu moved to Sunpu Castle in 1586, Hamamatsu Castle became home to various lords, many of whom later rose to prominent positions in the Tokugawa shogunate. This legacy earned it the nickname “Castle of Success.”
Although much of the original structure was lost over time, the castle was reconstructed in 1958 and now serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and offering insights into its historical significance. The stone walls, built using the Nozura-zumi technique, remain a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the era.
Getting to Know Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu was a prominent Japanese leader and the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years during the Edo Period. Born in 1543 during a time of constant warfare, he overcame numerous challenges in his early life, including being sent as a political hostage.
Ieyasu skillfully formed alliances with powerful leaders like Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, which helped him rise to power. His decisive victory at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 allowed him to unify Japan and establish the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. As shogun, he implemented policies to ensure long-lasting peace and stability, such as regulating the daimyo and limiting foreign influence.
Let’s Try Omikuji: Discovering Your Fortune
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Are you feeling lucky? When visiting a Japanese shrine or temple, you’ll often find a small, intriguing ritual that promises to reveal your fortune—Omikuji. Whether it’s a hope for good luck, guidance for the future, or just the thrill of a little mystery, drawing an omikuji is an experience that adds excitement and meaning to your visit.
What is Omikuji?
Omikuji (おみくじ) are paper fortunes that you draw randomly at shrines or temples. Each slip of paper reveals a prediction for various aspects of your life, such as love, health, career, and travel. The fortunes range from excellent to poor, and each carries a unique message to interpret.
Understanding the Fortunes
Here’s a brief overview of the common fortune categories in omikuji:
Daikichi (大吉 – Great Blessing) This is the best fortune you can receive! It promises excellent luck in all areas of life—success in endeavors, great relationships, and overall happiness. It’s a sign that good things are on the horizon.
Kichi (吉 – Good Luck) A very positive fortune, though not as grand as Daikichi. It suggests that good fortune will come, but perhaps with a little effort or patience on your part.
Chuukichi (中吉 – Middle Blessing) This is moderate good luck. It suggests that things are looking positive, but you might need to stay focused to fully achieve your goals.
Shoukichi (小吉 – Small Blessing) A smaller dose of luck. It’s a gentle reminder to appreciate the little things and stay optimistic.
Kyou (凶 – Bad Luck) A less favorable fortune, but don’t worry! Kyou often includes advice on how to overcome challenges, making it a great opportunity for reflection and self-improvement.
How to draw omikuji
Turn the wooden box upside down to shake out a stick. Look at the number written on the stick, and find the fortune slip with the matching number from the box. That’s your omikuji!
Here is the fortune slip that came out.
Stone walls：Nozura-zumi
The nozura-zumi technique, also known as unhewn stone masonry, is a traditional Japanese method used for building stone walls. In this method, natural stones are stacked without being shaped or cut, preserving their original, irregular forms. The gaps between the stones contribute to both its unique appearance and structural strength.
This technique is featured in the stone walls of Hamamatsu Castle, showcasing the advanced construction methods of the era. The irregular gaps make the walls more flexible, allowing them to better withstand earthquakes and other natural forces.
A Heart-shaped Stone Hidden in the Stone Walls
There is a heart-shaped stone hidden in the stone wall of Hamamatsu Castle, which is said to be a power spot that brings happiness to those who find it. The stone wall is constructed using the Nozura-zumi method, which is why it includes a heart-shaped stone. Visit Hamamatsu Castle to feel its history and discover your own happiness with the heart-shaped stone.
How to get there
Hamamatsu Castle is conveniently accessible from Hamamatsu Station, which is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Here are some options:
On Foot: If you prefer walking, it’s about a 20-minute stroll from Hamamatsu Station to the castle.
By Bus: From Hamamatsu Station, take a bus from stands 1 or 13 and get off at “Shiyakusho-mae” (City Hall South). From there, it’s about a 6-minute walk to the castle.
I recommend walking to Hamamatsu Castle on a sunny day, as it’s a pleasant 20-minute stroll.
Practical Information for Visiting Hamamatsu Castle
Opening Hours:
● Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:20 PM).
