Hamamatsu Castle Keep Museum

Hamamatsu Castle began in 1568, when Tokugawa Ieyasu advanced into Tōtōmi Province and expanded and remodeled Hikuma Castle to make it his base. Ieyasu spent about 17 years at this castle, from 1570 until he moved to Sunpu Castle in 1586. From here he fought many battles, including the conflict with the Takeda clan and the Battle of Mikatagahara. Because many of the lords who held Hamamatsu Castle during the Edo period later rose to important shogunate posts such as rōjū, the castle became known by the nickname "Shusse-jō" (Castle of Success).

Reconstructed Keep and Exhibits Inside the Building

The current keep is a reconstruction built in reinforced concrete in 1958 (Shōwa 33). The building houses a museum of historical materials and arms related to Ieyasu and the castle town of Hamamatsu. Its layout lets visitors follow Ieyasu's footsteps during the Hamamatsu period, when he spent his youth and prime.

Armor and Arms on Display

The museum displays replicas of armor and gusoku associated with Ieyasu, dioramas of Hamamatsu Castle and its castle town, and video explanations. The collection conveys the warrior culture of the period when the young Ieyasu lived in Hamamatsu, and the top floor of the keep offers a view over the city of Hamamatsu.

Access and Opening Hours

About 10 minutes by Entetsu bus from the bus terminal at the North Exit of JR Hamamatsu Station, plus about 6 minutes on foot; or about 20 minutes on foot from the North Exit; or about 5 minutes by taxi. Open 8:30–16:30 (last admission 10 minutes before closing). Admission: 200 yen for adults (high school students and older); free for junior high school students and younger and for those aged 70 and over. Closed 29–31 December.