Hamamatsu Castle Keep Museum

Hamamatsu Castle traces its origins to 1568, when Tokugawa Ieyasu advanced into Tōtōmi Province and expanded and rebuilt the existing Hikuma Castle as his base. From 1570 until his move to Sunpu Castle in 1586, Ieyasu spent roughly seventeen years at Hamamatsu, fighting numerous campaigns from this base, including the conflict with the Takeda clan and the Battle of Mikatagahara. Because many of the successive lords who later governed Hamamatsu Castle went on to hold senior shogunate posts such as rōjū, the castle became known by the nickname "Shusse-jō" (Castle of Success).

The Reconstructed Keep and Its 2021 Renewal

The present keep is a reinforced-concrete reconstruction completed in 1958. In January 2021, the interior underwent its first major renovation in decades, with newly installed exhibits spanning the basement through the third floor, each floor devoted to a different theme from Ieyasu's life. Video and panel displays, together with three-dimensional figures, trace Ieyasu's years in Hamamatsu during his youth and early adulthood.

Armor and Arms on Display

The museum displays replica armor and gusoku associated with Ieyasu, along with dioramas depicting the transformation of Hamamatsu Castle and its castle town, and video reconstructions of battle scenes. The exhibits convey the samurai culture of the period when the young Ieyasu was based in Hamamatsu, and the top floor of the keep offers a panoramic view over the city.

Access and Hours

About 10 minutes by Entetsu bus from the North Exit bus terminal of JR Hamamatsu Station plus a 6-minute walk, or about a 20-minute walk from the North Exit, or about 5 minutes by taxi. Open 8:30–16:30 (last entry 10 minutes before closing). Admission: 200 yen for adults (high school age and up); free for junior high school age and under, and for those aged 70 and over. Closed 29–31 December.