SHIZUOKA CITY KANKO NAVI

　After ceding the shogunate to his son, Hidetada, Tokugawa Ieyasu had Sunpu Castle renovated in 1607, moved there, and held the real power of the shogunate as the Ōgosho (Retired Shogun). Sunpu Castle, which served as the center of the Ōgosho’s rule, was quite different from the fortresses of the Warring States period; it appears to have functioned more like a guesthouse for welcoming dignitaries from various provinces and envoys from abroad.

　Furthermore, this era saw the realization of various “firsts” in Japan.

　Using gold mined from the Abe River basin, Japan’s first national currency, the “Keichō Koban,” was minted in Sunpu; Japan’s first movable type was created in Sunpu, sparking a publishing revolution; Sunpu Castle was completed using Japan’s first metal roof tiles; and, by order of Lord Ieyasu, Japan’s first Western-style sailing ship was built and became the first to cross the Pacific Ocean.

　The town of Sunpu, developed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, became a model of urban planning ahead of the rest of the country and grew into the largest city along the Tōkaidō. Japan’s early modern era began alongside Sunpu Castle.

　Sunpu, the town beloved by Lord Ieyasu. The foundations of the peaceful era established there remain visible throughout the city to this day.

Sumpu Castle Park, surrounded by moats. This is the Hitsujisaru Yagura, located in the southeast—the "Ura-Kimon" direction.

At the southwest corner of the moat, statues of Yaji and Kita welcome visitors. Jippensha Ikku, the author of *Tokaidochu Hizakurige*, was also born in Sunpu.

Tatsumi Tower. The area with the bridge in the background is the East Gate.

The Higashi-mon Gate, which once served as the entrance and exit for senior court officials, has been restored using traditional construction methods.

Cross the bridge and you'll see the yagura gate on your right. It's constructed from massive timbers.

The interiors of the Higashimon Gate, Tatsumi Turret, and Kon Turret house exhibition rooms showcasing artifacts excavated from Sunpu Castle and its history.

The Momijiyama Garden, located within Sunpu Castle Park, offers multilingual audio guides.

A statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu from his "Ōgosho" period stands on the site of the main castle keep. Ieyasu spent one-third of his 75-year life in Sunpu. In front of JR Shizuoka Station, there are also statues of the young Takachiyo and of Tokugawa Ieyasu during his "Gokoku" period.

Sunpu Castle Park as seen from the observation deck of the Shizuoka Prefectural Government Building.

The "Shizuoka Festival" is held every year in early April at Sunpu Castle Park. The highlight is the magnificent "Daigoso Hanami Procession."

・Sunpu Castle Ninomaru: Higashi Gate and Tatsumi Turret

・Sunpu Castle Park Kon-yagura

・Sunpu Castle Park: Momijiyama Garden

・Tokugawa Ieyasu: The Great Shogun and the Town of Sunpu Castle