Okazaki Guide
Nestled in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, Okazaki is a peaceful castle town brimming with historical significance and natural beauty. Located just 40 km from Nagoya, this charming city offers visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage, scenic parks, and local delicacies. Known for its connection to Ieyasu Tokugawa, one of the most influential figures in Japanese history, Okazaki provides a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers. From its iconic castle to its numerous waterways and parks, this guide will explore the city's main attractions, festivals, local products, and practical information to help you plan an unforgettable visit to Okazaki.
Okazaki Castle and surrounding park
At the heart of Okazaki lies its crown jewel, Okazaki Castle. This historic fortress holds immense significance as the birthplace of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa dynasty. Located in Okazaki Park, the castle is a 15-minute walk northwest from Higashi Okazaki Meitetsu station over the Otogawa River.
The castle grounds offer visitors a chance to stroll among fern-covered walls and ancient moats, transporting them back to feudal Japan. The park surrounding the castle is particularly enchanting during cherry blossom season in spring, when the trees are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Within the castle complex, you'll find the Iyeyasu and Mikawa Bushi Museum, showcasing the history of Ieyasu Tokugawa and his struggle to unify Japan. The museum displays original weapons, helmets, and documents, along with engaging video installations and dioramas detailing Ieyasu's numerous battles.
Other notable features in the park include Ieyasu's Well, where the future warlord's first bath was drawn, a bronze statue of Ieyasu, a Noh theater, a flower clock, and the Karakuri Tokeito clock tower, where a model of Ieyasu dressed in Noh costume performs a dance every 30 minutes.
Okazaki Castle Donjon or keep
Parks & Museums
Okazaki boasts several picturesque parks and engaging museums that offer visitors a diverse range of experiences:
Higashi Park: Home to the Okazaki-shi Higashi Park Zoo, this park is known for its ornamental ponds, iris garden (blooming in early May), and vibrant maple leaves in autumn.
Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park: This expansive park on an elevation houses the Okazaki City Art Museum, offering a cultural retreat for art enthusiasts.
Minami Park: Located south of the city center, this park features plum trees, forested areas, diverse birdlife, and a children's amusement area complete with a Ferris wheel.
Okazaki Sekirei Hall: This public municipal performance facility is home to the Okazaki-shi Kyodokan, an old wooden Western-style building dating from 1913. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, it provides insight into early 20th-century architecture.
Okazaki Shrines and Temples
Okazaki's spiritual landscape is dotted with several noteworthy shrines and temples:
Tenonji Temple: This Rinzai Zen temple, connected to Ieyasu's life, features an ancient cedar tree on its grounds.
Ryukai-in Temple: A pleasant temple located near Higashi Okazaki Station.
Zuienji Temple: Situated east of Okazaki Castle in Monzen-cho.
Okazaki Tenmangu Shrine: Connected to the famous Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto.
Shouoji Temple, Nomi Shinmeigu Shrine, and Iga Hachimangu Shrine: These closely spaced religious sites are located north of Okazaki Park. Iga Hachimangu Shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war, was where Ieyasu would pray for the success of his campaigns.
Okazaki Castle Park with castle moat and bridge.
Okazaki Products
Okazaki's strategic location on the important Tokaido highway has allowed several Edo Period industries and crafts to flourish in the city. Some of the notable local products include:
- Delicious tofu
- Fireworks
- Sake brewing
- Woodwork and stonework
- Tea
- Hatcho miso and Nukata miso - fermented soybean paste used in miso soup
The Hatcho miso factory near Naka Okazaki Station offers free, short tours of the traditional miso-making process. Visitors can observe how soybeans are pressed in huge cedar barrels using an array of large stones. The tour concludes with a complimentary miso sweet and the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
Festivals
Okazaki hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year, many dedicated to Ieyasu Tokugawa:
Iyeyasu Parade: Held in April, this event features participants in samurai costumes marching through the city.
Spring Festival at Suga Shrine: Celebrated on the Sunday closest to April 14th, this festival includes a procession of five large decorated floats.
Okazaki Summer Festival: Taking place on the first Saturday in August, this event boasts a spectacular fireworks display on the Otogawa River.
Oni Festival at Takisanji Temple: A fire festival in February to pray for a good harvest in the coming year.
Natsuyama Fire Festival: Held in October at the rural Natsuyama Hachimangu Shrine, northeast of the city center.
Stele Celebrating Ieyasu Tokugawa
Accommodation
Okazaki offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets:
Okazaki New Grand Hotel: Conveniently located near Okazaki Castle, this hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with river views. It's a 5-minute walk from Higashi Okazaki Station and provides free Wi-Fi and parking.
MyHotel Okazaki: Situated right next to Okazaki Station on the Tokaido Railway Line, this reasonably priced business-style hotel features clean, quiet rooms and a free onsen bath and sauna with city views.
Green Hotel Rich Tokugawaen: Located south of Higashi Okazaki Station, this budget accommodation offers a retro setting with modern amenities, including a coin launderette, TV, fridge, and green tea maker in each room.
Access
Reaching Okazaki is convenient from major cities:
By train: - Take a Meitetsu Express train to Higashi Okazaki Station from Nagoya Station (28 mins) or from Toyohashi (20 mins). - The nearest station to Okazaki Park is Okazaki Koen-mae, one stop west on a local Meitetsu train, or Naka Okazaki on the Aichi Loop Line.
From Higashi Okazaki Station: - Take the north exit and turn left. - Take the right at the first traffic light and walk over the Tono Bridge. - Take the first left and walk along the river to the entrance of Okazaki Park, just past the Okazaki New Grand Hotel.
By car: - Exit the Tomei Expressway at Okazaki Interchange or take National Highway Route 1.
Video
For a visual introduction to Okazaki Castle and its surroundings, you can watch informative videos available online. These provide a great overview of the castle's architecture, the park's beauty, and the city's historical significance.
Okazaki, with its rich history, beautiful parks, and unique local products, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into traditional Japan. Whether you're interested in exploring the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, enjoying scenic cherry blossoms, or savoring local delicacies, Okazaki promises an enriching experience for all who visit.
