Hamamatsu Castle, Shizuoka Prefecture🏯

This castle is best known as the residence of the young Tokugawa Ieyasu, who lived here for 17 years before the unification of Japan after the Battle of Sekigahara and the relocation of the capital to Edo (in modern-day Tokyo). Because of this history, the castle is also known as the “Castle of Progress.” Like many Japanese castles, it was destroyed in air raids during World War II, but was rebuilt in 1958. The castle was built on the same site and looks down on the Pacific Ocean. The distant horizon may reflect Ieyasu’s boundless ambitions. Military equipment and items from both the castle and Hamamatsu’s history are on display as visitors make their way to the observation deck on the top floor. #TravelJapan #TravelAbroad