Tanaka Castle

Tanaka Castle is a fortress site in Fujieda, Japan, built around a circular design with three rings of water defenses that once protected the inner keep. The ruins now form a public park where paths follow the old earthwork lines.

The Imagawa clan founded the fortress in 1537 as a base in Suruga province. It later changed hands between the Takeda and Tokugawa families before being abandoned near the end of the 17th century.

The surviving gate and relocated structures show how castle architecture evolved across different periods. Local residents now use the grounds as a quiet place for morning walks and weekend picnics.

The grounds are open daily except Mondays and the day after public holidays, from 9 AM to 5 PM with no entry fee. Paths cover flat terrain and are easy to walk for a short loop through the park.

Tokugawa Ieyasu stopped here more than 15 times during his final seven years. His last visit took place in January 1616, just months before he died.

Location: Fujieda

Inception: 1537

GPS coordinates: 34.87200,138.27500

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29