Sunpu Castle, Japanese castle in Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
Sunpu Castle is a Japanese castle in Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, Japan, that now serves as a public park with reconstructed wooden structures. The site shows three concentric water moats, tall stone walls, and several fortified gates surrounding the central grounds.
The site was built in 1585 and later became the retirement residence of a shogun who lived here until his death in 1616. After centuries of military use, the grounds transformed into an urban park during the Meiji era.
The name comes from the old term for Shizuoka and recalls the city's connection to the shogunate. Visitors today see Japanese families strolling through the park and picnicking under cherry trees, while students study the architecture of the wooden gates.
The park is freely accessible and sits about 15 minutes on foot from Shizuoka Station, making it easy to reach. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the grounds include many stone steps and uneven paths.
An artificial hill in the park mimics the shape of Mount Fuji and connects the fortress to the surrounding landscape. This mound was created as a design element meant to complement the residents' view of the distant peak.
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