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 castle's sobriquet, "Castle of the Floating Isle", reflects its setting among moats. In 1613 John Saris and William Adams met Tokugawa Ieyasu here to negotiate trade terms for the East India Company. The reconstructed Tatsumi and Hitsujisaru yagura now serve as museums displaying castle artifacts.
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.
The castle's nickname, "Castle of the Floating Isle", comes from its layout of water moats surrounding the central bailey. In 1613, John Saris and William Adams met Tokugawa Ieyasu here to negotiate trade terms for the East India Company.
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