Yoshida Castle (Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Highlights, and Access Information
Located within Toyohashi Park in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, Yoshida Castle was a castle that functioned as an important base in Mikawa Province from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. Currently, a reconstructed iron turret stands on the banks of the Toyokawa River, and is popular with many citizens and tourists. This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting, including the detailed history of Yoshida Castle, its highlights, and access methods.
History of Yoshida Castle
Construction of Imabashi Castle and Renaming to Yoshida Castle
The history of Yoshida Castle begins with Imabashi Castle, built in 1505 by Makino Kohaku. Makino Kohaku was a samurai belonging to the Suruga Imagawa clan, and he built the castle at the strategically important location of the confluence of the Toyokawa River (then the Yoshida River) and the Asakura River. This area was a crucial transportation hub connecting Mikawa Province and Tōtōmi Province, occupying a strategically important position both militarily and economically.
The castle was initially called “Imabashi Castle,” after the name of its location. Later, when the place name was changed to “Yoshida,” the castle’s name also changed to “Yoshida Castle.” While there are various theories regarding the exact timing of this name change, it is believed that the name Yoshida Castle had become established by the mid-Sengoku period.
Battles in the Sengoku Period
Yoshida Castle was located on the front lines of the power struggle between the Imagawa and Matsudaira (later Tokugawa) clans in Mikawa Province, making it the site of fierce battles. The Makino clan defended the castle for generations, but as Imagawa Yoshimoto’s power expanded, it began to function as an important base for the Imagawa.
When Imagawa Yoshimoto was killed in the Battle of Okehazama in 1560, the situation in Mikawa Province changed dramatically. Matsudaira Motoyasu (later Tokugawa Ieyasu) achieved independence from the Imagawa clan and, in his conquest of Mikawa Province, captured Yoshida Castle. Ieyasu acquired Yoshida Castle around 1565 and appointed his senior retainer, Sakai Tadatsugu, as its castellan.
Sakai Tadatsugu was a renowned general, considered the foremost of the Tokugawa Four Heavenly Kings. He used Yoshida Castle as a base for governing eastern Mikawa and as a bridgehead for the invasion of Tōtōmi Province. Under Tadatsugu’s rule, Yoshida Castle’s military functions were strengthened, and the castle town was also developed.
Major Renovation by Ikeda Terumasa
In 1590, when Tokugawa Ieyasu was transferred to the Kanto region by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ikeda Terumasa (Terumasa) became the lord of Yoshida Castle with a stipend of 152,000 koku. Ikeda Terumasa was a master castle builder, later known for constructing Himeji Castle.
Upon entering Yoshida Castle, Terumasa undertook a major expansion of the castle grounds and extensive renovations to transform it into a modern castle. The basic layout of Yoshida Castle as seen today was established during this period, including the development of the main keep, second bailey, and third bailey, the construction of stone walls, and the expansion of the moats. He also advanced the development of the castle town, enhancing its function as a post town on the Tokaido road.
Although Terumasa’s tenure at the castle was relatively short, lasting only about 10 years, during this time Yoshida Castle was transformed from a medieval fort into a full-fledged modern castle. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Terumasa was transferred to Himeji in Harima Province with an increased stipend of 520,000 koku, and Yoshida Castle once again became the domain of a Tokugawa vassal daimyo.
Yoshida Domain in the Edo Period
Throughout the Edo period, Yoshida Castle functioned as the administrative center of the Yoshida Domain. While vassal daimyo took turns residing there, and the castle lord changed frequently, its importance as a strategic point on the Tokaido road remained unchanged. The castle’s successive lords included families closely associated with the Tokugawa shogunate, such as the Ogasawara, Matsudaira, Honda, Fukamizu Matsudaira, Makino, and Okouchi Matsudaira clans.
During the Edo period, Yoshida Castle’s role shifted from military function to administrative center. The castle town flourished as Yoshida-juku, the 34th post station on the Tokaido highway, bustling with travelers. Utagawa Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e print “The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido” depicts Yoshida-juku, strikingly portraying the bridge over the Toyokawa River and Yoshida Castle.
The last lord was Matsudaira Nobufuru of the Okouchi Matsudaira family, and the Yoshida domain continued until the Meiji Restoration. With the abolition of the feudal domains in 1871, the Yoshida domain was dissolved, and Yoshida Castle ceased to function.
From the Meiji Era to the Present
After the Meiji Restoration, many of the buildings of Yoshida Castle were demolished, and the castle site was developed into a park. In 1873 (Meiji 6), it was opened to the public as Toyohashi Park, becoming a place of relaxation for citizens. Cultural facilities such as the Toyohashi City Museum of Art and the San-no-maru Hall were built on the castle site, and it is now used as a center of history and culture.
In 1954 (Showa 29), the three-story iron turret (Kurogane Yagura) that was located in the main enclosure was reconstructed. This iron turret is modeled after a corner turret built during the Edo period and is now a beloved symbol of Yoshida Castle. The interior houses an exhibition room where visitors can view the history of Yoshida Castle and excavated artifacts.
In 2017 (Heisei 29), it was selected as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles,” attracting attention from castle enthusiasts. Even today, the remains of the castle, such as the stone walls and moats, are well-preserved, making it a valuable historical site where one can learn about the changes in the castle’s structure from the Sengoku period to the Edo period.
Highlights of Yoshida Castle
Iron Turret (Kurogane Yagura)
The greatest highlight of Yoshida Castle is the Iron Turret, which was reconstructed in 1954. Located in the southeastern corner of the main enclosure, facing the Toyokawa River, this three-story turret offers particularly beautiful views from the river and is a landmark of Yoshida Castle.
The name “Iron Turret” originates from the legend that this turret was once covered with iron plates. While it is more likely that it was actually painted with black plaster rather than iron plates, the name has been passed down as a symbol of its strong defense.
The turret has three floors, and each floor contains exhibits related to the history of Yoshida Castle. The first floor displays the castle’s history and layout, the second floor features information on successive lords and the castle town, and the third floor offers an observation space overlooking the Toyokawa River. The view from the third floor is particularly magnificent, offering a panoramic view of the Toyokawa River and Toyohashi city.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last entry at 2:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays
Admission: Free
Main Enclosure and Stone Walls
The main enclosure, where the iron turret stands, is the heart of Yoshida Castle. The spacious enclosure is covered in grass, and explanatory signs showing the former building layout are installed. From the main enclosure, you can appreciate the structure of the castle, which continues to the second and third enclosures.
Stone walls built during the time of Ikeda Terumasa remain in good condition around the main enclosure. The stone walls on the north side facing the Toyokawa River are particularly high, showcasing defensive ingenuity combined with the natural cliffs. The stone walls exhibit a mix of rough-hewn and fitted stonework, making them a valuable historical site that reveals traces of the castle’s construction period and renovations.
Below the main keep’s stone walls is a lower enclosure, accessible by walking along the Toyokawa River. From this lower enclosure, you can look up at the stone walls, gaining a greater appreciation for the castle’s formidable strength. Furthermore, the view of Yoshida Castle from the river surface is reminiscent of the landscape depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e prints.
Dry Moat and Earthworks
Between the main keep and the Kinkanmaru (Kinkan Enclosure) lies a deep dry moat. This large moat, approximately 20 meters wide and 10 meters deep, was an important defensive structure that demarcated the castle grounds. It remains in good condition and is regularly cleaned.
Earthworks are built on both sides of the dry moat, designed to prevent enemy intrusion. There are sections where you can walk along the bottom of the moat, making it a valuable spot to experience the castle’s defensive system from the Sengoku period.
Sites of the Second and Third Baileys
The second bailey was located to the west of the main bailey, and the third bailey was located further outside of that. Currently, these bailey sites have been developed into Toyohashi Park, a place of relaxation for citizens.
The Toyohashi City Museum of Art is located on the site of the second bailey, exhibiting local historical materials and works of art. Detailed information about Yoshida Castle can also be found here, and a visit in conjunction with a castle tour is recommended.
The third bailey site houses the San-no-maru Hall, used for events and conferences. The park also features cherry and maple trees, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons. It is especially popular during the cherry blossom season in spring, attracting many visitors.
Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles Stamp
Yoshida Castle was selected as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles” (No. 150) in 2017. The stamp is located inside the iron tower and can be obtained during opening hours. For those who enjoy visiting castles, this is an important point to commemorate their visit.
Even if you don’t have a stamp book with you, you can purchase one at the Toyohashi City Museum of Art or at nearby tourist information centers. Additionally, the official castle stamp for Yoshida Castle is also available and is a popular souvenir.
Access to Yoshida Castle
Access by Public Transportation
From JR/Meitetsu Toyohashi Station:
- Take the Toyohashi Railway City Line (tram) and get off at “Shiyakusho-mae” (City Hall) station, then walk for about 5 minutes.
- IC cards (TOICA, manaca, Suica, etc.) can be used on the City Line.
- Fare: 150 yen (as of 2024)
- Travel time: Approximately 10 minutes from Toyohashi Station
Using Toyotetsu Bus:
- Take a bus bound for Toyohashi City Hall from in front of Toyohashi Station and get off at “Shiyakusho-mae” or “Toyohashi Koen-mae” (City Hall) bus stop.
- Approximately 3 minutes on foot.
On Foot:
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR/Meitetsu Toyohashi Station.
- The easiest route is to head east along the main street in front of the station towards City Hall.
Access by Car
From Tomei Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Toyokawa IC via National Route 151
- Approximately 40 minutes from Otowa-Gamagori IC via National Route 1
From National Route 1:
- Proceed towards Toyohashi city center and follow the signs for Toyohashi City Hall
Parking Information:
- Free parking available in Toyohashi Park (approximately 50 spaces)
- Toyohashi City Hall parking lot is also available (may be free on weekends and holidays)
- Several coin-operated parking lots are also available nearby
Location and Contact Information
Location: 3 Imabashi-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture (within Toyohashi Park)
Contact Information: Toyohashi City Tourism Promotion Division
Phone: 0532-51-2430
Toyohashi City Museum of Art: 0532-51-2882
Recommended Nearby Tourist Spots
Toyohashi City Museum of Art
Located in the second bailey of the Yoshida Castle ruins, the museum is a complex facility housing and exhibiting local historical materials and works of art. In addition to permanent exhibitions detailing Yoshida Castle, excavated artifacts, and the history of Toyohashi, special exhibitions are held regularly.
Visiting the museum in conjunction with a visit to Yoshida Castle will allow for a deeper understanding of the castle’s history and Toyohashi’s culture. The museum’s collection of materials related to the Yoshida Domain in the early modern period is particularly extensive, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays
Admission Fee: Free for permanent exhibitions, fees for special exhibitions vary depending on the exhibition.
Toyohashi Park
A vast park encompassing the Yoshida Castle ruins, it is a popular recreational spot for citizens. The park boasts approximately 1,000 cherry trees, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. In autumn, the autumn foliage is also beautiful, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons.
The park also features a playground and sports facilities, making it a great place for families to spend a whole day. Well-maintained walking paths allow visitors to leisurely explore the castle ruins.
Toyohashi City Public Hall
This historical building, constructed in 1913 (Taisho 2), is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. It features a beautiful Neo-Renaissance style exterior and is still used for concerts and lectures. Located about a 10-minute walk from Yoshida Castle, it’s a recommended spot for those interested in modern architecture.
Toyogawa River
The Toyogawa River, flowing north of Yoshida Castle, served as a natural moat for the castle. Currently, the riverbank has been developed and is used as a walking and cycling path. The view of Yoshida Castle’s stone walls and iron turrets from the riverbank evokes the charm of Utagawa Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e prints.
In summer, the Toyohashi Gion Festival and Toyohashi Festival are held, and hand-held fireworks are offered on the Toyokawa riverbed. Hand-held fireworks are a traditional Toyohashi cultural event, and the sight of the powerful pillars of fire illuminating the night sky is breathtaking.
Kodomo Mirai-kan Coconico
Located in front of Toyohashi Station, this interactive children’s center is a popular destination for families. It offers a wide range of exhibits and workshops where children and adults can learn about science and culture in a fun way. Its convenient location makes it easy to visit before or after a tour of Yoshida Castle.
Points to Note When Visiting Yoshida Castle
Estimated Visiting Time
Allow approximately one hour for a basic tour of Yoshida Castle. Approximately 20 minutes for a tour of the iron turret’s interior, 20 minutes for a stroll around the main keep and stone walls, and 20 minutes for a visit to the dry moat and the remains of the second and third baileys.
If you also plan to visit the Toyohashi City Museum of Art, add another 1-2 hours for a more relaxed experience. For those who wish to take photographs or observe the remains in detail, we recommend allocating 2-3 hours.
Recommended Visiting Route
- Enter from Toyohashi Park Parking Lot or City Hall Station
- Pass through the remains of the third bailey to the remains of the second bailey (Museum of Art)
- Ascend to the main keep and tour the iron turret
- Walk around the stone walls of the main keep to enjoy the view of the Toyokawa River
- Visit the dry moat (it is possible to descend to the bottom of the moat)
- Stroll along the Toyokawa River from the lower bailey
- If time permits, learn about the detailed history at the Museum of Art
This route allows you to efficiently visit the main highlights of Yoshida Castle.
Photo Spots
Photographing the Iron Turret:
- Panoramic view from inside the main enclosure
- Distant view from the opposite bank of the Toyokawa River (capturing both the river and the turret)
- Angle looking up from the lower enclosure
Photographing the Stone Walls:
- High stone wall facing the Toyokawa River on the north side of the main enclosure
- A point where you can photograph the dry moat and stone wall together
Seasonal Photography:
- Spring: Collaboration of cherry blossoms and the Iron Turret
- Summer: Castle surrounded by greenery
- Autumn: Autumn leaves and stone walls
- Winter: Iron Turret covered in snow (when there is snow)
Notes for Visitors
- The Iron Turret is closed on Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday). If you wish to tour the interior, please check the opening days before visiting.
- The park is large, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
- There is little shade in the summer, so it is a good idea to bring a hat, parasol, and drinks.
- Be careful when walking around the stone walls and moats, as some areas have unstable footing.
- The stamp for the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles is located inside the iron tower, so you need to visit during opening hours.
Deepening Your Appeal to Yoshida Castle
Historical Significance
Yoshida Castle is an important historical site that tells the history of Mikawa Province from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. It was the stage for the power struggles of the Sengoku period’s conquerors, such as the Imagawa, Tokugawa, and Toyotomi clans, and always played an important role as a key point on the Tokaido road.
In particular, during the period when Sakai Tadatsugu, a senior retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, served as the castle lord, it functioned as a base for the Tokugawa clan’s unification of Mikawa and their expansion into Totomi. Furthermore, the major renovation by Ikeda Terumasa is a valuable example of the transition from medieval to early modern castles, and is attracting attention in castle history research.
Characteristics as a Castle Architecture
Yoshida Castle is a flatland castle with a semi-circular layout that utilizes the Toyokawa River as a natural moat. The castle’s structure, facing the Toyokawa River to the north and surrounded on the other three sides by moats and earthen ramparts, is a strategic design that controlled both water and land transportation.
The stone walls exhibit transitional techniques from rough-hewn stonework to fitted stonework, allowing us to learn about the development of castle architecture. The high stone walls of the main keep, in particular, are highly regarded as demonstrating the advanced technology of the Ikeda Terumasa era.
Cultural Value
Yoshida Castle ruins are protected as a Toyohashi City designated historical site, and the remains such as stone walls, moats, and earthen ramparts are preserved in excellent condition. Its selection as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles signifies that its historical and cultural value has been recognized nationwide.
Excavation surveys are still ongoing, and new discoveries are expected. Excavated artifacts are stored and exhibited at the Toyohashi City Museum of Art, utilized for both research and public access.
Summary
Yoshida Castle is a representative historical site of Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, with a history of over 500 years since the construction of Imabashi Castle in 1505. It played an important role in each era, from the fierce battles during the Sengoku period, to the era of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Sakai Tadatsugu, to the major renovation by Ikeda Terumasa, and its role as the administrative center of the Yoshida Domain during the Edo period.
Currently located within Toyohashi Park, the reconstructed iron turret, the well-preserved stone walls and dry moats, and the beautiful scenery of the Toyokawa River captivate visitors. Selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles, it is a popular tourist spot not only for castle enthusiasts but also for many people interested in history.
Its easy accessibility, approximately 10 minutes by city bus from Toyohashi Station, is also a major draw. Cultural facilities such as the Toyohashi City Museum of Art and Toyohashi Public Hall are also abundant in the surrounding area. Yoshida Castle is also characterized by its seasonal attractions, including cherry blossoms in spring, hand-held fireworks in summer, and autumn foliage.
When you visit Aichi Prefecture, be sure to stop by Yoshida Castle and experience the weight of its history, which dates back to the Sengoku period, and the beauty of its iron turret standing on the banks of the Toyokawa River. Although it’s a free-to-enter facility, its historical value and abundance of sights make it well worth a visit.
For detailed information and the latest event information, please check the Toyohashi City Tourism Promotion Division website and the Toyohashi City Museum of Art website. Information on castle stamp sales and special openings is also updated regularly.
