Sunpu Castle Park

**Tokugawa Ieyasu connection:** Ieyasu spent his childhood in Sunpu as hostage of the Imagawa clan, then returned in retirement (1605–1616) to rule Japan from behind the scenes while his son Hidetada held the shogun title. Sunpu was chosen for strategic location (midpoint between Kyoto and Edo, access to Tokaido road) and personal connection. The castle's scale reflected Ieyasu's power — the main keep was 7 stories (vs Osaka Castle's 5), though it burned in 1635 and was never rebuilt. The turret museums explain this history through artifacts and scale models. **Ongoing excavation project:** The site reveals: massive foundation stones (some 5+ meters long), underground rooms for storing gold/weapons, sophisticated drainage systems, and scale confirming the keep was 68m tall (vs Himeji Castle's 46m). Public viewing platforms overlook the dig site. Excavation is scheduled through 2028; eventual plan is to reconstruct part of the keep foundation for public education. **Park seasonal highlights:** Cherry blossoms (500+ trees, peak late March–early April) line the moats creating pink reflections — night illumination adds dramatic lighting. The eastern moat's cherry tunnel is most photogenic. Autumn (mid-November) brings maple foliage to Momijiyama Garden, which has 170+ maple trees. Winter (Jan–Feb) offers clear Mt. Fuji views from the park's elevated positions — Fuji is visible 40km northwest on clear days. The park is pleasant year-round for walking but these seasonal events add significant appeal.