This is a truly memorable place, known as the birthplace of two great rulers, Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Upon entering the grounds, you'll first encounter the tranquil shrine building. While not flashy, its presence, evoking a sense of historical weight, naturally lifts your spirits.
Particularly striking are the bronze statues of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, placed side by side. Both are depicted in their younger days, clearly conveying the story of how they rose to power throughout Japan. The explanatory boards are well-organized, and learning that Ieyasu and Hideyoshi shared a common past and present in the same place made history feel even more personal.
As the information boards state, this place is also known as a power spot for career advancement and good fortune, so it's no wonder so many people stop by to take photos with the statues. Another positive aspect is the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, which is a welcome relief from the overly touristy surroundings.
The grounds are surrounded by trees, making strolling around pleasant on sunny days. Even if you're not a history buff, this is a place you'll enjoy. If you're visiting the Hamamatsu Castle area, this is a spot you should definitely stop by.
I felt it was a place that would leave you feeling positive if you were "about to start something new" or "at a turning point."
Motoshiromachi Toshogu Shrine is a small shrine that quietly conveys the deep relationship between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hamamatsu. As a place associated with Ieyasu, who spent his youth at Hamamatsu Castle, the shrine has an interesting historical background, but its small size may disappoint those expecting a glamorous atmosphere. However, its location, just a five-minute walk from Hamamatsu Castle, is extremely convenient, and its ease of dropping in on the tourist route is a major attraction. The lack of amulets or souvenirs on display also gives a positive impression of a less commercial atmosphere. It is a place to quietly pray while thinking about history.
Enshrined Deity: Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tosho Daigongen)
Motojo Toshogu Shrine was built on the site of Hikima Castle, constructed around the 15th century.
In front of the shrine is the Hikima Castle Seal Office, where you can receive a Hikima Castle Seal.
Hikima Castle is the predecessor to Hamamatsu Castle, and is said to have been Tokugawa Ieyasu's base of operations from the time he arrived in Hamamatsu until the construction of the current castle.
After the Meiji Restoration, Inoue Enryo, a former shogunate vassal who served the Shizuoka Domain and once served as Hamamatsu Castle lord, aspired to build a Toshogu Shrine on the site of Hamamatsu Castle, the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the shrine was founded around 1886-1887.
This area has deep ties not only to Tokugawa Ieyasu, but also to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
It's said that Hideyoshi spent his youth in Hamamatsu, serving the Matsushita clan, a subordinate of the Iio clan, who built Hikima Castle, for three years from the age of 16.
There's an anecdote that when he was 16, he visited Hikima Castle and ate chestnuts while imitating a monkey, which is said to be one of the reasons why Hideyoshi was nicknamed "Saru" (Monkey).
Within the temple grounds stand side by side statues of the great Tokugawa Ieyasu and a young Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Hiyoshimaru), making it no wonder the temple is known as a "power spot for success."
Goshuin (stamps) are apparently given during festivals such as the annual festival and the New Year's holiday.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to receive one this time, but it was a very memorable visit.
I saw a large tree in the back, and upon closer inspection, I discovered it was eucalyptus! I was surprised, wondering why it was actually there.
It may grow quickly, but I believe it's been in Japan since ancient times.
Either way, it's thick, and this species is rare.
I imagine the person who planted it wondering, "Tenpo? Keio? Meiji/Taisho? When did you come to Japan?" as the eucalyptus took root and grew into a large tree from a foreign country. It's quite well-established.
It's so old...no explanation needed.
I'll just say it's close to the oldest!
Eucalyptus was introduced to Japan in the early Meiji period (after the 1870s), and even the oldest eucalyptus in Japan, a planted in Hiroshima that was bombed, is said to be only about 100-150 years old.
