Is there an entrance fee to visit Motoshirocho Toshogu?

No, admission to Motoshirocho Toshogu is free. The shrine grounds are open to all visitors without charge, making it an accessible attraction for those exploring Hamamatsu's historical sites. Unlike some other major shrines in Japan, there is no ticket required to access the shrine complex.

How do I get to Motoshirocho Toshogu from Hamamatsu Station?

The shrine is easily accessible from Hamamatsu Station by taking a bus, which takes approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can walk from Hamamatsu Castle, which is about a 5-minute walk from the shrine. The shrine does not have dedicated parking facilities, so visitors arriving by car should use the parking lot at Hamamatsu Castle Park nearby.

What can I see and do at Motoshirocho Toshogu?

Visitors can explore the shrine grounds featuring statues of Tokugawa Ieyasu and young Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A popular attraction is the heart-shaped lantern, which makes for great photographs. The grounds also include a historic large camphor tree connected to Ieyasu's history. Many visitors come to pray for career advancement, business prosperity, and matchmaking success, reflecting Ieyasu's role in unifying Japan and bringing peace to the nation.

When is the best time to visit Motoshirocho Toshogu?

The shrine can be visited year-round, but the main festival takes place annually on October 10, which offers a special cultural experience. The shrine is particularly meaningful for those interested in Japanese history and the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Since it's located near Hamamatsu Castle Park, visitors can combine both attractions in a single trip for a comprehensive historical tour of the area.

Motoshirocho Toshogu

4.1 (868)Tourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Motoshirocho Toshogu, also known as Hamamatsu Toshogu, is a Shinto shrine located in Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. The shrine was established in 1886 following a petition by Ii Hachiro, the former castellan of Hamamatsu Castle, in 1877. Due to funding difficulties, a temporary shrine was built in 1887 on the grounds of the adjacent Dai Nippon Hotokusha, and the permanent shrine at Motoshirocho was not completed until 1936. The shrine burned down during World War II and was later reconstructed.

The site holds exceptional historical importance as it stands on the grounds of Hikuma Castle, where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived for 17 years, from age 29 to 45. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, is enshrined as Tosho Daigongen, meaning "Great Gongen, Light of the East". The shrine is one of 48 Toshogu shrines throughout Japan dedicated to Ieyasu's deified spirit. The site also connects to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who visited the location, and the shrine is popularly known as the "Shusse Jinja" or "Shrine of Success" because both warlords achieved their ambitions after their time here.

Visitors can explore the shrine grounds featuring statues of Tokugawa Ieyasu wielding a saihai and a young Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A unique attraction is the heart-shaped lantern, popular for photographs. The grounds include a large old camphor tree with historical connections to Ieyasu. The shrine holds its main festival annually on October 10. Worshippers visit to pray for career advancement, business prosperity, and matchmaking, reflecting Ieyasu's role in unifying Japan and bringing peace.

The shrine is located approximately 5 minutes by bus from Hamamatsu Station or about a 5-minute walk from nearby Hamamatsu Castle. The shrine does not have dedicated parking facilities, so visitors should use the parking lot at Hamamatsu Castle Park. Admission to the shrine is free, making it accessible for all visitors exploring Hamamatsu's historical sites.

What other travelers are saying about Motoshirocho Toshogu

beautiful place

Василий Иванов

Sep 11, 2019

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.

This was originally the site of Hikima Castle (the predecessor of Hamamatsu Castle). Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined here. It is also a place associated with Matsushita Kahei, who was the first to withdraw the Hiyoshimaru, who later became Toyotomi Hideyoshi. There are statues of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the great ruler of Japan, and Hiyoshimaru as a boy. The shrine office was unmanned. It is located very close to Hamamatsu Castle.