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.

Shizuoka

Motoshirocho Toshogu

4.1 (900)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestAssociation Or OrganizationEstablishment

Last updated Sep 17, 2026

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.

Website

www.shizuoka-jinjacho.or.jp

Overview

Address

111-2 Motoshirochō, Chūō-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 430-0946, Japan

Website

www.shizuoka-jinjacho.or.jp

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Traveler reviews

beautiful place

Василий Иванов

Sep 11, 2019

This is the Motoshiro-cho Toshogu Shrine (Hikima Castle Ruins) located in Chuo Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Originally, this site was apparently the location of Hikima Castle. And, coincidentally, this place has connections to two great figures who ruled Japan. One is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, currently featured in the historical drama "Toyotomi Brothers." Toyotomi Hideyoshi (then known as Kinoshita Tokichiro), who was born into a farming family, visited this place at the age of 16 and received his chance to become a samurai. The other is Tokugawa Ieyasu. Ieyasu initially had Hikima Castle opened up and entered it, and then apparently oversaw the construction of Hamamatsu Castle. This site is also known as the "Tokugawa Ieyasu Residence Site." The Toshogu Shrine is a small place, but it may hold a very strong power. I encourage you all to take a stroll and visit it along with Hamamatsu Castle.

サル•パラダイス

Jul 13, 2026

I visited Hamamatsu Castle for sightseeing and prayers♪ It's a power spot for career advancement, associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Hideyoshi♡ I don't have such desires anymore (^^;) but ambition is important! I prayed for good health first♪(´ε｀ ) There are about 130 Toshogu shrines throughout Japan. This one is located on the site of Hikuma Castle! It was the castle of Imagawa retainer Inoo Tsurataku, and after his death, the female castle lord Odatsunokata Tsubakihime ignored the Tokugawa's surrender demands and fought to the end until she died in battle... She was related to Ieyasu's wife, Sena-dono, as she was originally the daughter of an Imagawa retainer... She was given a respectful burial m(__)m People in that era had it tough... It seems that you can't get a goshuin (shrine stamp) unless there is a festival, as it is unmanned... I was able to get a Hikuma Castle stamp at the castle stamp office before the approach to the shrine! Take care

万年伍長

Jun 13, 2026

June 12, 2026 I visited because it was within walking distance of Hamamatsu Castle. Motoshirocho Toshogu Shrine is a shrine in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Built on the site of Hikuma Castle, which Ieyasu used as his base before Hamamatsu Castle, it is known as a powerful "power spot for career advancement" due to its connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who later became rulers of Japan. History and Origin of Motoshirocho Toshogu Shrine Hikuma Castle Site: In 1568, Tokugawa Ieyasu attacked and captured Hikuma Castle, a base of the Imagawa clan, and entered the castle. He then expanded the castle grounds and built Hamamatsu Castle, solidifying the foundation for his unification of Japan. Two Rulers: It is famous not only as the place where the young Tokugawa Ieyasu visited, but also as the place where Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the future ruler of Japan, first sought employment. Therefore, it remains popular today as a place that guided two great figures. Founded: Established in 1886 (Meiji 19) on the site of Hikuma Castle by Inoue Enryo and others, the former lord of Hamamatsu Castle. Benefits and Highlights: Prayer for Success and Good Fortune: This is a power spot where you can receive blessings for the success of two great figures, Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Three-Leaf Aoi Crest: The Tokugawa family crest, the "three-leaf hollyhock," can be seen on the doors and roof of the shrine. Historical Monument: Next to the stone torii gate is a stone monument inscribed with "Hikuma Castle Ruins," allowing you to feel the breath of history. Motoshiro-cho Toshogu Shrine is located within walking distance of the current Hamamatsu Castle Park (Hamamatsu Castle).

regal shibas

Jun 14, 2026

This is a very impressive place, known as a site associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, two great figures who unified Japan. Upon entering the grounds, you are greeted by a tranquil shrine building; while not flashy, its historical weight naturally inspires a sense of reverence. Particularly striking are the bronze statues of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, placed side-by-side. Both are depicted in their youth, clearly conveying the story of their rise to power. The explanatory plaques are detailed, and learning that Ieyasu and Hideyoshi shared the same era and place made history feel much more tangible. As indicated on the information board, this is also known as a power spot for career advancement and good fortune, making it understandable why so many people take photos with the statues. The fact that it's not overly commercialized also left a positive impression, allowing for a peaceful visit. The grounds are surrounded by trees, making it a pleasant place to stroll on a sunny day, and enjoyable even for those not particularly interested in history. If you're visiting the area around Hamamatsu Castle, this is a spot you should definitely stop by. I felt it's a place that will leave you feeling positive, especially if you're starting something new or at a significant milestone.