The Battle of Okehazama took place on June 12, 1560, when Oda Nobunaga launched a surprise attack against the much larger army of Imagawa Yoshimoto. Despite being outnumbered approximately ten to one, Nobunaga's forces took advantage of a thunderstorm and difficult terrain to strike Imagawa's camp. Yoshimoto was killed in the attack, and his army was routed. This stunning victory eliminated one of Nobunaga's most powerful rivals and set him on the path to becoming one of Japan's greatest unifiers.
No, admission to Okehazama Battlefield Park is completely free. Visitors can explore the grounds, view the monuments, and walk the historical paths at no cost. However, if there are special events or reenactments during the annual Battle of Okehazama Festival in June, some activities may have separate fees.
Most visitors spend between one to two hours exploring Okehazama Battlefield Park. This allows enough time to walk the main trails, read the informational plaques, visit the key monuments including the stone marker where Imagawa Yoshimoto fell, and view the museum displays. History enthusiasts who want to study the battle in greater detail may wish to allocate additional time.
The park primarily features signage and information in Japanese, but major monuments and key points of interest have some English translations. The level of English support is limited compared to larger tourist attractions, so visitors who don't read Japanese may benefit from researching the battle beforehand or using a translation app to get the full historical context from the detailed plaques.
The park can be visited year-round, but June is particularly popular due to the Battle of Okehazama Festival, which features historical reenactments, period costumes, and special demonstrations commemorating the anniversary of the battle. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for walking the grounds. The park is less crowded on weekdays, providing a more peaceful atmosphere for reflection on the historical significance of the site.
