Miscellaneous

While the goings on in Aichi Prefecture are regularly dominated by the capital, long before the construction of Nagoya Castle, Okazaki was one of the great seats of regional power. Today, just a brief 30-minute train journey from Nagoya, Okazaki is not only a region steeped in remarkable history, but with areas of outstanding natural beauty, delicious local food, and fun spots for all the family, it is also a wonderful place to visit for a day trip. Witness the majesty of Okazaki Castle Located on the Tokaido Road that linked Kyoto with Tokyo, Okazaki was an important city during the Warring States era (1467–1615), and Okazaki Castle was the center of this importance. Built at the behest of  Matsudaira Kiyoyasu after he took control of the area in 1524, the castle was the birthplace of Kiyoyasu’s grandson. This boy would become the ruler of all of Japan, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. As such, all around the castle, you can find points of great historical importance, such as the well from which Ieyasu’s first bath was drawn and numerous statues of the great man, making it a must-see for anyone with interest in samurai history. Though the original castle was demolished…