Toyohashi Park is located on the outskirts
of the urban sprawl, surrounded by large old
trees, and the residents of the area enjoy
the sound of wild birds singing in the park.
The remains of Yoshida Castle can be found
within the park grounds, together with cultural
buildings, such as the Toyohashi City Art
Museum and Sannomaru Kaikan, where one can
enjoy a quiet green tea at the teahouse. Various
sporting facilities are available, such as
tennis and baseball grounds, as well as a
martial arts hall, and walking paths have
been set out alongside the Toyogawa River
running behind the park. While the park was
the grounds for the Yoshida Castle in the
Edo period, the area was used as the barracks
for the 18th Division of the Japanese Imperial
Army during the Meiji period. A gate and sentry
box remain in the park to serve as a reminder
of those days.
Yoshida Castle was originally named Imahashi
Castle and constructed by Kohaku Makino, the
lord of the Imagawa clan, before being renamed
Yoshida Castle after a harsh defeat in the
Sengoku period. Terumasa Ikeda served as the
castle lord during the early Edo period, maintaining
upkeep of the castle until recent times. The
main keep was set in the center of the castle
to the backdrop of Toyogawa River and surrounded
by an outer wall. A further outer wall was
arranged in the shape of a semi-circle. A
large inner moat can still be seen near the
castle remains, while the moss-covered stonewall
near the reconstructed main keep add a touch
of nostalgia. A close look at the wall reveals
carvings, which are said to be inscribed by
the lord who constructed the castle.
[Facilities in the
Park]
Sannomaru Kaikan:
Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm Tea Ceremony:
12:00pm to 4:00pm. Holidays: Mondays
Toyohashi City Art Museum:
Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Holidays: Mondays |
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