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Kakegawa

Kakegawa, Shizuoka, Japan

Escape to Kakegawa: Where History Meets Natural Beauty Nestled between majestic Mount Fuji and the sparkling Pacific Ocean lies Kakegawa, a hidden gem in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. More than just a stop on the way to so…

#Kakegawa#Shizuoka#Japan#castle#tea industry

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kakegawa.

Top Hotels in Kakegawa

Top Flights to Kakegawa

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kakegawa.

Tours

Kakegawa Castle Exploration

Visit the historic Kakegawa Castle, a beautiful reconstructed castle offering panoramic views of the city.

Kamo Hanashobuen

A beautiful park known for its irises and traditional Japanese gardens.

Shopping

Kakegawa Nishikawa Shopping Street

Stroll through the vibrant shopping street and explore a variety of local shops and dining options.

Outdoor

Kakegawa Kachoen

An indoor bird and flower park featuring various exotic birds and seasonal flowers.

Tsumagoi Resort Sainosato Spa and Onsen

Spend a relaxing day at the Tsumagoi Resort and enjoy the hot spring baths.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Kakegawa.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Kakegawa, Shizuoka, Japan is around 0.1 million.

Languages

Japanese, Japanese

Average weather

Kakegawa

Jan

10°2°

Feb

11°2°

Mar

14°5°

Apr

19°10°

May

23°14°

Jun

25°18°

Jul

29°22°

Aug

31°24°

Sep

27°21°

Oct

22°15°

Nov

17°9°

Dec

12°4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kakegawa.

What people love

Kakegawa, located in Shizuoka, Japan, offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern attractions. Here are some pros of traveling to Kakegawa:

Kakegawa Castle: The iconic Kakegawa Castle is a major highlight of the city. Visitors can explore the well-preserved castle grounds, enjoy panoramic views from the top of the main keep, and learn about the history of the region.
Kakegawa Kacho-en: This beautiful landscape garden is known for its stunning seasonal flowers and traditional tea houses. Visitors can stroll through the serene garden, participate in tea ceremonies, and relax in the tranquil surroundings.
Kakegawa Kachoen Park: This park is a popular destination for families and nature lovers. It features a variety of attractions, including bird shows, a petting zoo, and flower displays. Visitors can interact with animals, enjoy outdoor activities, and attend entertaining performances.
Green tea culture: Kakegawa is renowned for its green tea production, and visitors can immerse themselves in the local tea culture. They can visit tea plantations, participate in tea tasting sessions, and purchase high-quality green tea products to take home.
Hot springs: Kakegawa is home to several natural hot springs, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate in mineral-rich waters. Many hotels and ryokans offer onsen facilities, allowing guests to experience traditional Japanese bathing customs.

Overall, traveling to Kakegawa offers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation opportunities, making it a great destination for a memorable trip in Japan.

What to know

Some of the potential cons of traveling to Kakegawa, Shizuoka, Japan, could include:

Limited public transportation options: Kakegawa may not have as extensive public transportation networks as larger cities in Japan, which could make it more challenging to get around without a car.
Limited English language support: As a smaller city, Kakegawa may have fewer English speakers than major tourist destinations in Japan, which could make communication more difficult for English-speaking travelers.
Limited tourist attractions: While Kakegawa is known for its beautiful Kakegawa Castle and Kakegawa Kachoen Bird Park, there may be fewer tourist attractions compared to other popular destinations in Japan.
Limited dining options for international cuisine: Kakegawa may have fewer international dining options compared to major cities in Japan, so travelers with specific dietary preferences or restrictions may have limited choices.
Seasonal weather challenges: Shizuoka Prefecture, where Kakegawa is located, can experience hot and humid summers, which may not be ideal for all travelers.

Please note that these potential cons are based on general observations and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always a good idea to research further and consider your own preferences and needs before making travel plans.

Kakegawa is a city located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Its history is rich and spans several centuries, marked by significant events and landmarks.

Early History

Kakegawa's history is closely tied to its strategic location in the Tōkaidō, an important route connecting Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period. The area around Kakegawa was historically known for its fertile land, which contributed to its development as an agricultural region.

Edo Period

One of the most significant developments in Kakegawa's history was the construction of Kakegawa Castle. The castle was originally built in 1513 by Imagawa Yoshitada. However, it gained prominence when it was reconstructed by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a daimyō who served under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle became an important stronghold in the region.

Yamauchi Kazutoyo is a notable historical figure associated with Kakegawa. He was known for his loyalty and strategic acumen, which helped the Tokugawa shogunate consolidate power. The story of Kazutoyo and his wife, Chiyo, is well-known in Japanese culture, symbolizing loyalty and dedication.

Meiji Restoration and Modern Period

Following the Meiji Restoration, Kakegawa, like many other feudal domains, underwent significant changes. The abolition of the han system and the establishment of modern municipalities led to the formation of Kakegawa Town in 1889.

Kakegawa continued to grow and was elevated to city status in 1954. The post-war period saw further development, with the expansion of infrastructure and industry.

Recent History

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Kakegawa has focused on cultural and economic development. It has become known for its tea production, with the region producing some of the finest green tea in Japan. The city has also invested in cultural tourism, emphasizing its historical sites and natural beauty.

Important Landmarks

Kakegawa Castle: This is the city's most famous landmark. The main keep has been reconstructed, and the castle grounds are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the city's samurai past.
Kakegawa Kachoen: A popular bird park and garden, known for its diverse collection of birds and beautiful floral displays.
Shiseido Art House: Located near the Shiseido factory in Kakegawa, this art gallery showcases a wide range of artworks and is a cultural hub in the city.

Cultural Significance

Kakegawa hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its history, culture, and agricultural heritage. The Kakegawa Tea Festival is particularly significant, highlighting the city's status as a leading producer of green tea.

In summary, Kakegawa's history is marked by its strategic location on the Tōkaidō, its historical castle, and its development as an agricultural and cultural center in modern Japan.