Kakegawa Castle
Kakegawa Castle: A rare, authentically rebuilt wooden keep and original Edo-era palace offering a genuine glimpse into samurai history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Kakegawa Castle
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kakegawa Castle: A rare, authentically rebuilt wooden keep and original Edo-era palace offering a genuine glimpse into samurai history.
"Surprisingly interesting, especially the original palace – well worth going here if you're in the vicinity. "
🎯 Combo Ticket Value
Get the combo ticket for access to old buildings, matcha, and sweets – a memorable experience! :ticket:
👟 Be Ready for Stairs
The castle keep and grounds involve stairs, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ni-no-Maru Palace
Adjacent to the castle keep
Step back in time in this original palace, with tatami rooms offering a true feel of feudal lord life.
Castle Keep Views
Top of the castle tower
Ascend the keep for breathtaking panoramic views of Kakegawa city and the surrounding Shizuoka landscape.
Castle Gardens & Tea House
Grounds near the keep
Enjoy a serene moment in the well-kept gardens, perhaps with matcha and sweets at the quaint tea house.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Authentic Reconstruction & Original Palace
Accessibility & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combo Ticket Value
Get the combo ticket for access to old buildings, matcha, and sweets – a memorable experience! :ticket:
👟 Be Ready for Stairs
The castle keep and grounds involve stairs, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Use Google Translate
Explanations are in Japanese; Google Translate is helpful for understanding historical details. :iphone:
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Kakegawa Castle is stunning in spring with cherry blossoms and autumn with vibrant foliage. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combo Ticket Value
Get the combo ticket for access to old buildings, matcha, and sweets – a memorable experience! :ticket:
👟 Be Ready for Stairs
The castle keep and grounds involve stairs, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Use Google Translate
Explanations are in Japanese; Google Translate is helpful for understanding historical details. :iphone:
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Kakegawa Castle is stunning in spring with cherry blossoms and autumn with vibrant foliage.
🚶♀️ Easy Station Access
Just a 10-minute walk from Kakegawa Station, making it a convenient stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kakegawa Castle is praised for its authentic wooden reconstruction and the rare original Ni-no-Maru Palace, offering a genuine historical experience. Visitors appreciate the stunning views from the keep and the peaceful gardens, with many finding it a worthwhile and affordable stop. Some note that explanations are primarily in Japanese, requiring translation tools for full understanding.
"Kakegawa Castle is a wonderfully restored historic site in Shizuoka that offers a rich and peaceful look into Japan’s samurai-era past. The main castle keep has been authentically rebuilt using traditional wooden construction techniques, giving it a distinct charm compared to the more modern reconstructions found elsewhere. Climbing to the top rewards you with sweeping views of Kakegawa city and the surrounding landscape.
One of the highlights is the preserved Ni-no-Maru Palace next to the keep. This original structure lets you walk through tatami-floored rooms once used by the feudal lords, making it easy to imagine life during the Edo period. There’s also a small garden and tea house nearby where you can enjoy a quiet moment with matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets).
It’s only about a 10-minute walk from Kakegawa Station, and signage around the site is helpful even if you don’t speak Japanese. The entry fee is very reasonable, and the entire grounds are well-maintained.
Whether you’re into Japanese history or just want a beautiful and calm place to explore, Kakegawa Castle is definitely worth a visit."
Crumpled Nomad
"Get the combo ticket for a fun step back in time when visiting the castle. It includes access to the old buildings plus matcha tea and sweets. A really memorable experience!"
Nunan Ha
"Didn't see all of the grounds or museum but the garden and castle were really nice. Be ready for the stairs up to as well as inside the castle."
Shawnda Kumro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kakegawa Castle is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Kakegawa Station. Follow the signs, and you'll easily find your way to the castle grounds.
Yes, Kakegawa Castle is easily accessible by public transport. Kakegawa Station is a major stop on the JR Tokaido Line, and the castle is a short walk from there.
While there might be parking options nearby, walking from Kakegawa Station is highly recommended for ease of access and to enjoy the surrounding area.
Kakegawa is on the main JR Tokaido Line, making it a convenient stop between Tokyo and Kyoto. You can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kakegawa Station.
The castle is situated within Kakegawa city, offering local shops and eateries. The gardens themselves are a significant attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kakegawa Castle grounds are generally open year-round. The castle keep and Ni-no-Maru Palace have specific operating hours, which are usually from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most current information.
Entry to Kakegawa Castle is very reasonable. A combo ticket is available which includes access to the castle keep, the Ni-no-Maru Palace, and often includes matcha tea and sweets, offering great value.
Tickets can typically be purchased on-site at Kakegawa Castle. Advance booking is usually not necessary unless you are part of a large group.
Yes, a combo ticket is highly recommended as it provides access to the main castle keep and the original Ni-no-Maru Palace, often bundled with a tea experience.
Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but the standard entry fee is already very affordable, especially with the combo ticket offering.
📸 📸 Photography
The view from the top of the castle tower offers panoramic shots of the city. The Ni-no-Maru Palace and the surrounding gardens also provide beautiful, historic backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed inside the castle keep and the Ni-no-Maru Palace, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain areas.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds. The castle is also illuminated during special events.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the grounds and details within the palace. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at historical sites like Kakegawa Castle to preserve the integrity of the structures and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Explore the authentically rebuilt castle keep, walk through the original Ni-no-Maru Palace, enjoy the serene gardens, and visit the tea house for a traditional experience.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the castle grounds and imagining life in samurai times. The stairs might require supervision for very young children.
A typical visit to Kakegawa Castle, including the keep, palace, and gardens, can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. You might spend longer if you linger in the tea house or explore thoroughly.
Yes, restrooms and other basic facilities are available on the castle grounds for visitor convenience.
Kakegawa Castle was rebuilt using traditional wooden construction techniques, making it the first castle in Japan to be reconstructed in this authentic manner. The Ni-no-Maru Palace is an original structure from the Edo period.
🍽️ 🍵 Food & Dining
Yes, there is a charming tea house near the castle keep where you can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi).
The tea house typically serves matcha (green tea) and wagashi (Japanese sweets), offering a peaceful break during your visit.
There are no full-service restaurants within the castle grounds. However, the tea house offers light refreshments. You'll find more dining options in Kakegawa city near the station.
Picnicking is generally not encouraged within the main castle structures or formal gardens. It's best to enjoy meals in designated areas outside the immediate castle site or in the city.
Kakegawa is known for its green tea. You can find local tea shops and restaurants in the city offering dishes that incorporate or are paired with green tea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The castle grounds are also a pleasant place for kids to run around and burn off energy. Consider purchasing the combo ticket which includes a traditional tea and sweets experience. This can be a delightful treat for both kids and adults, adding a memorable cultural element to your visit. The short walk from the station also makes it an accessible outing for families.
🚶♂️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Take your time to explore the palace rooms and the castle tower, and utilize translation apps to understand the Japanese explanations if needed.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Don't miss the gardens, which are particularly stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and with the vibrant foliage in autumn.
+1 The castle itself, with its traditional design, makes for striking photos. Consider visiting during special illumination events for unique nighttime shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Reconstruction of Kakegawa Castle
The castle's history is rich, dating back to the Sengoku period. It was later reconstructed during the Edo period by Honda Tadakatsu, a prominent retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu. While the castle has faced destruction and rebuilding over centuries, its recent reconstruction is particularly noteworthy for its adherence to historical methods. This dedication to authenticity is a key reason why Kakegawa Castle is considered a valuable historical site.
Visitors often express appreciation for this faithful reconstruction, noting how it provides a more genuine feel compared to other castles. The use of wood and traditional joinery is evident, offering a tangible connection to Japan's past.
Exploring the Ni-no-Maru Palace
The palace provides an intimate look at the living quarters and administrative spaces of the castle's former inhabitants. The simplicity and elegance of the design, combined with the natural materials, create a serene atmosphere. It’s a stark contrast to the imposing exterior of the castle keep and offers a different perspective on the castle's function and the lives of those who resided there.
Many visitors find the Ni-no-Maru Palace to be surprisingly interesting and a key reason to visit Kakegawa Castle, especially when compared to castles that lack such original associated structures. The ability to step directly into these historical rooms is a powerful experience.
Seasonal Beauty and Events
+1Autumn brings a different kind of splendor with vibrant fall foliage. The changing leaves paint the surrounding hills and gardens in hues of red, orange, and yellow, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoying a cup of tea in the garden while surrounded by these colors is a popular activity.
Beyond the natural seasonal beauty, Kakegawa Castle also participates in special events. For instance, it has been illuminated in blue and yellow to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day, showcasing its role in community events and its willingness to engage with important causes.
These events can add an extra layer of interest to a visit. 
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