Things To Do
in Kakegawa

The reconstructed keep and surrounding gardens provide classic castle shots, cherry blossoms in spring and warm colors in autumn; elevated viewpoints capture the city framed by tea fields.

Terraced green tea fields offer sweeping patterns, especially in early morning mist or late-afternoon light—excellent for landscapes and detail shots of harvesting scenes.

Traditional storefronts, small shrines and narrow lanes near the station and preserved samurai quarter give atmospheric street photography opportunities.

River walks and city parks provide calm reflections, seasonal flowers and local life scenes ideal for candid and nature photography.

Small local markets near the station and community centers selling seasonal vegetables, fresh tea leaves, seasonal seafood and homemade snacks—ideal for sampling local specialties.

Occasional weekend stalls and festival vendors sell tea sweets, skewers and local snacks during market days and events at the castle grounds.

A slight bow and polite language are customary; be respectful at shrines, temples and older establishments.

Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, ryokan and traditional spaces—follow host cues and place shoes neatly.

Keep voices low on public transport and in shared spaces; phone calls on trains are discouraged.

Form orderly lines for trains, buses and ticket counters; respect personal space and don’t push.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price—simply say thank you (arigato) and return politely. Some high-end ryokans or tour guides may accept modest gifts or envelopes for exceptional service, but it’s not standard.

Cash (yen) is widely used—convenience stores and small vendors often accept cash only. Major restaurants, hotels and shops near the station accept credit cards; IC transit cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) work for local trains and buses. Use 7-Eleven or post office ATMs for international card withdrawals.

Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms around the castle make spring one of the best times to visit; tea plantations begin pruning and nurseries are busy—expect popular weekends and pleasant walking weather.

Hot and humid with a rainy season (tsuyu) in June and potential typhoons late summer; festivals and fireworks bring evening activity but daytime heat can be intense—carry water and sun protection.

Comfortable temperatures and good visibility with autumn foliage in parks and temple grounds; tea harvests continue into autumn and fields show warm colors—great for outdoor activities and photography.

Winters are mild compared with northern Japan but can be cool and dry; occasional cold snaps occur—fewer tourists, lower prices, and crisp air offering clear views of surrounding hills and sometimes Mt. Fuji on very clear days.

A domestic airport about 40–60 minutes by car from Kakegawa; useful for regional flights and access to western Shizuoka.

Located near Shizuoka city, roughly 60–90 minutes by car or train/bus combinations; offers domestic flights and occasional international routes.

Major international airport serving Nagoya region, about 2–2.5 hours by rail/car; good for many international connections.

One of Tokyo’s main airports with extensive international and domestic flights; reachable by shinkansen and local trains in roughly 2–2.5 hours from Kakegawa.

Like much of regional Japan, Kakegawa has a significant elderly population involved in agriculture, local business and community life.

Many households are connected to tea cultivation and related industries, shaping local culture and seasonal rhythms.

Some residents commute to larger nearby cities for work, and there are family neighborhoods with schools and community facilities.

Tourists and day-trippers from nearby cities come to see the castle, tea farms and local festivals, especially on weekends and during cherry-blossom season.