Things To Do
in Kakegawa
Kakegawa is a city located in Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan, known for its stunning Kakegawa Castle. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including tea fields and mountains, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Kakegawa is also famous for its green tea production, with many tea plantations offering tours and tastings.
Visitors can also relax in the city's hot springs, sample local delicacies, and explore historical sites such as temples and shrines.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Kakegawa Castle, an iconic landmark showcasing stunning architecture. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the castle park and take photos of the beautiful scenery.
Visit the Kakegawa Kachouen, a lovely garden where you can experience the beauty of flowers and birds. Grab lunch at a nearby café that serves local delicacies.
Enjoy a peaceful evening walk around the picturesque parks near the castle. Savor a delightful dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant.
Begin with a nature walk in Kakegawa's scenic parks, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the lush greenery. Look out for local wildlife as you stroll along the trails.
Head to Aino Park or Kakegawa's Flower Park for lunch and get lost among the seasonal blossoms. Participate in an outdoor activity like cycling or picnicking.
Conclude your day with a sunset view by the lakeside. Enjoy a casual dinner of regional dishes at a family-run eatery.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites such as Kakegawa Castle.
- Beautiful natural surroundings including parks and mountains.
- Good transportation links, including proximity to Shizuoka and Hamamatsu.
- Local cuisine and specialty products, including green tea.
- Family-friendly atmosphere with community events and festivals.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- Fewer job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger urban areas.
- Public transportation might be less frequent than in metropolitan regions.
- Some areas may feel rural and less developed for urban expectations.
Best Activities in Kakegawa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the Kakegawa Kachoen, a bird and flower park, to enjoy various outdoor activities including bird watching, walking through flower gardens, and interacting with small animals.
Explore the grounds of Kakegawa Castle, which offers scenic views of the surrounding areas and provides a peaceful setting for outdoor walks and picnics.
Embark on a hiking adventure in the beautiful Horai Valley, where you can explore scenic trails, lush forests, and serene waterfalls.
Places to Visit in Kakegawa
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the surrounding area and traditional Japanese architecture. Great place for photos.
Features a variety of flowers, greenery, and bird exhibits, providing beautiful settings for photography.
Food in Kakegawa
Kakegawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A luxurious multi-course meal featuring grilled freshwater eel, a local delicacy. It is often served with rice, miso soup, and a selection of small side dishes. Recommended restaurants: Unagi Hirokawa, Unagi no Tomita
Must-Try!
A unique Kakegawa specialty made from pureed fish paste blended with squid ink, which is then molded and steamed. It offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Best found at Kakegawa Kurohanpen Hall and local markets.
A traditional Japanese porridge made with green tea, rice, and salt, offering a comforting and healthy breakfast option. Notable cafes like Chagama Cafe and Chojiya serve this local favorite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An expansive market renowned for its fresh produce, local seafood, and an array of food stalls offering regional delicacies such as Kuro Hanpen and various seafood skewers.
A vibrant street food hub where visitors can savor Oden, a traditional Japanese winter dish featuring assorted ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fishcakes simmered in a flavorful dashi broth.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kakegawa, it is important to show deep respect for others, especially elders and those in positions of authority. Bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect.
Being punctual is highly valued in Kakegawa. It is important to arrive on time for appointments and meetings as a sign of respect for others' time.
When in public spaces in Kakegawa, it is important to maintain a quiet and reserved demeanor. Loud or disruptive behavior is generally discouraged.
Safety
Tipping in Kakegawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Kakegawa. It is generally not expected or required to tip for services in restaurants, hotels, or other establishments.
In Kakegawa, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. While some larger establishments may accept credit cards, it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for transactions in smaller shops, markets, and local eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather.
Expect hot and humid weather, but also the Kakegawa Kachoen (Kakegawa Bird and Flower Park) in full bloom.
Great time to visit for colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures.
Cold weather, but the Kakegawa Kachoen still offers beautiful winter scenery.
Kakegawa at Night
Hiking in Kakegawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park that offers walking trails around the historic Kakegawa Castle, with beautiful views and cherry blossom trees in spring.
An accessible mountain trail ideal for beginners, offering panoramic views of Kakegawa and the surrounding landscapes.
Known for its natural beauty, this hiking spot provides various trails and the opportunity to see local wildlife.
A large park featuring walking paths, gardens, and recreational facilities, great for light hiking and family outings.
Offers hiking trails along the dam with stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains, perfect for a day trip.
Aiports
How to reach Kakegawa by plane.
The primary international airport serving the Nagoya area, located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, approximately 70 kilometers from Kakegawa.
One of the two primary airports serving the Tokyo area, located approximately 200 kilometers from Kakegawa, known for its close proximity to the city.
Another major airport serving the greater Tokyo area, located approximately 230 kilometers from Kakegawa, primarily catering to international flights.
Also known as Komaki Airport, this minor airport is located in Nagoya and serves domestic flights, approximately 65 kilometers from Kakegawa.
An international airport located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, approximately 160 kilometers from Kakegawa, serving as a major gateway to western Japan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic and cultural group in Kakegawa, representing the majority of the city's population.
Includes individuals from various countries, contributing to the multicultural landscape of Kakegawa.
An indigenous people of Japan, present in small numbers, with a distinct culture and heritage.
A historically marginalized group within Japan, though they are ethnically Japanese.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely popular sport in Japan, baseball enjoys a strong following in Kakegawa, with local teams and schools participating in various competitions.
Soccer has gained immense popularity in Kakegawa, with local clubs and schools promoting the sport among youth.
Basketball is actively played in Kakegawa, with several community centers and schools organizing leagues and tournaments.
As a traditional Japanese sport, sumo also has a place in Kakegawa, celebrating its cultural significance through local festivals.
Various forms of martial arts, including Judo and Karate, are practiced by many in Kakegawa, with dedicated dojos and clubs available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kakegawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Kakegawa's traditional cuisine heavily features seafood, many restaurants and cafes in the city provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as tofu-based meals, fresh vegetable tempura, and green tea desserts.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free dining options at select restaurants. Sushi restaurants often offer sashimi and rice-based dishes that are naturally gluten-free, while cafes may provide rice flour-based treats and gluten-free variations of traditional Japanese sweets.