Kakegawa, Japan

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Kakegawa, Japan

Region: Shizuoka

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Geographic Coordinates: 34.768700, 137.998000

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 113954

Language: Japanese

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Kakegawa is a stunning city located in the Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan. It’s situated on the eastern coast of Honshu Island and offers visitors breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. The city has a population of approximately 110, 000 people and covers an area of 185 square kilometers. One of the top attractions in Kakegawa is Kakegawa Castle, Which was constructed in 1513 by Lord Asahina Yasutomo and later taken over by Tokugawa Ieyasu during his campaign to unify Japan. Today, Visitors can tour the castle grounds and enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck.

Another must-see attraction in Kakegawa is the Kakegawa City Museum, Which showcases exhibits that provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Kakegawa from ancient times to modern day. In addition to its historical sites, Kakegawa also boasts beautiful natural scenery. One such location is Oigawa River that runs through the city center. Visitors can take leisurely boat rides along this river while enjoying views of cherry blossoms during springtime or colorful foliage in autumn.

For those interested in traditional Japanese arts and crafts, There are several workshops available where visitors can learn how to make pottery or try their hand at calligraphy. There are also many local festivals held throughout the year that showcase traditional Japanese music and dance performances. Foodies will love exploring all that Kakegawa has to offer when it comes to cuisine! The city is famous for its green tea production so be sure to try some matcha-flavored sweets or tea at one of many teahouses around town!

Other local delicacies include eel dishes (unagi), Rice cake (mochi), Soba noodles made with locally-sourced buckwheat flour (soba) as well as fresh seafood from nearby Pacific Ocean. Overall, Kakegawa is a charming city with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, Nature or food, There’s plenty to explore and enjoy in this beautiful part of Japan.

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1. Kakegawa Castle is a historic castle that was built in the 15th century and reconstructed in the 20th century. It features a museum and beautiful gardens.
2. Kakegawa Kachoen Park is a bird park that houses various species of birds, including parrots, peacocks, and flamingos.
3. Hattasan Soneiji Temple is a Buddhist temple with a large pagoda and beautiful gardens.
4. Shihesido Art House is an art museum featuring works by local artists and includes a tea ceremony room.
5. Tokoha Museum of Art is an art museum with collections of Japanese pottery, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures.
6. Ocha no Sato Tea Museum is dedicated to Japanese tea culture with exhibits on history, production methods, and tasting rooms.
7. Kakegawa City History Museum showcases the history of Kakegawa from ancient times to modern days.
8. Kurami Waterfall is located in the mountains near Kakegawa city center offering scenic views for visitors to enjoy.
9. Rengeji Temple was founded over 800 years ago as Buddhist temple featuring traditional architecture along with its beautiful garden.
10. Okuni Shrine serves as Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto deity known for matchmaking powers among couples who pray there together or alone.

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1. Agriculture
• Tea plantations producing high-quality green tea
2. Manufacturing
• Companies producing machinery, electronic components, and automotive parts
3. Tourism
• Popular attractions like Kakegawa Castle and nearby hot springs
4. Education
• Several universities and colleges attracting students from all over Japan
5. Healthcare
• Several hospitals and clinics available to residents and visitors
6. Retail
• Stores selling clothing, electronics, and household goods
• Traditional Japanese confectionery known as wagashi

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1. The Battle of Kakegawa (1569) – This battle was fought between the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Imagawa Yoshimoto during the Sengoku period.
2. Matsudaira Sadanobu (1758-1829) – A prominent statesman in the Edo period who served as a chief advisor to shogun Tokugawa Ienari.
3. Kakegawa Castle – A castle built in 1504 by Asahina Yasuhiro which played an important role during the Battle of Sekigahara.
4. Hikosan Shrine – A Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Hikohohodemi-no-mikoto, which is said to have been founded in 709 AD.
5. The Kakegawa Incident (1860) – An incident where a group of samurai from Satsuma Domain attacked British sailors and officers who were visiting Kakegawa.
6. Yamanouchi Toyonaga (1855-1935) – A politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives for over 30 years and was instrumental in promoting education reform.
7. The Great Kanto Earthquake (1923) – Although not directly related to Kakegawa, this earthquake had a significant impact on the region including damage to buildings and infrastructure.
8. Tatsuo Miyajima (born 1957) – An internationally renowned contemporary artist known for his use of LED lights in his installations, who grew up in Kakegawa city.

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1. Kakegawa Castle is a historic castle that dates back to the 15th century. It features a museum and beautiful gardens.
2. The Kakegawa Ninomaru Palace is a restored palace located within the castle grounds. Visitors can learn about the lifestyle of feudal lords during the Edo period.
3. The Shihesido Art House is an art center that showcases contemporary art exhibitions in a traditional Japanese house setting.
4. The Kakegawa City Museum of Art is a museum that displays modern and contemporary Japanese art, including works by local artists.
5. Oya Temple is a Buddhist temple with stunning gardens and a large statue of Buddha.
6. Hattasan Soneiji Temple is located on a hilltop overlooking Kakegawa, offering serene surroundings and breathtaking views.
7. The Tokoha Museum of Art features works by European masters such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso alongside Japanese artists.
8. Nihondaira Zoo & Botanical Garden boasts over 100 species of animals and plants native to Japan within its zoo and botanical garden areas.
9. Yokosuka Memorial Museum pays tribute to Admiral Togo Heihachiro, who led Japan’s navy during World War I through various exhibits displayed within its walls.
10. The Okuni Shrine stands as one of Japan’s oldest shrines dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto -a deity associated with love and marriage- attracting visitors from all around the world every year for its unique cultural significance.

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1. Azul Claro Numazu – This professional football club was established in 2008 and is situated in Numazu, which is an adjacent city to Kakegawa. They currently participate in the J3 League, which is the third level of Japanese football.
2. Kakegawa High School Baseball Team – The baseball team of Kakegawa High School has an extensive history and has produced numerous prominent players over the years. They have won multiple national championships and are recognized for their exceptional pitching skills.
3. Tokoha University Soccer Club – The soccer club of Tokoha University operates from Hamamatsu (which is near Kakegawa) but enlists many students from Kakegawa as members. They compete at the highest level of university soccer leagues and have won several championships.
4. Shizuoka Sangyo University Basketball Club – The basketball club of Shizuoka Sangyo University also operates outside Kakegawa but enjoys a large following from the city due to its proximity. They compete at the highest level of university basketball leagues and have been one of the top teams in recent years.
5. JR Tokai F.C – This amateur football club was formed by employees of JR Central (the railway company that runs trains through Kakegawa) back in 1987. They currently participate in local leagues but have achieved success at national tournaments for amateur clubs.

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1. Kakegawa Castle Sakura Festival: This festival occurs in early April when the cherry blossoms are at their peak. Visitors can enjoy the stunning sight of pink petals surrounding the castle.
2. Kakegawa Summer Festival: Held in August, this event features traditional Japanese dance performances, food stalls, and fireworks.
3. Chrysanthemum Festival: This festival takes place in November and showcases various chrysanthemum displays throughout the city.
4. Kakegawa Tea Festival: Celebrated in October, this festival honors the city’s rich tea culture with tea ceremonies, tastings, and other related events.
5. Shizutani School Autumn Festival: This is a traditional event held at Shizutani School which was established over 300 years ago during Edo period where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture such as archery and tea ceremony.
6. Kakegawa International Birdwatching Fair: An annual event that takes place every November where bird lovers from all over Japan come to observe migratory birds that stopover at Kakegawa on their way south for wintering season.

Note: Some of these events may be subject to change or cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances.

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• Kakegawa Tea: The city is known for its high-quality green tea, which can be enjoyed at local tea houses and cafes.
• Unagi (eel): Kakegawa is also famous for its grilled eel dishes, which can be found at restaurants like Unagi no Seiromushiya.
• Soba noodles: Soba noodles made from buckwheat flour are a popular dish in Kakegawa, with several soba restaurants to choose from such as Hirasawa Soba.
• Shizuoka Oden: A traditional Japanese winter hotpot dish made with various ingredients such as daikon radish, boiled eggs, fish cakes and konjac jelly served in a light broth. Try it at Oden Yatai Jiro or Oden Kanbei.
• Kaiseki cuisine: This multi-course meal features seasonal ingredients and is often served at high-end ryokans like the Hoshino Resorts Kai Enshu or Chofu Garden Ryokan.
• Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ): Popular yakiniku restaurants include Gyu-Kaku and Hanamasa where you can grill your own meat right at your table.
• Izakayas: These casual Japanese pubs serve small plates of food that pair well with drinks like sake or beer; try Izakaya Ichiban for a wide selection of dishes.
• Ramen noodle shops: Ramen lovers should visit Ippudo Ramen or Menya Musashi for their delicious bowls of ramen noodles topped with pork belly slices.

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1. Kakegawa Castle Park: This park is located around the ruins of Kakegawa Castle and offers a beautiful view of the city. It has walking trails, cherry blossom trees, and a tea house.
2. Oigawa Railway: This railway runs through the scenic countryside of Shizuoka Prefecture and offers train rides for tourists.
3. Hattasan Soneiji Temple: This temple is located on top of a mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It also has hiking trails for visitors to explore.
4. Kakegawa City Cultural Hall: This cultural hall hosts various events such as concerts, plays, and exhibitions throughout the year.
5. Kakegawa Zoo: This zoo has over 100 species of animals including lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and birds.
6. Lake Hamana: This lake is one of Japan’s largest lakes and offers fishing opportunities as well as boat tours.
7. Tokoha Museum of Art: This museum houses an extensive collection of Japanese art from ancient times to modern day.
8. Kokokuji Temple: This temple was built in 1334 and features beautiful gardens with ponds filled with koi fish.
9. Kachoen Garden Park: This park features a bird sanctuary where visitors can see various species including peacocks, pheasants, etc.
10. Kameyama Shrine: This shrine features gorgeous architecture surrounded by nature which makes it perfect for photography enthusiasts.

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