On my 2018 Japan trip I visited an unexpected town called Kakegawa located in Shizuoka Prefecture. In the meantime I stayed at my friend Roberto Pedraça's house.
During this time in Kakegawa I visited other nearby cities like Hamamatsu, visited several onsens and especially visited 2 outstanding tourist places of Kakegawa city, its castle and Kachoen.
I also visited other places like onsens and a small event that was happening, which if I'm not mistaken was Culture Day (Bunka-no-hi). This event took place near the station.
About Kakegawa City
Kakegawa is very close to Hamamatsu and other cities, so much so that the Kakegawa Kachoen it is also indicated as part of Hamamatsu. The city is also a stopover Shinkansen, so it is easily accessible.
Kakegawa City [掛川市] has a population of around 80,000 and is located in Shizuoka. The city attracts tourists from the country, especially in spring because of Hanami in the castle and Kamo Hanashobuen.
The cities are well connected to each other. You can cross a street and get to Kikugawa or Ogasa. In Kakegawa and nearby cities you will find the following tourist attractions:
- Mt. Awagatake Hike;
- Kurami Onsen;
- Mt. Obi Hike
- Nissaka-Shuku
- Trail from Tokaido to Nissaka to Kanaya;
- Takenomaru;
- Daito Onsen;
- Enshunada Beach;
- Mt Trail. Ogasayama to Ogasaike Pond;
- Former merchants' houses;
- Shimizu House Garden;
- Yokosuka Castle;
- Kamo Hanashobuen Garden;
- Kachoen Park;
- Tsumagoi;
At Kurami Onsen, you can take a walk to visit the statues of hyakukannon along an exciting trail from Mt. In the city there are also trails where ruins are found in the forest.
Kakegawa Kachoen – Kakegawa Bird Park
I made a special video showing scenes and photos from my time in Kakegawa Kachoen. You can watch the video below, then we'll talk a little about the place.
The Kakegawa Kachoen [掛川花鳥園] is a popular bird and flower park in the region. In it you will find a giant greenhouse, exhibitions, lake, swimming pool, an Emas corral, shows, presentations and a restaurant.
Every place is surrounded by flowers, hence the name kachou which is a combination of flowers [花] and birds [鳥]. The place opens at 9 am and has an admission fee that can be considered a bit steep. Sometimes there are free exhibitions.
Most birds in Kakegawa Kachouen are not caged, you can interact with them directly and without being uncomfortable with trapped animals.
There are Bird Shows where they fly very close to you at low altitude giving you a lift and filling you with excitement. Birds like Giant Owls and Harris Hawk take part in this show.
Kakegawa Castle
Kakegawa Castle is one of the few japan castles where the Goten (daimyo's mansion) remains intact. Not to mention that the castle tower remains entirely traditional.
Kakegawa Castle was built in 1487 and is a famous landmark in Tokai. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the castle was demolished by the castle abolition law and was rebuilt in its original form in 1994.
In the region you will also find a beautiful square and a library. During my visit I met with Samurais who allowed me to take a picture. The location is also popular for involving the names of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The castle was built and managed by Asahina Yasuhiro and later by Yamauchi Kazutoyo. The castle passed through various clans and daimyo that ruled the Kakegawa region, ending the generation of the Oota clan.
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