On my trip to Japan in 2018, I visited an unexpected city called Kakegawa located in Shizuoka Prefecture. During this time, I stayed at my friend Roberto Pedraça’s house.
During my time in Kakegawa, I visited other nearby cities like Hamamatsu, visited several onsens, and especially visited 2 prominent tourist spots in the city of Kakegawa, its castle and the 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.
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About the City of Kakegawa
Kakegawa is very close to Hamamatsu and other cities, so much so that the Kakegawa Kachoen is also indicated as part of Hamamatsu. The city is also a stop for Shinkansen, making it easily accessible.
The city of Kakegawa [掛川市] has a population of about 80,000 inhabitants and is located in Shizuoka. The city attracts tourists from the country, especially in spring due to the Hanami at the castle and the Kamo Hanashobuen.
The cities are well connected to each other. You can cross a street and reach Kikugawa or Ogasa. In Kakegawa and the nearby cities, you can find the following tourist attractions:
- Mt. Awagatake Hike;
- Kurami Onsen;
- Mt. Obi Hike
- Nissaka-Shuku
- Tokaido Trail to Nissaka to Kanaya;
- Takenomaru;
- Daito Onsen;
- Enshunada Beach;
- Mt. Ogasayama Trail to Ogasaike Pond;
- Houses of ancient merchants;
- Shimizu House Garden;
- Yokosuka Castle;
- Kamo Hanashobuen Garden;
- Kachoen Park;
- Tsumagoi;
At Kurami Onsen, you can take a walk to visit the hyakukannon statues along an exciting trail of the mountain. In the city, there are also trails where you can find ruins in the forest.
Kakegawa Kachoen – Kakegawa Bird Park
I made a special video showing scenes and photos from my time at Kakegawa Kachoen. You can watch the video below, and then we will talk a little about the place.
The Kakegawa Kachoen [掛川花鳥園] is a very popular bird and flower park in the region. Here you will find a giant greenhouse, exhibitions, a lake, a pool, an emu pen, shows, presentations, and a restaurant.
Everywhere is surrounded by flowers, hence the name kachou, which is the combination of flowers [花] and birds [鳥]. The place opens at 9 in the morning and has an admission fee that can be considered a bit steep. Sometimes there are free exhibitions.
Most of the birds in Kakegawa Kachouen are not caged; you can interact with them directly without feeling uncomfortable with trapped animals.
There are Bird Shows where they fly very close to you at low altitude, giving you a thrill and filling you with excitement. Birds like giant owls and Harris Hawks participate in this show.
Kakegawa Castle
Kakegawa Castle is one of the few castles in Japan where the Goten (daimyo mansion) remains intact. Not to mention that the castle tower remains entirely built in a traditional manner.
Kakegawa Castle was built in 1487 and is a famous point in Tokai. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the castle was demolished by the castle abolition law and was reconstructed in its original form in 1994.
In the area, you can also find a beautiful square and a library. During my visit, I encountered samurais who allowed me to take a photo. The place is also popular as it involves the names of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The castle was built and managed by Asahina Yasuhiro and later by Yamauchi Kazutoyo. The castle went through several clans and daimyo who ruled the Kakegawa region, ending with the Oota clan’s generation.
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