Kakegawa Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Kakegawa

Kakegawa is a city situated along the coastal plains of southwestern Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. Extending south to the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the municipality occupies an area of roughly 265.69 square kilometers. It lies in close proximity to neighboring communities such as Fukuroi, Kikugawa, Mori, Omaezaki, and Shimada.

The location has served as a trade and commercial center since the Kamakura era, later evolving into a castle town established under the Imagawa family. During the Edo period, the surrounding region flourished along the historical Tōkaidō highway, which connected Kyoto and Edo. Travelers moved through local post stations like Kakegawa-juku and Nissaka-shuku. The area was integrated into Shizuoka Prefecture in the late nineteenth century and expanded through the annexation of surrounding towns and villages over subsequent decades.

Kakegawa experiences a climate of hot, wet summers and comparatively mild winters. The warmest weather occurs in August, while January brings the coolest temperatures. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with September experiencing the highest precipitation overall. Demographically, the city has experienced population growth over the past half-century. Alongside its predominantly Japanese populace, the city hosts a notable South American Nikkei community, resulting in public signage frequently appearing in Portuguese.

Agriculture and light manufacturing form the basis of the local economy. Kakegawa is particularly recognized for its cultivation and processing of high-quality green tea, and the countryside around the city is lined with green tea fields. Additional regional agricultural products include tomatoes, strawberries, cantaloupe, and roses. Industrial output includes the production of electronic equipment, cosmetics, auto parts, and musical instruments.

Visitors to the area can explore several historical sites and cultural points of interest. Kakegawa Castle stands near the main train station, while the Takatenjin Castle ruins, Yokosuka Castle, and the Wadaoka Kofun group are recognized national historic sites. Additional regional landmarks include the Kotonomama Hachiman-gu shrine and the bird and plant displays at Kakegawa Kacho-en. Kakegawa is well-connected by transport links, including the Tōkaidō Shinkansen and Tōkaidō Main Line railways, the Tenryū Hamanako Line, National Route 1, National Route 150, and major highways like the Tōmei Expressway.