Kakegawa Castle

Kakegawa Castle is a castle whose main tower was reconstructed as Japan’s first “authentic wooden keep.” Its origins trace back to the Muromachi period, when the Imagawa clan had their retainer the Asahina clan build it as part of their expansion into Totomi. During the Sengoku period, Yamauchi Kazutoyo became lord and carried out large-scale renovations, building the first castle keep. He also influenced Kakegawa’s development through castle-town planning and flood-control works on the Oi River. In the late Edo period, a major earthquake badly damaged the castle, and it later became abandoned. The palace (goten) that was rebuilt after the earthquake continued to be used and is now an Important Cultural Property—one of only four surviving castle palaces in Japan. The keep was rebuilt in 1994 through strong local efforts, restoring this beautiful “famous castle of Tokai” to the cityscape. Within Kakegawa Castle Park, you can also visit facilities such as Ninomaru Tea House (matcha and sweets), the Ninomaru Art Museum, and a stained-glass museum. In spring, about 130 cherry trees bloom and delight visitors. The castle is also easily visible from Shinkansen windows. Access: about a 7-minute walk straight north from JR “Kakegawa” Station.