Kakegawa Castle

Kakegawa Castle rises above a town that developed along the Tokaido, the historic road linking Edo and Kyoto. Its setting connects the military history of the castle with the movement of travelers through the post town below. The keep was rebuilt in 1994 using timber, giving the interior a different character from the concrete reconstructions found at many other castle sites.

The Ninomaru Palace offers an important counterpoint to the tower. This surviving Edo-period building shows the administrative and residential side of castle life, with rooms arranged for the business of governing rather than for a distant skyline. Visiting both helps separate the symbolic role of a keep from the everyday work conducted within the wider castle.

Allow time for the Ninomaru Tea House as well, where Shizuoka’s tea culture complements the historical visit. The station is within walking distance, but the approach to the keep involves a climb and its interior has steep stairs. Check the individual facilities’ opening information and choose the parts of the grounds that suit your pace.