Kakegawa Castle

Overview

Kakegawa Castle is a hilltop castle built on the 93-meter-high Kakegawa mountain in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Also known as a "yamajiro" (mountain castle), its castle keep is a rare surviving example and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is said to have been built in 1482 by Ota Shigekiyo, a senior retainer of Ota Dokan. Later, Honda Tadakatsu, a senior retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, became the castle lord, and during the Edo period, Kakegawa flourished as a tenryo (directly ruled territory). In addition to the castle keep, Kakegawa Castle boasts a beautiful garden and a historical museum where you can learn about the lives and history of the people of that era. The garden is filled with flowers blooming in every season, offering a delightful stroll. The historical museum displays materials related to the history of Kakegawa Castle and its lords, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived there. Kakegawa Castle is a recommended sightseeing spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike. The view from the castle keep is magnificent, offering a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay on a clear day. The castle town also retains many historical buildings, making it well worth exploring. Be sure to take a stroll through the castle town when you visit Kakegawa Castle.