Kakegawa Castle Live Cam

Feudal Origins and Strategic Significance

Perched atop a modest hill in central Shizuoka Prefecture, Kakegawa Castle exemplifies classical Japanese castle architecture with its elegant tenshu (keep) and sprawling defensive baileys. Constructed in 1513 by Asahina Yasutomo during the Sengoku period, the castle served as a pivotal stronghold along the Tōkaidō trade route, controlling movement between the powerful provinces of Mikawa and Suruga. Its location on a natural rise provided commanding views of the surrounding plains, allowing garrison forces to monitor both river traffic along the Ōi River and overland convoys traversing the ancient highway.

Layout and Defensive Design

Kakegawa Castle’s layout follows a concentric design with multiple kuruwa (baileys) ascending the hill. The outer bailey, or Nishinomaru, once housed stables, storehouses, and barracks, while the second bailey, Honmaru, contained the lord’s residence and administrative quarters. Stone walls reinforced with earthen ramparts encircle each bailey, and yagura (watchtowers) punctuate the walls at irregular intervals, creating interlocking fields of fire against potential attackers.

Stonework and Earthen Ramparts

The castle’s ishigaki (masonry) walls demonstrate the nozurazumi style—dry-stacked, uncut boulders carefully selected to fit together without mortar. Earthen ramparts behind the stone façades absorb artillery impact and prevent undermining. This combination of stone and soil exemplifies the Edo-period emphasis on both aesthetic harmony and military resilience.

Transition to Tokugawa Rule and Edo-Period Developments

Following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu confirmed Okabe Motonobu as the new lord of Kakegawa, ushering in decades of stability under the Tokugawa shogunate. The castle underwent substantial renovations to reflect the architectural trends of early Edo period, including the construction of a five-story tenshu in 1621 and expanded defensive moats fed by diverted streams.

Reconstruction of the Tenshu

The original keep, built with crude wooden shingles, was replaced with a tiled roof and lacquered walls typical of high-status hirayama-jō (hilltop castle) keeps. Artisans from Osaka were brought in to apply traditional kintsugi-style gilding to the eaves and ornamental shachihoko (dolphin-shaped ridge-end tiles), symbolizing water protection and the lord’s prestige.

Castle Town and Economic Hub

At the foot of the hill, the castle town (jōkamachi) flourished into a bustling merchant district. Warehouses for rice, tea, and silk lined the narrow streets, while artisans crafted samurai armor and swords. The proximity to the Tōkaidō highway attracted curious travelers and daimyo processions alike, making Kakegawa Castle a nexus of cultural exchange and economic activity.

Meiji Restoration and Decline of the Castle Keep

With the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and the subsequent abolition of the han system, Kakegawa Castle’s military function became obsolete. In 1873, the tenshu was ordered demolished as part of the government’s policy to dismantle feudal symbols. Portions of the stone walls were quarried for railway ballast, and the site slipped into neglect amidst rapid modernization.

Surviving Structures and Early Preservation Efforts

Despite large-scale demolition, several yagura survived the Meiji period, repurposed as granaries and festival stages. Local preservationists recognized the castle’s historical value, leading to the establishment of the Kakegawa Castle Preservation Society in the early 20th century. Through citizen fundraising and municipal support, the remaining turrets and gatehouses underwent stabilization and cosmetic restoration by the 1930s.

Designation as a National Historic Site

In 1951, the Japanese government designated Kakegawa Castle ruins as a National Historic Site (kokuhō), granting legal protection to its remaining structures and surrounding grounds. This status unlocked further funding for archaeological excavation and the preservation of buried features such as the original donjon foundation stones.

Reconstructed Keep and Modern-Day Restoration

Between 1994 and 1996, a full-scale reconstruction of the five-story tenshu was undertaken, employing traditional carpentry methods and sustainably sourced hinoki (Japanese cypress). Modern seismic retrofitting—including hidden steel reinforcements and base-isolation pads—was integrated to ensure the structure meets contemporary earthquake resistance standards while preserving the appearance of authentic Muromachi-period architecture.

Exhibition Spaces and Interactive Displays

The new tenshu houses a museum chronicling Kakegawa Castle history, featuring interactive exhibits on samurai warfare, castle engineering, and daily life in the jōkamachi. Augmented reality stations allow visitors to visualize the castle’s successive stages of construction and destruction. Original artifacts—such as samurai helmets and matchlock firearms—are displayed alongside 3D-printed replicas that guests can handle to understand weight distribution and craftsmanship.

Architectural Authenticity and Craftsmanship

Master carpenters employed kanawatsugi and ariake joinery techniques, crafting complex timber joints without nails. The use of traditional lacquer and natural pigments for interior wall panels adheres to chemical-free preservation standards, safeguarding both the artifacts and visitor health.

Surrounding Attractions and Kakegawa Sightseeing

The environs of Kakegawa Castle offer a rich tapestry of cultural and natural attractions, making it a must-visit destination for Shizuoka tourism enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Kakegawa Kachoen Bird and Flower Park

Just a ten-minute walk from the castle, Kakegawa Kachoen immerses visitors in vast aviaries inhabited by colorful tropical birds and seasonal flower displays. The park’s orchid and bromeliad collections change monthly, attracting “floral photography” aficionados and “birdwatching tours” looking to combine castle exploration with botanical wonders.

Traditional Tea Plantations

Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s leading tea-producing region, and the terraced tea fields surrounding Kakegawa offer insight into centuries-old cultivation techniques. Guided “tea ceremony experiences” allow guests to participate in hand-rolling tea leaves, tasting locally grown sencha and gyokuro varieties. Educational panels explain shading methods like ooishitaeboshi used to enhance umami compounds in premium teas.

Tea Harvest Festivals

In late April, the New Tea Festival celebrates the first flush harvest with farm tours, leaf-picking demonstrations, and tea-pouring contests. Visitors don traditional yukata and forage for wild herbs used in local teas, reinforcing the connection between castle heritage and agricultural traditions.

Seasonal Highlights and Cultural Events at the Castle

Kakegawa Castle’s annual calendar features a vibrant program of events that highlight both historical reenactments and seasonal aesthetics.

Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami)

Late March to early April transforms the castle grounds into a pink canopy of Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. Lantern-lit evening hanami sessions allow guests to stroll the moat-lined pathways, capturing reflections of blooms on the still water. Local tea vendors set up stalls, offering matcha-flavored sweets and sakura-infused sencha to complement the festive atmosphere.

Samurai Reenactment Festival

Every May, costumed performers recreate the Sengoku-era garrison life, with mock archery demonstrations (yabusame) and armor-clad processions through the castle gates. Interactive workshops teach visitors how to don samurai armor (yoroi) and handle replica katana under expert supervision, providing immersive education on “samurai culture” and military etiquette.

Nighttime Illumination Events

In autumn, the castle’s stone walls and tenshu are bathed in LED projections that depict historical scenes—from Asahina clan battles to the Meiji-era demolition. These projections, synchronized to traditional koto music, create an ethereal spectacle that blends history with modern lighting technology.

Access, Visitor Information, and Practical Tips

Reaching Kakegawa Castle is convenient via the JR Tōkaidō Main Line. From Kakegawa Station, it’s a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride to the castle entrance. Accessibility ramps and tactile paving have been installed to accommodate wheelchair users, and multilingual signage in English, Chinese, and Korean guides international travelers through the site.

Operating Hours and Admission Fees

The castle keep museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during spring and autumn illumination events. Admission fees are modest, with discounts for seniors and groups of ten or more. Combination tickets that include entry to the Bird and Flower Park are available at a reduced rate.

Recommended Guided Tours and Audio Guides

Audio guides in four languages provide thematic tours focusing on castle engineering, tea culture, and the role of Kakegawa in national history. Private guided tours can be arranged through the castle office, offering deep dives into archival maps, architectural drawings, and curated samurai artifacts not on general display.

Tip: Arrive at the castle in the early morning during the off-peak season (late November) to witness the interplay of autumn foliage and mist drifting over the moats—an ideal time for serene photography and reflective exploration.

Interesting fact: During the 1990s reconstruction, carpenters discovered that the hill’s original soil contained ancient charcoal deposits, indicating a medieval kiln operation nearby—suggesting that Kakegawa’s strategic importance extended beyond military defense to include early industrial production activities.