Why You’ll Love Kakegawa｜A Relaxing Day of Beer, Castles & Matcha in Japan

How to Get to Kakegawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen

On a sunny autumn day, I took the Shinkansen Kodama from Tokyo to Kakegawa, a small castle town in Shizuoka Prefecture. The ride took about an hour and a half — just the right length to enjoy a train bento (ekiben) while watching the scenery flash by.

If you love exploring Japan’s regional food culture, check out our article on Shokado Bento vs Makunouchi Bento to learn the difference between these two classic Japanese lunchboxes.

Kakegawa is a stop only for the Kodama line, so make sure to check your train schedule before you go!

An Unexpected Find: Kakegawa Craft Beer Festival

Stepping out of the station, I stumbled upon the Kakegawa Craft Beer Festival — a lucky coincidence! The two-day event was hosted by local brewery Kakegawa Beer, featuring seven breweries from all over Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Miyazaki in the south.

The lively venue had tables set up outdoors, with food stalls offering perfect beer pairings like galettes, burgers, and Yodare-dori (spicy chicken with sesame dressing). I went for the Kakegawa Beer tasting set, which included four kinds: a refreshing yuzu ale, a hoppy IPA, a citrusy lime-like beer, and a surprisingly light black ale. I paired them with menma(seasoned bamboo shoots) — an unexpectedly perfect match.

If you’re into Japanese alcohol culture or want to explore local craft brews, don’t miss our Sake Perfect Guide. And if you miss the festival, Kakegawa Beer’s taproom nearby is open year-round.

If you are interested in sake and craft beer culture in various regions of Japan, please also check out our Sake Perfect Guide.

Local Food Stops: Kakegawa Croquette & Matcha Ice Cream

Just a few minutes’ walk from Kakegawa Castle, I found Kodawari-ppa, a cozy shop known for local specialties. Their famous Kakegawa Croquette was delicious — simple, soft potato filling with a distinct homemade flavor. The shop also sells a wide variety of souvenirs, and the restrooms were clean and modern, which is always a plus when traveling.

I also tried their Matcha & Chestnut Mix Ice Cream, which perfectly reflected Kakegawa’s reputation as a tea- and chestnut-producing region. The blend of rich matcha bitterness and sweet chestnut made for a memorable treat.

If you would like to learn more about matcha culture, read our Types of Japanese Tea for a better understanding.

Exploring Kakegawa Castle and the Old Town

Kakegawa Castle’s elegant white wooden tower gleamed against the blue sky. You can enter the main keep, Ninomaru Tea House, Kakegawa Castle Palace, and Takenomaru, each requiring separate admission tickets. Strolling the outer grounds is free, and even that offers great photo spots with a calm, nostalgic atmosphere.

The castle area and surrounding streets are beautifully preserved, with matching colors and textures that evoke the Edo period. If you have more time, you can also visit nearby attractions like the Stained Glass Museum, Ninomaru Museum, and Dai Nippon Hotokusha, all within walking distance.
If you enjoy visiting castle towns, you may also like our Matsuyama Travel Blog for another historical city experience.

For those who want to know about other castle towns, please visit the Matsuyama Travel Blog.

Tasting Shizuoka Oden at a Retro Candy Shop

As I wandered the town, I found an old-fashioned dagashi (candy) shop with a pot of Shizuoka Oden simmering inside. You pick skewered items, and the friendly shop owner sprinkles them with dashi powder and aonori (seaweed flakes) — “Do you want some okona?” she asked, using the local word for the topping.

The menu was handwritten, and you could either choose your own items or let the owner recommend a few. When I tried to order daikon radish, she laughed, “We don’t have daikon here!” Apparently, traditional Shizuoka oden doesn’t include it. It was a fun cultural surprise.
Instead, I tried the black hanpen, a dark gray fish cake made from sardines — simple but full of flavor, soaked with savory broth. Chatting with the shop owner turned out to be one of those warm, local encounters that make travel so special.

Matcha Café near Kakegawa Station

The main gate of Kakegawa Castle is another magnificent attraction. The imposing gate is a symbol of the city and still welcomes tourists and locals.

Before heading home, I stopped at a matcha café near Kakegawa Station. When you order, the staff prepares each cup right in front of you — a little performance in itself. The matcha latte was wonderfully aromatic and smooth, and they also offered sweets like matcha dorayaki and light snacks. The second-floor seating area was bright and spacious, perfect for relaxing after a day of walking.

Enjoying freshly whisked tea in the town known for its green tea felt like the ideal way to wrap up my trip.

More Things to See in Kakegawa

Although I didn’t have time to visit them this time, there are more attractions worth checking out:

• Kakegawa Kachoen (Bird Park) — a paradise for bird lovers with colorful tropical species.
• Shiseido Art House — an elegant modern museum combining architecture and art.

Combining these with the castle and local food makes for a rich, well-balanced itinerary.

Why Kakegawa is a Hidden Gem for JR Pass Travelers

Kakegawa may not have the biggest tourist spots, but that’s exactly what makes it special — it’s quiet, walkable, and full of local warmth. It’s also a great stop for travelers with a Japan Rail Pass, as the Kodama Shinkansen allows easy access for a relaxing day trip from Tokyo.

Whether it’s the craft beer festival, the croquettes and matcha ice cream, or chatting with locals over Shizuoka oden, every experience felt personal and authentic. The town also has plenty of izakaya pubs near the station, usually more affordable than Tokyo’s, making it a nice place to enjoy a drink before heading back.

Kakegawa might not be famous, but it’s filled with small discoveries that make you feel closer to everyday Japan — one sip, one chat, one smile at a time.