The 1994 reconstruction used traditional cypress wood and mud-wall techniques, setting a standard for subsequent Japanese castle restorations.
The Ninomaru Palace is one of only four surviving original castle palaces in Japan, alongside those at Nijo, Kawagoe, and Kochi.
The original castle was destroyed during the 1854 Ansei-Tokai earthquake, leaving only the palace standing.
Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the castle's most famous lord, was a prominent retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The castle grounds contain approximately 130 cherry trees, making it a prominent local location for hanami in spring.
Kakegawa Castle is notable as the first authentic wooden reconstruction of a Japanese castle tower, completed in 1994 using traditional building techniques. The site features the Ninomaru Palace, one of the few remaining original castle palaces in Japan and a designated Important Cultural Property. The castle tower stands on a hilltop, originally built in the late 15th century and significantly expanded by Yamauchi Kazutoyo in the late 16th century. The current tower reconstruction relied on the 1621 building records to replicate the original layout and architectural details. The grounds include a tea room, Ninomaru Teahouse, which offers matcha and traditional sweets overlooking the castle gardens. The castle served as a strategic military position along the Tokaido road, connecting Edo to Kyoto. Visitors can ascend to the top floor for panoramic views of the city and Mount Fuji on clear days. The interior exhibits local history artifacts, including samurai armor and clan documents.
The path leading up the hill providing an upward angle of the tower against the sky.
Visit the Ninomaru Palace and the castle tower as a combined experience, as they are separate structures on the grounds.
Remove your shoes before entering the wooden palace and tower interior, as per traditional preservation requirements.
Check the view from the top floor balcony carefully, as the wooden stairs are steep and narrow.
Avoid wearing difficult-to-remove footwear or high heels, as you will need to walk through the interior barefoot or in provided slippers.
The site remains open daily year-round, though internal displays may occasionally close for maintenance.
Shoes must be removed and placed in provided lockers at the entrance; photography is restricted in some internal display areas.
