Explore Kakegawa

Sitting about one hundred miles south of Tokyo, Kakegawa has been Eugene’s only Japanese sister city since 1979. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, it is known worldwide for its green tea, especially fukamushi (deep-steamed) sencha, which has a rich flavor and a deep green color. Kakegawa welcomes visitors looking for a retreat from the hustle of Tokyo, and it’s easy to reach by Shinkansen.

Nestled between rolling tea fields and the Pacific coast, the city blends historic charm with natural beauty. Its centerpiece is the restored Kakegawa Castle, whose wooden keep was rebuilt in the 1990s using traditional methods, and which now overlooks a lively castle town that was once a stop on the Tokaido Road.

Around the city, visitors can walk through tea plantations, enjoy seasonal gardens, and join local festivals like the Kakegawa Grand Festival every three years.

Whether you’re sipping tea with a view of the castle or exploring the quiet streets of the old post town, Kakegawa offers an authentic taste of Japanese culture in a setting that is both peaceful and relaxing.