Otemon-dori
Step through the grand Otemon Gate, a meticulously restored samurai-era entrance to Kakegawa Castle, offering a powerful glimpse into Japan's feudal p...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peaceful vibes
Otemon-dori
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step through the grand Otemon Gate, a meticulously restored samurai-era entrance to Kakegawa Castle, offering a powerful glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
"The Otemon Gate is a good starting point to 'smell' the former times of the Samurai."
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The Otemon Gate is a stunning photo op! Get wide shots to show its scale. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Step Back in Time
Imagine samurai walking through this gate. It's a great starting point for castle exploration. 🚶
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.8 · 196 reviews
Type
Historical Place
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Otemon Gate
Kakegawa Castle Entrance
A towering, two-story wooden gate, meticulously restored to its former glory. Feel the samurai spirit!
Original Foundation Stones
Inside Otemon Gate
See the actual 40cm river stones used to support this massive structure, a testament to ancient engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gateway to History
Authentic Restoration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The Otemon Gate is a stunning photo op! Get wide shots to show its scale. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Step Back in Time
Imagine samurai walking through this gate. It's a great starting point for castle exploration. 🚶
🏛️ Learn the History
Look for explanations about the gate's restoration and original location. 📜
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The Otemon Gate is a stunning photo op! Get wide shots to show its scale. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Step Back in Time
Imagine samurai walking through this gate. It's a great starting point for castle exploration. 🚶
🏛️ Learn the History
Look for explanations about the gate's restoration and original location. 📜
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Otemon Gate to be an impressive and historically significant entrance to Kakegawa Castle, appreciating its meticulous restoration and the glimpse it offers into the samurai era. The display of original foundation stones is a unique highlight. Some visitors note a lack of detailed explanations on-site, suggesting prior research enhances the experience.
"On the way to the palace you should go through this gate, it is a good starting point to ‘smell’ the former times of the Samurai. Unfortunately broad explanations are missing."
Michael S.
"Kakegawa Castle's main tower was the first fully restored wooden structure in Japan.
The Otemon Gate of Kakegawa Castle was restored the following year in 1995.
The original Otemon Gate was donated to Yusan-ji Temple by the Ota clan, who were the lords of the castle at the time, during the Meiji period, and was relocated there, and still serves as the temple gate to Yusan-ji Temple today.
The original gate is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property."
ばんじれんど
"Kakegawa Castle🏯 in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. To enter Kakegawa Castle, you must enter through this main gate.
It is 12.7 meters high and 4.5 meters wide.
It appears to have been moved to its current location in 1995. Speaking of which, Yamauchi Kazutoyo was originally from Kuroda, Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture. Ogawan is from the same Ichinomiya."
おがわんこ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Otemon Gate is the main entrance to Kakegawa Castle, located at 27 Joka, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It's easily accessible by public transport. From Kakegawa Station, it's a pleasant walk or a short bus ride to the castle grounds.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near Kakegawa Castle. It's advisable to check the castle's official website for the most up-to-date information on parking availability and fees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Otemon Gate serves as the entrance to Kakegawa Castle. While viewing the gate from the outside is generally free, access to the castle grounds and interior may require an admission ticket.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Kakegawa Castle website for the most current information on operating hours for both the gate and the castle itself.
The Otemon Gate of Kakegawa Castle was restored in 1995, following the restoration of the castle tower.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Otemon Gate is a historically significant and impressive two-story wooden structure, meticulously restored in 1995. It offers a powerful sense of entering a former samurai stronghold.
Yes, the original foundation stones, consisting of large river stones stacked in layers, are displayed inside the Otemon Gate. They are a fascinating glimpse into the construction techniques of the past.
The area around Otemon Gate and the castle grounds are generally accessible, but some parts might have uneven surfaces. It's recommended to check with the castle staff for specific accessibility details.
Information about guided tours can usually be found on the Kakegawa Castle official website or by inquiring at the visitor center upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
For impressive shots, position yourself to capture the full height and width of the gate. The area in front of the gate offers a great perspective. Consider different angles to showcase its architectural details.
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of the Otemon Gate and castle grounds. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding photography restrictions, especially inside any structures.
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