Step inside one of Japan's few authentic reconstructed feudal castles, then wander the immaculate Zen garden of a 700-year-old temple — Kakegawa is a living samurai town just 30 minutes from port and utterly unhurried by mass tourism.
What to expect
Kakegawa Castle looms over its old castle town much as it did in the Edo period — a striking three-story keep with original-style wooden interiors, samurai armour displays, and panoramic views from the top floor. Your guide brings the Tokugawa-era history to life as you explore at leisure. From there, a short walk leads to Saionji Temple's immaculate moss garden, where raked gravel and sculpted pines create a scene of pure contemplative beauty. A stroll through the preserved castle-town streets — with their lacquerware shops and matcha cafés — rounds out the morning before a relaxed return to port.
Good to know
Kakegawa is 30–40 minutes by car from Omaezaki port. Allow 3–4 hours for the full town experience. The castle and garden are at their most photogenic in late March (cherry blossom) and November (autumn foliage) — confirm seasonal highlights with your guide.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Omaezaki — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.