Tea-related attractions

Shizuoka Prefecture produces more tea than any other prefecture in Japan. Within Shizuoka, Kakegawa serves as one of the centers of tea, with tea accounting for a significant portion of the city's economy. The importance of tea to Kakegawa is illustrated in the outskirts of the city, where, in some areas, seemingly endless tea fields cover rolling hills for acres upon acres.

Some of the best views of the tea fields can be had to the northeast of the city center, surrounding Mount Awagatake, which itself bears the Chinese character for "tea" on its face written in bushes. From this area it is possible to get views of the tea fields with Mount Fuji looming in the distance. Be careful and considerate when driving around this area, as some of the roads can be narrow and steep.

Being known as among Japan's top tea-producing areas, Kakegawa is home to various other attractions centered around tea. The Ninomaru Tea House within the grounds of Kakegawa Castle allows visitors the chance to be served tea and a Japanese dessert in traditional surroundings with nice views of the outside garden. It is also possible to rent out the tea house for a tea ceremony.

Kiwi Fruits Country is a kiwi fruit farm on the edge of the city that also manages a tea plantation and gives visitors the chance to partake in multiple experiences involving tea, such as picking tea leaves. English guidance is available. There are also various other activities offered at the farm including kiwi picking and outdoor barbecues. Note that many experiences are only seasonably available, with the tea picking experiences generally possible from April to October.