Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kakegawa Kachoen is an experiential facility with a theme of "birds" and "flowers" in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Its main feature is that it is an indoor greenhouse where you can observe a wide variety of birds, including owls, barn owls, parakeets, parrots, and waterfowl, up close, and have interactive experiences such as feeding and taking commemorative photos. The greenhouse is managed so that flowers can be enjoyed all year round, and you can see the colorful combination of flowers and birds regardless of the season.
Originally starting out as a small-scale exhibit, it has grown into a popular tourist facility for a wide range of people, including families, couples, and photography enthusiasts, by expanding its interactive experiences, shows, and greenhouse exhibits. As the exhibits and breeding of birds are carried out with consideration for their habits and ecology, it also has great educational value, making it a particularly attractive spot for animal lovers.
Highlights
- Owl and Horned Owl Corner: A wide variety of owls are on display, allowing you to observe them up close. They are often exhibited in a quiet environment, and staff members provide explanations.
- Bird performance (bird show): A flying and trick show by parakeets, hawks, etc. The times are fixed, so it's best to check the official schedule before participating.
- Interacting and feeding experience: This is a corner where you can feed parakeets and parrots and interact with them under certain conditions. It is also popular with small children.
- Large greenhouse flower display: This area is planted with orchids and seasonal flowers, allowing visitors to enjoy birds and flowers together. There are many photo spots.
- Photography/Commemorative Photos: There may be a service that allows you to take photos with a bird on your hand or shoulder (please check as advance application and fees may be required).
- Shops and Restaurants: There is a shop selling bird-themed goods and local snacks, as well as a dining area.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Kakegawa Station (Tokaido Shinkansen and Tokaido Main Line stops). *The most common ways to get to the site from the nearest station are by bus, taxi, or car.
- Bus/Shuttle: Depending on the season and day of the week, a shuttle bus (shuttle) may operate from Kakegawa Station to the facility. Please check the official website in advance to see if the bus is running and when.
- Taxi: Approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi from Kakegawa Station (depending on road conditions).
- By car: Accessible via the Tomei Expressway, Kakegawa IC, or via the national highway. Parking is available on site (check the facility guide for parking space and fees).
- Note: Public transportation schedules and shuttle service may change depending on the season and events, so we recommend checking the official website or calling ahead for the latest information before visiting.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (to quickly see the main exhibits).
- Relaxed experience: 2 to 3 hours (including the show, feeding experience, photo shoot, and breaks).
- Photography and observation-oriented: 3 hours or more (if you enjoy carefully observing individual birds and photographing flowers).
Nearby spots
- Kakegawa Castle: A historical spot where you can stroll around the preserved and restored castle tower and castle town. Located near Kakegawa Station, it's easy to visit both places.
- Visiting tea fields and tea factories in Kakegawa: Kakegawa is famous as a tea-producing region, and there are many places where you can tour tea villages, tour factories, and enjoy tea tastings.
- Cultural facilities in the city, such as the Ninomaru Museum of Art: We also recommend visiting the museums and art galleries near Kakegawa Castle.
- Nearby tourist spots (Tenryu, Lake Hamana, etc.): If you travel by car, it is easy to visit the surrounding nature and hot springs.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It tends to get crowded on weekends, holidays (Golden Week, summer vacation, New Year's), and when events are held. Bird shows and feeding experiences can fill up just before they start, so we recommend arriving early.
- Manners: Birds are sensitive to stress, so please observe basic manners such as not running, shouting, or using flash photography. If you do want to touch them, follow the instructions of the staff.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in most areas, but there may be restrictions on the use of flash, strobes, and tripods. Please check the official photography rules.
- Hygiene and safety: When feeding the animals, please only use designated food, and cooperate by washing and disinfecting your hands. The petting area and some exhibits may be temporarily closed due to the influence of avian influenza, etc.
- Clothing: It can be warm and humid inside the greenhouse, so wear clothes that are easy to take off and put on. If you're heading out into the outdoor area, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
- Check the latest information: Opening hours, closing days, event schedules, fees, shuttle bus operation, etc. may change, so please check the official website or call the facility before visiting to confirm the latest information.
(Note) Details such as opening hours, admission fees, and shuttle bus schedules are subject to change, so we strongly recommend checking the latest information on Kakegawa Kachouen's official website or by phone before visiting.
