Step out of Kashiwa Station's west exit and you are standing on one of Japan's first pedestrian decks, completed in 1973, with the city's commercial centre spread out below. The Jōban Line and the Tobu Urban Park Line meet here, which makes the city an easy base for a day of temples, old houses and football.
Kashiwa suits travellers who have already seen central Tokyo and want a flat, walkable corner of Chiba Prefecture with a mix of Edo-period history and match-day atmosphere. It also works well for anyone staying in Tokyo, since the rail connections put the city within easy reach.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Kashiwa
1. Old Yoshida Family's House History Park
A historic samurai house that has been turned into a history park, giving you a direct look at how a well-off family lived in this part of the Kantō Plain. The grounds reward a slow walk rather than a quick photo stop.
It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 16:30, so plan your visit inside that window and avoid Mondays.
2. Suwa Jinja
A shrine that is very popular among local people, and during New Year it draws visitors from all the neighbouring cities. It sits in Nagareyama city, right on the border with Kashiwa, but the closest station is Toyoshiki, which makes it an easy ride from Kashiwa Station.
If you want to visit during hatsumode, the first three days of January, expect to stand in line for around an hour. Outside that period it is a calmer stop.
3. Old Tega Church
The oldest Christian church in the Greater Tokyo Area, established in 1881. It is an Orthodox Christian church in an old Japanese-style building, so it delivers a unique Japan-only experience even if it is not as grand as Nikolai-do at Ochanomizu.
It is only open on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so build your day around that narrow window.
4. Kashiwa Reysol football
The J-league 1 team Kashiwa Reysol play their home games in two stadiums located out of the city centre. The newer Kashiwa no-ha stadium is used for higher profile matches, while the club's original Hitachi stadium is used for the rest and, despite being smaller, has no athletics track, which gives it a better atmosphere.
On match days, buses to Kashiwa no-ha stadium leave from the bus stops on the west side of Kashiwa Station, and buses to the Hitachi stadium leave from the east side; the large number of yellow-clad supporters should be a good indicator of where to queue. Tickets can be bought outside the stadium on match day or from the club shop before, and if you can get a seat behind the goal, prepare for uniquely Japanese coordinated singing.
5. Kashiwa Festival
Usually held the last week of July or the first week of August. Expect large crowds, an assortment of food stalls, Taiko drumming performances, and locals decked out in their summer kimono.
Because the dates shift between late July and early August, check locally before you travel if the festival is the reason for your trip.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Old Yoshida Family's House History Park when it opens at 09:30, then head to Old Tega Church, which only opens on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Afternoon: Ride from Kashiwa Station to Toyoshiki for Suwa Jinja, then return to the city centre.
Evening: If Kashiwa Reysol are playing at home, take the bus from the west side of Kashiwa Station for Kashiwa no-ha stadium or from the east side for the Hitachi stadium, and join the coordinated singing behind the goal. If your visit falls in late July or early August, swap the evening for the Kashiwa Festival instead.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kashiwa Festival held?
It is usually held the last week of July or the first week of August, with food stalls, Taiko drumming and locals in summer kimono.
Which station is closest to Suwa Jinja?
Toyoshiki is the closest station, even though the shrine itself is in Nagareyama city on the border with Kashiwa.
How do I get to a Kashiwa Reysol match?
On match days, buses to Kashiwa no-ha stadium leave from the bus stops on the west side of Kashiwa Station, and buses to the Hitachi stadium leave from the east side. Tickets can be bought outside the stadium on match day or from the club shop before.
When can I visit Old Tega Church?
Only on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Check the match fixtures and festival dates, then start planning your trip around Kashiwa Station.