Odawara Castle, one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s top tourist attractions, is believed to have been constructed in the mid-15th century. It is famous as the stronghold of the Hōjō clan, who ruled the Kanto region.
Although much of the original structure was destroyed by earthquakes and other disasters, the castle keep was reconstructed in 1960, with additional buildings respectively restored in 1971, 1997, and 2009, giving the castle its current appearance.
Listed among Japan’s top 100 castles, it’s a popular sightseeing spot. The highlight is the castle keep, standing at an elevation of about 60 meters (nearly 200 feet), offering a sweeping view of Sagami Bay. On clear days, you can even see the Bōsō Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture across the sea.
For those who want to see even farther, there’s a telescope available for 100 JPY, which gives you about 100 seconds of use. Odawara Castle is the only castle in the Kanto region with a castle keep. Enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the lush greenery that stretches across the region.
You can access the observation deck from inside the castle. Each floor has been modernized, allowing you to learn about the history of Odawara Castle. You can also see how the castle looked when it was first built, a stark contrast to its present-day form.
Other features include a screening area where you can view videos explaining Japanese swords and armor. English subtitles are included, demonstrating that the castle is also accommodating to international visitors.
Additionally, there’s a free “Odawara Castle Exhibition Guide App” that provides explanations of the exhibits in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.
It’s easy to understand why Odawara Castle is popular not only among Japanese visitors but also among international visitors!
After enjoying the castle keep, don’t forget to pick up a gojō’in (a commemorative castle stamp that serves as proof of your visit). The gojo’in for Odawara Castle comes in various designs, ranging from simple ones featuring calligraphy and family crests to colorful ones depicting the castle.
“御城印,” Gojo’in 500 JPY (tax included)
If you want to keep your gojo’in safe, don’t forget to purchase a gojō’inchō (a booklet designed to keep gojo’in stamps)! Both the gojo’in and gojo’incho are available at the ticket counter near the castle keep, so make sure to check them out and consider them as a memento of your trip.
An impenetrable stronghold
Odawara Castle once fended off an invasion by Uesugi Kenshin, a powerful daimyō lord who led an army of 100,000 soldiers. Known as the “impenetrable castle,” it features various defensive strategies designed to thwart enemy advances.
For example, the Umadashi-mon Gate, the entrance to the castle, is notably narrow despite leading into a vast castle interior. This narrow design was intentional, making it difficult for enemy forces to charge in.
Umadashi-mon Gate
Crossing the Sumiyoshi Bridge, you’ll find the large Akagane Gate (akagane being an archaic term for copper) adorned with copper decorations. This gate is impressive in size and weight, making it quite a sight to behold.
The Sumiyoshi Bridge and the Akagane Gate
You might notice triangular and rectangular holes in the gate. These holes were created to attack approaching enemies—the triangular ones for firearms and the rectangular ones for bows. Additionally, narrow windows in the ceiling of the gate were designed for dropping stones on enemies passing below.
If you proceed left after passing through the Akagane Gate, you’ll reach the Tokiwagi Gate. Located closest to the castle keep, it was a critical point of defense, so it was built larger and sturdier than the other gates.
Tokiwagi Gate
As you explore what remains of this once deemed impenetrable stronghold, you’ll eventually reach the heart of Odawara Castle itself. A camera stand is provided in the plaza for you to take a commemorative photo with the castle keep in the background.
For 500 JPY (tax included), you can also rent costumes to transform into a samurai, Japanese princess, or ninja. Be sure to capture a memorable photo with Odawara Castle as your backdrop.
Experience history and culture at interactive facilities
Within Odawara Castle, there are various facilities to explore. For ninja enthusiasts, the Ninja Museum is a must-visit. Dedicated to the Fūma Ninja, who are said to have secretly supported the Hojo clan, the museum offers both educational and interactive experiences.
With a recreated ninja house and a shuriken (ninja star) throwing game just for kids, the museum is packed with fun activities!
Ninja Museum
The Tokiwagi Gate Samurai Museum is another facility that focuses on the weapons and armor used in battles. The impressive display of historically valuable armaments is sure to make an impression on you.
Tokiwagi Gate Samurai Museum
Don’t miss the projection mapping display that brings the samurai worldview to life. The atmosphere, steeped in the spirit of bushidō (the way of the warrior), is truly captivating, so watch out—you might lose track of time!
The nature-rich Odawara Castle Park
Odawara Castle Park, set within the castle grounds, offers seasonal displays of flowers and plants throughout the year.
In spring, the park becomes a popular cherry blossom spot, with 300 trees blooming against the castle keep backdrop. As one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom sites, it features nighttime illuminations that create a magical scene.
June brings a magnificent display of 8,000 irises and hydrangeas, while autumn transforms the park into a beautiful spot for fall foliage.
Since blooming times vary, it’s best to check the website before visiting to ensure you catch the flowers you want to see.
Late July is when the lotus flowers begin to bloom
Odawara Castle is a top destination for those wanting to see a magnificent castle in the Kanto region. Its blend of historical experiences, cultural exhibits, and natural beauty makes it a favorite among visitors.
Consider stopping by Odawara Castle when exploring popular spots in Kanagawa Prefecture, like Kamakura or Hakone.
Information
| Name | 小田原城 Odawara Castle |
|---|---|
| Address | Jōnai, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
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| Access |
Odawara Station 10-minute walk from Odawara Station East Exit
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| Phone number | 0465-22-3818 |
| Hours | 9:00-17:00（last admission 16:30） ※Castle keep hours vary by season |
| Admission | Castle keep General admission 510 JPY (tax included), elementary and junior high school students 200 JPY (tax included) Tokiwagi Gate Samurai Museum General admission 200 JPY (tax included), elementary and junior high school students 60 JPY (tax included) Ninja Museum General admission 310 JPY (tax included), elementary and junior high school students 100 JPY (tax included) Combined ticket (castle keep and Tokiwagi Gate Samurai Museum) General admission 610 JPY (tax included), elementary and junior high school students 220 JPY (tax included) |
| Closed | New Year’s Holiday (12/31-1/1) ※Castle keep closed on second Wednesday of December |
| Official website | https://odawaracastle.com/ |
| Other information |
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※The information in this article is current as of August 2024.
