Odawara Castle (小田原城) is a historic castle located in the city of Odawara, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The castle served as the seat of power for the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period (1467-1568), a time of constant warfare and political turmoil in Japan. It was considered one of the most impregnable castles in the region due to its strategic location and advanced defensive features.
Today, the castle has been restored and serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of feudal Japan. The museum features exhibits on the castle’s construction and history, as well as displays of armor, weapons, and other artifacts from the Sengoku period.
The castle is also surrounded by a large park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Odawara. During the spring, the park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, while in the fall, visitors can enjoy the colorful autumn foliage.
Getting there
From Tokyo Station to Odawara Castle:
| Train | Tokyo Station ↓ Ueno-Tokyo Line ↓ 1 hour 20 minutes (15 stops) Odawara Station ↓ Walk about 8 minutes ↓ Odawara Castle (Cost 1,520 yen) |
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Reception closes at 4:30 PM. |
| Admission | Adults: 510 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 200 yen |
| Phone | +81 465-22-3818 |
| Address | Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014 |
| Official Website | https://odawaracastle.com/ |
