Odawara Castle is one of Kanagawa Prefecture's most iconic landmarks — a five-tiered, three-story castle that served as the stronghold of the Late Hōjō clan during the Sengoku period. Strategically positioned on the Tokaido road connecting Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, Odawara was a vital military and economic center. Today, it offers visitors a compelling mix of history, architecture, gardens, and traditional castle-town culture, all within easy reach of Tokyo.
This guide covers the castle's history, what to see inside, the surrounding castle town, seasonal highlights, and practical information for planning your visit.
The History of Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle's history begins in the early 15th century, when the Omori clan constructed a fortification on the site. The castle reached its peak under the Late Hōjō clan, who ruled the Kanto region from 1495 to 1590. The Hōjō expanded Odawara into one of the largest castle complexes in Japan, with massive stone walls and a network of surrounding fortifications.
In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi laid siege to Odawara Castle with an army of over 150,000 soldiers — one of the largest military campaigns in Japanese history. The siege lasted three months and ended with the Hōjō's surrender. Hideyoshi's victory consolidated his control over all of Japan. The castle was later awarded to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who used it as a defensive post on the Tokaido road.
The original castle structures were lost over time — destroyed by earthquakes, fires, and finally dismantled under the Meiji government's castle abolition order. The current five-tiered castle keep was reconstructed in 1960 using traditional methods and materials, based on historical records, old photographs, and surviving architectural fragments.
Inside the Castle Keep
The castle keep (tenshukaku) houses a museum across its five floors, each dedicated to a different aspect of the castle's history and culture.
First floor: A large diorama of the castle as it appeared during the Hōjō period, showing the full extent of the fortifications including the outer moats, secondary keeps, and samurai residences. Information panels in Japanese and English explain the castle's layout and siege history.
Second floor: Samurai armor and weaponry exhibit. Highlights include a full suit of Hōjō-era armor, matchlock muskets used during the siege, and a collection of Japanese swords ranging from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. Interactive displays let you try on replicas of samurai helmets.
Third floor: Daily life in a feudal castle. Exhibits include reconstructed living quarters, tea ceremony utensils, maps of the castle town, and tools used by castle craftsmen.
Fourth floor: A gallery of castle-related art, including folding screens depicting the Tokaido road and woodblock prints of Odawara from the Edo period.
Fifth floor (observation deck): Panoramic views of Odawara city, Sagami Bay, and — on clear days — Mount Fuji to the west. This is the highest public viewpoint in the area, and the sunset hour is particularly spectacular.
Admission to the keep is ¥510 for adults, ¥300 for elementary and junior high school students. Combination tickets with the adjacent Odawara Castle Samurai Museum are available for ¥720.
The Castle Grounds and Gardens
Beyond the keep, the castle grounds offer several attractions worth exploring: Odawara Castle Park surrounds the keep with walking paths, cherry trees, and seasonal flower gardens. The park is famous for its 300+ cherry blossom trees that bloom in late March to early April, and for the wisteria trellises that flower in May.
The Ninja Gate (known as Gōkuraku-mon or "Paradise Gate") is one of the few original castle structures still standing. Built in the 17th century using the kōraimon style (a gate with a roofed watchtower on top), it was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1935. Despite the nickname, there is no evidence that ninja ever used this gate — the name likely comes from the relief of a sword-wielding figure that resembles a ninja.
The Ume (Plum) Grove contains over 300 plum trees that bloom from late January through February. The contrast of white and pink blossoms against the castle's white walls makes for stunning photographs.
The Hojo Godaiko Drum Tower near the main entrance displays a giant drum used for festivals and is a popular photo spot.
Castle Town Stroll
The area surrounding Odawara Castle retains the atmosphere of a traditional castle town. Several streets have been preserved with wooden shopfronts, and you can find:
- Kamaboko (fish cake) shops: Odawara is famous for kamaboko, a steamed fish paste product. Try it fresh at Suzuhiro Kamaboko near the station, or buy vacuum-packed varieties as souvenirs.
- Sake breweries: The Odawara area has several small sake breweries using local spring water from the nearby Hakone mountains. Odawara Sake Brewery offers tastings (¥500 for 3 samples).
- Mochi and sweet shops: Nakaya near the castle gate sells kurikinton (sweet chestnut paste) and sakuramochi (cherry blossom rice cakes) seasonally.
Seasonal Highlights
| Season | Event | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Cherry blossoms (300+ trees) | Late March–early April |
| Late winter | Plum blossoms at Ume Grove | Late January–February |
| Summer | Odawara Summer Festival (fireworks) | First Saturday in August |
| Autumn | Chrysanthemum exhibition | November |
| Year-round | Castle illumination (night) | Dusk–9:00 PM |
Location
Odawara Castle is a 10-minute walk from Odawara Station, which is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen (35 minutes from Tokyo Station, ¥3,570 one-way) and the Tokaido Main Line (65 minutes, ¥1,490 one-way). From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Odawara (15 minutes, included in the Hakone Free Pass).
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Shinkansen round trip (Tokyo) | ¥7,140 |
| Castle keep admission | ¥510 |
| Samurai Museum combo | ¥720 |
| Sake tasting | ¥500 |
| Kamaboko souvenir | ¥800–¥1,500 |
| Lunch in castle town | ¥1,000–¥2,000 |
| Total per person | ¥4,000–¥6,500 (local train) / ¥9,500–¥12,000 (Shinkansen) |
Practical Tips
- Combine with Hakone: Odawara is the gateway to Hakone. Many visitors combine a morning at the castle with an afternoon in Hakone's hot springs or the Hakone Loop. The Hakone Free Pass covers the Odawara-Hakone area.
- Early arrival: The castle opens at 9:00 AM. Arriving at opening time means you will have the observation deck and museum largely to yourself before the crowds arrive.
- Weather: The observation deck is open-air; check visibility conditions if your main goal is the Fuji view. Winter and early spring offer the clearest skies.
- Coin lockers: Available at Odawara Station (¥300–¥700 depending on size) if you are passing through with luggage.
Odawara Castle is one of the most accessible and rewarding feudal castles in the Kanto region. Its combination of a well-presented museum, beautiful grounds, and easy access from Tokyo makes it an excellent half-day trip, either on its own or as a stop on the way to Hakone.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Kamakura Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamakura Menman | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-21:00 | ¥900-1,200 |
Kamakura Menman
- 🏷️ Type: Ramen
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.kamakura-menman.com/
- 📞 Phone: +81-467-24-0505
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00-21:00
- 💰 Price: ¥900-1,200
- 📍 Area: Kamakura Station
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Conclusion
odawara castle town offers a unique window into the diverse attractions of Kanagawa Prefecture. Whether you're drawn by history, nature, cuisine, or culture, this destination promises an authentic Japanese experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
