Introduction
Odawara Castle (小田原城, Odawarajō) is a reconstructed castle located in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and one of the closest castles to Tokyo. This fortress is not only a significant historical site but also an excellent spot for viewing cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers. This guide will provide you with detailed information about Odawara Castle’s history, main attractions, visiting tips, and practical information.
Key Information
- Location: Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Originally built: Mid-15th century (current structure rebuilt in 1960)
- Main features: Castle keep, Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum
- Best time to visit: Late March to early April (cherry blossom season)
- Access: About 10 minutes walk from Odawara Station
Rich Historical Background
Odawara Castle was originally constructed in the mid-15th century and was soon taken over by the Hojo Clan, one of the most powerful clans during the Warring States Era. The Hojo used it as a base to control the region around modern-day Tokyo. In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked the castle, defeating the Hojo Clan and unifying Japan.
In 1703, an earthquake destroyed the castle, but it was quickly rebuilt. However, in 1870, the castle keep and other buildings were dismantled and sold. It wasn’t until 1960 that the keep was reconstructed using ferro-concrete, based on models and drawings from the Edo Period (1603-1868). Over the following years, the three major gates leading up to the castle were also restored.
Main Attractions
Castle Keep
The castle keep is three stories on the outside and four stories on the inside. Its interior features exhibits on the castle’s history, as well as displays of items such as armor and swords. The top floor offers stunning views of the park and surrounding city. The castle is also famous for its cherry blossoms (typically in bloom around late March to early April) and many other flowers, including plum blossoms, azalea, wisteria, iris, hydrangea, and lotus blossoms.
Inside the keep, visitors can explore exhibitions that narrate the long history of Odawara Castle. You can closely examine beautifully crafted samurai armor and swords, gaining insight into life during Japan’s Warring States period. The observation deck on the top floor provides a 360-degree panoramic view, overlooking Odawara City and the distant Hakone mountains, making it a perfect spot for family photos and scenic shots.
Ninja Museum
Located near the main entrance on the eastern side of the castle grounds, the Ninja Museum is a unique attraction. Inside, visitors can navigate through an obstacle course, learning about ninja skills and culture while experiencing what it’s like to be one. The museum showcases various ninja weapons and tools, and offers interactive exhibits where visitors can try using throwing stars and other ninja equipment.
The Ninja Museum is designed to appeal to both children and adults, making it an ideal destination for family outings. Visitors can don ninja costumes, learn basic ninja moves and techniques, and even watch ninja performances. This immersive experience transports guests back to feudal Japan, offering a fun and educational journey into the secretive world of ninjas.
Samurai Museum
The Samurai Museum is located inside the Tokiwaki Gate building, across from the castle keep. Here, samurai armor and swords are exhibited, allowing visitors to delve into Japanese samurai culture. Although small in size, the museum boasts high-quality exhibits, each accompanied by detailed explanations of their historical context and cultural significance.
Visitors can closely examine exquisitely crafted samurai armor, learning about the evolution and characteristics of armor from different periods. The museum also displays various types of Japanese swords, explaining their crucial role in samurai culture. For those interested in Japanese history and samurai culture, this is a must-visit attraction.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (late March to early April) is the best time to visit Odawara Castle when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, surrounding the castle with a sea of pink flowers, creating a spectacular view. Autumn (October to November) is also a great choice, offering beautiful fall foliage.
Additionally, Odawara Castle grounds feature different flowers throughout the year:
- Plum blossoms: February to March
- Azaleas: April to May
- Wisteria: April to May
- Irises: May to June
- Hydrangeas: June to July
- Lotus: July to August
It’s advisable to avoid peak tourist seasons such as Golden Week (late April to early May) and summer vacation (mid-August) in Japan to reduce crowding.
Detailed Transportation Guide
From Tokyo:
- Take the Tokaido Shinkansen or Odakyu Line from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station.
- Exit from the East Exit of Odawara Station and walk along Ohoribata Street for about 10 minutes to reach Odawara Castle.
From Hakone:
- Take the Odakyu Line from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Odawara Station.
- Follow the directions above to walk to Odawara Castle.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
Castle Keep:
- Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Closed: Second Wednesday of December and from December 31 to January 1
- Admission: 510 yen
Ninja and Samurai Museums:
- Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Closed: December 31 to January 1
- Admission:
- Ninja Museum: 310 yen
- Samurai Museum: 200 yen
- Combination ticket (including castle keep and both museums): 610 yen
Visitor Tips and Suggestions
- Wear comfortable shoes as visiting the castle and surrounding areas involves a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera as the castle and surrounding scenery are very photogenic.
- To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning right after opening or late afternoon close to closing time.
- Consider purchasing the combination ticket to save on admission fees.
- If visiting in spring or autumn, check the flower forecast to see the best cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
- As exhibitions in the castle are mainly in Japanese, consider using an audio guide or downloading an English audio guide app.
Official Website
Conclusion
Odawara Castle is not just a historical fortress but also an excellent place to experience Japanese culture. Whether you’re admiring beautiful cherry blossoms, exploring ninja and samurai culture, or enjoying panoramic views from the castle keep, Odawara Castle offers an unforgettable experience. As the gateway to the Hakone area, it’s a must-visit attraction on your Japan itinerary. We strongly recommend setting aside time to explore this fascinating historical gem on your next visit to Kanagawa Prefecture or trip to Hakone.