Odawara Castle in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, was the stronghold of the Hojo clan that dominated the Kanto region during Japan's Warring States period, and was famed as a near-impregnable fortress. Toyotomi Hideyoshi's massive 1590 siege ended Hojo rule, and the present concrete keep (tenshukaku) was reconstructed in 1960. From the top-floor observatory you can see Sagami Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
The tenshukaku keep stands about 27.2 m tall; its top-floor observatory (roughly 60 m above sea level) overlooks Sagami Bay, the Boso Peninsula, and Mount Fuji
Exhibits across floors 1-5 trace the castle's history from the Hojo era through the Edo period, with old documents, armor, and swords
Odawara Castle Park offers seasonal flowers: plum blossoms (about 250 trees, around February), cherry blossoms (April), wisteria, and irises
The Ninja Museum (Rekishi Kenbunkan) offers a hands-on look at Sengoku-era ninja and samurai culture
Try on armor or a kimono at the Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum for a photo with the castle as backdrop
Good to know
SeasonThe castle gets very crowded at peak cherry-blossom time (early April). For a calmer visit, the plum-blossom season (mid-February to early March) is comparatively quiet.
RulesLast entry to the keep is 30 minutes before closing (currently 16:30), and it closes on the 2nd Wednesday of December and over New Year (Dec 31-Jan 1). Check the official site for the latest fees and hours before you go.
SafetyThe region is affected by typhoons and heavy rain from summer into early autumn. Observatory views and outdoor walking depend heavily on weather, so check the forecast in advance.
MannersSome exhibit areas inside the reconstructed keep may restrict photography. Follow posted signs, and take care on the indoor stairs when it is busy.
RulesDuring cherry-blossom season, coin lockers at Odawara Station often fill up early in the morning. Store large bags in advance or secure a locker as soon as you arrive.
Practical info
About a 10-minute walk from Odawara Station (JR and Odakyu lines). Your keep ticket also admits you to the SAMURAI Museum (currently around 1,000 yen for adults, 300 yen for children); armor rental costs extra. Confirm fees, hours, and closed days on the official site before visiting.
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