Odawara Castle
The castle that withstood Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin, and even Toyotomi Hideyoshi's massive invasion forces — only to surrender to Tokugawa Ieyasu without a battle. The Hojo clan's seat of power for 100 years, it has a beautifully reconstructed keep surrounded by 360 cherry trees visible from the Shinkansen.
1–1.5 hours
¥510 (from Mar 2026: ¥1,000)
9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); 9:00–18:00 weekends/holidays Jun–Aug (last entry 17:30); park always open
March–April (cherry blossoms), Year-round
5 min walk from Odawara Station (Shinkansen/Odakyu)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The Hojo clan held this castle against every rival daimyo for 100 years — a legend of medieval resilience
- 2
360 cherry trees in the grounds — visible from the Shinkansen as it approaches
- 3
The castle zoo and children's area make it a surprisingly lively family destination
Local Tips
Odawara Castle was the headquarters of the Hojo clan and the most powerful fortress in the Kanto region before Hideyoshi's siege in 1590. The current reconstruction is solid; the fifth-floor view of Sagami Bay and Mt Fuji on clear days is outstanding. The castle town shotengai (shopping street) has excellent kamaboko (fish cake) shops — Odawara's culinary specialty.
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