Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle is a beautiful and historically rich site located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The castle is a reconstruction of the original fortress that once served as the stronghold of the Hojo clan, one of the most powerful samurai families during the Sengoku period. Its elegant white walls and multiple tiers stand proudly above the city, offering a striking view from afar. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, which are spacious and well-kept, with traditional gates, stone walls, and a surrounding moat that add to the atmosphere. Inside the main keep, the museum provides detailed exhibits on samurai culture, weapons, and the history of the region. The climb to the top floor rewards you with panoramic views of Odawara city, Sagami Bay, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. The park around the castle is especially famous for cherry blossoms in spring, drawing many visitors for hanami. Seasonal flowers and cultural events make it a lively place throughout the year. Overall, Odawara Castle combines history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers exploring the area.

Immaculate rebuilt historic castle. A key battle in the 16th century unification of Japan occurred here. Plus the “castle built in a day” happened here (Google it). A must see if you are visiting the castles of Japan. When we visited on October 13th 2025 we accidentally got caught up in the lantern festival. It was so much fun. I’ll be visiting Odawara again for sure.

Very interesting, and the scenery from up top was great! Lots of signage, the English translations were clear, and the translate app took care of the rest. Nice gift shop, including the staff. I was very surprised to learn that it's a postwar reconstruction. And I think the previous building was 19th century anyway. But the usage of and artifacts found at the site go back to 1400s at least.

Good View from the top 5th floor, the building is very well maintained and clean. They have interactive video that tourists can watch and learn the history of the temple.

Odawara Castle is a beautiful, peaceful spot with some of the most breathtaking views from the very top. Once you're up there, you can take in wide views of the land and the sea—it’s honestly stunning and absolutely worth the climb. The atmosphere is calm and not overly crowded, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable compared to some of the busier castles. You can get a bundled ticket that includes entrance to both the castle and the nearby Samurai Museum, which is a great option if you’re interested in diving deeper into the history. Inside, many of the historical displays have English translations, which was helpful for navigating and learning more about the site. As for payment, they accept cash, Visa, and PayPay, which is convenient. Just outside the castle grounds, you’ll find some snack vendors selling shaved ice and other quick bites note that these are cash only. There are also several vending machines and quiet little spots with benches where you can sit, rest, and take in the view of the castle and its surroundings. Overall, it’s a calm, scenic, and culturally rich experience. Definitely worth adding to your itinerary.