I came here in summer, luckily it was a bit cloudy and not that hot. The walk to the main entrance (via Umadashimon, on Ohoribata-dori), which is highly recommended for starting the castle grounds tour, is a bit farther from the train station. There are guided arrows and signs to get there. I exited the place via the North Gate (Oshiro-dori). There is a Ninja museum and a Samurai museum on the castle grounds. I mainly focused my tour on those, and the main castle. The entrance fee for the adults is ¥1000. This includes the tour inside the castle, as well as the Samurai museum. There are no elevators. The inside of the castle has been modernized, after its reconstruction, basically more of a modernized museum, rather than preserved parts of the original structure. Still, the history of it all is meaningful and interesting. It is also air conditioned. There are spacious lockers, after passing the ticketing entrance, if needed. Overall a lovely experience.
Did Odawara Castle as a quick stop on the way out to Hakone and honestly it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Way more to it than I expected.
The castle itself is gorgeous. Reconstructed donjon, sure, but it looks the part from every angle and the grounds around it are seriously well kept. Walking up through the main gate area, the whole approach builds the experience the right way.
Inside the keep is a legit museum. Armor, swords, banners, scrolls, old maps of the region, and tons of context about the Hojo clan and the famous 1590 siege. Even if you're not a history buff you'll get pulled in. The view from the top floor is the payoff — you can see all the way to the coast and on a clear day right up into the Hakone mountains.
The park grounds are worth the wander on their own. We caught it right around cherry blossom season and it was unreal — pink everywhere, families picnicking, locals just enjoying the day. There's also samurai/ninja stuff for kids, and it's all done really well.
Walkable from the station and easy to fit into a half day. Absolutely go.
Absolutely loved visiting Odawara Castle. The architecture is stunning and the entire area feels peaceful and beautifully maintained. The red bridge, surrounding trees, and historic atmosphere made the experience unforgettable. Everything was clean, organized, and easy to explore. One of my favorite places during my Japan trip. Highly recommend visiting if you enjoy history, culture, and scenic views.🫶🏻✨
Odawara Castle may not receive as much attention as some of Japan’s more famous castles, but it is an underrated gem that is well worth visiting.
Although the castle tower wasn’t part of this visit, exploring the castle grounds and surrounding complex was rewarding in its own right. The traditional architecture, stone walls, gates, and beautifully maintained gardens create a peaceful setting that invites a slower pace.
Visited on a late autumn afternoon, the golden sunlight added a warm glow to the castle and surrounding maple trees, making the scenery especially picturesque. The seasonal colours and relaxed atmosphere made it a wonderful place for a leisurely walk and photography.
For those looking to experience a beautiful Japanese castle without the overwhelming crowds of some of the country’s more famous landmarks, Odawara Castle is an excellent choice. Even without entering the main keep, the grounds alone make the visit worthwhile.
Nice castle to visit if you are in the area. The entrance fee to access the main tower is about 1000 yen as of April 2026.
The castle is surrounded by a large park with many sakura trees, making it especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. The contrast between the white castle and the pink blossoms creates a very scenic view and a pleasant atmosphere for a walk.
From the top of the castle you can enjoy wide views over the city and even Sagami Bay on a clear day.
Overall, a pleasant stop if you are passing through Odawara or on the way to Hakone.
