What other travelers are saying about Odawara Castle
A beautiful castle I believe it’s the third largest in Japan. Inside there’s a museum with impressive samurai style pieces, as well as ceramics from the era that were found and restored. The surroundings are stunning, with a huge open field and an entrance that looks straight out of a movie.
The view from the top is great not as spectacular as Osaka Castle, but still amazing. If you go early around 8am, you can take much better photos since there aren’t many people. Overall, a really beautiful and memorable place to visit!
History of the castle and families that ruled the region was very interesting.
The history and the way of life for a Samurai was intriguing.
The efforts and money that were put in to rebuilt and refreshed the castle should be appalled.
Well worth a visit if you're in the region.
There are two types of tickets: the standard one, which gives you access to explore the castle and enjoy the stunning panoramic view from the top, and the Samurai ticket, which lets you dive deeper into Japan’s warrior history with traditional armor and photo zones.
The castle itself is beautifully restored, surrounded by peaceful gardens and full of history. If you ever visit Hakone or the area around Mount Fuji, make sure to stop by,it’s absolutely worth it. 🇯🇵🔥
Located west part of Kanazawa prefecture, a historic town that developed as a castle town for the hojo clan during the sengoku period.
Even though castle is rebuild by Japanese government (after destroyed due to environmental disaster) we can still feel the samurai flames.
Ninja museum, samurai museum and observation deck are main attractions points
Another 15 mins of from castle towards sea side we can find good store they serve delicious fish cake + Japanese traditional sake drink
Access: the area is well established so we can reach easily by tokaido Shinkansen, tokaido main line and Odakyu line.
From Odawara station, it’s 10 to 12 mins of walk
Price or cost of tickets: I recommend to take 2 or 3 days Hakone pass so people cover Hakone and Odawara both
Odakyu company provide a best offers for visit these location
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.
Photography is generally allowed on the castle grounds and in many parts of the castle. However, flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas, especially inside the museum exhibits.
While the castle grounds are mostly accessible, the main keep has many stairs and may not be fully accessible to visitors with mobility issues. There are ramps and accessible restrooms on the grounds.
Odawara Castle is a short walk from Odawara Station, which is accessible via the JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Line, and Shinkansen. The walk from the station to the castle takes about 10-15 minutes.
Yes, there is a parking lot near the castle. However, it can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons, so arriving early or using public transportation is recommended.
