What other travelers are saying about Odawara Castle
We visited Odawara Castle during our trip and it was truly a beautiful and memorable experience. The castle is well-maintained and surrounded by spacious grounds, making it perfect for a relaxed walk while enjoying a glimpse of Japanese history. The structure itself looks impressive from the outside, especially with its traditional white walls and layered rooftops that give it a classic samurai-era atmosphere.
Inside the castle, there is a museum with several floors of historical displays. The exhibits showcase samurai armor, swords, historical artifacts, and information about the Hojo clan, which once ruled the area. The climb to the top floor is worth it because the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city, nearby mountains, and even the ocean on a clear day. It’s a rewarding sight after going up the stairs.
The surrounding park area is also pleasant, especially during cherry blossom season when the trees bloom beautifully around the castle grounds. It’s peaceful, scenic, and great for taking photos. There are also small shops and food stalls nearby where you can enjoy local snacks.
Overall, Odawara Castle is a must-visit if you’re in the Kanagawa area. It combines history, scenery, and culture in one relaxing destination.
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.
We’ve been to Osaka Castle before and it was usually crowded. Odawara Castle felt much quieter and just as beautiful. We stayed at Toyoko Inn near the station so the castle is just comfy walking distance.
What we enjoyed most was the open space in front of the castle. It’s perfect for a relaxing time sitting at the bench while enjoying the full view of the Castle.
From the top, you get a wide view of the city, which was definitely a highlight for us. Dont forget to check out the samurai museum.
The castle was heavily damaged in the past, including by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, and later rebuilt. It’s nice to see the effort put into restoring and preserving it.
Overall, it’s peaceful, scenic, and a great alternative if you prefer fewer crowds.
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!
A great attraction and sightseeing spot. There’s a ¥500 entrance fee, which is more than worth it. Inside the castle there’s a museum with lots of cool samurai exhibits. At the top, you get a beautiful view over the city and out toward the ocean, especially nice around sunset. Definitely worth checking out.
I've been to all the "top ten" Castles in Japan this one is in the middle of the pack but still awesome. Great historical value and a great history lesson inside as you walk through, it's like a museum as well. You can go outside in the main keep and has a great view. There is also a ninja exhibit and small samurai museum if you pay a little more.
