What is Odawarajo, the great castle of the Sengoku period?
Towering over Odawara City (小田原市), Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県), Odawarajo (小田原城) is a renowned castle known as the stronghold of the Gohojo clan (後北条氏), who ruled the entire Kanto region (関東地方) during the Sengoku (戦国) period. It was the residential castle passed down through five generations over approximately 100 years, starting from Hojo Soun (北条早雲), and it has etched its name in Japanese history as the stage for the Odawara Seibatsu (小田原征伐) led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) in 1590.
The current castle keep was reconstructed in 1960; the interior is open to the public as a historical museum where visitors can view exhibitions regarding armour, swords, and the castle’s history. It is highly accessible, being only about a 10-minute walk from JR Odawara Station (JR小田原駅), making it a popular spot for travellers who visit it in conjunction with sightseeing in Hakone (箱根).
The breathtaking view of the castle keep adorned with 300 cherry trees
Odawarajo is known as one of the most prominent cherry blossom spots in the Kanto region. In Odawara Joshi Koen (小田原城址公園), which spreads around the castle, there are approximately 300 cherry trees, predominantly Someiyoshino (ソメイヨシノ), and this scenery, selected as one of the ‘Sakura Meisho Hyakusen’ (さくら名所100選), typically reaches full bloom from late March to early April. The sight of pale pink cherry blossoms blooming in full glory against the backdrop of the castle keep is truly as beautiful as a painting, captivating many photography enthusiasts and tourists.
Particularly recommended are the views from around Ninomaru Hiroba (二の丸広場) and Umadashimon (馬出門). The contrast between the historical gates, stone walls, and the cherry blossoms creates a perfect photo spot where one can feel the traditional beauty of Japan. Additionally, the scenery of Manabibashi (学橋) spanning the moat, as well as the cherry blossoms adorning the Uchibori (内堀) reflecting on the water’s surface, is not to be missed.
The collaboration of the castle keep emerging in the dark and the night cherry blossoms
In addition to daytime cherry blossom viewing, the cherry trees are illuminated at night, allowing you to enjoy a magical atmosphere quite different from the daytime. The collaboration of the castle keep and the cherry trees emerging in the darkness is a perfect opportunity to experience Japan’s ‘Yozakura’ (夜桜) culture.
Ninja experiences and food to enjoy alongside cherry blossom viewing
There are also shops and eateries within the park, so you can enjoy light meals whilst gazing at the cherry blossoms. Furthermore, at the NINJA Kan (NINJA館) on the premises, you can enjoy interactive exhibitions themed around the Fuma Ninja (風魔忍者). Moreover, you can experience throwing shuriken at Honmaru Hiroba (本丸広場), as well as dressing up in ninja costumes and armour around Tokiwagimon (常盤木門), allowing you to fully enjoy history, nature, and hands-on experiences all at once.
As the cherry blossom season is expected to be particularly crowded, visiting early in the morning or on weekdays is recommended. Odawarajo, where you can simultaneously savour historical romance and the breathtaking views of spring, can truly be said to be a must-see spot for travellers wishing to experience Japanese tradition and the beautiful changing of the seasons.
Odawarajo Facility Overview
Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last admission at 4:30 pm)
Closed: 31st December, 1st January
2nd Wednesday of December *For facility maintenance
Admission Fee: Castle Keep Admission Ticket
(Individuals) Adults 1,000 yen, Primary and Secondary School Students 300 yen
*The Castle Keep Admission Ticket also grants entry to the SAMURAI Kan (SAMURAI館).
Access
Accessing Odawarajo via public transport is the most convenient.
Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Odawara Station on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (JR東海道新幹線) and Tokaido Honsen (東海道本線).
The Odakyu Sen (小田急線), Hakone Tozan Tetsudo (箱根登山鉄道), and Izuhakone Tetsudo Daiyuzan Sen (伊豆箱根鉄道大雄山線) also run into JR Odawara Station, making it a highly accessible location from both the Tokyo (東京) and Hakone directions.
If you use the Shinkansen, it takes only about 35 minutes from Tokyo Station (東京駅) to JR Odawara Station, making it ideal for a day trip.
You can walk from the station to the castle whilst feeling the atmosphere of a castle town, and as you approach the park, the moat and the castle keep will reveal themselves.
By Car
There is no car park for general visitors within Odawara Joshi Koen. When visiting, please use the nearby paid car parks (there are dedicated spaces within the castle grounds for buses, vehicles for disabled visitors, and motorcycles).
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/culture/311903/
