Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle earned its formidable reputation as the Hojo clan's seat of power over the Kantō region, its defences eventually stretching across nine kilometres of outer earthworks: an extraordinary feat of medieval engineering raised against Toyotomi Hideyoshi's advancing forces. The reconstructed keep now stands at the heart of a broad historic park, joined by the Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Hall and a dedicated NINJA Museum, making it one of the more layered castle sites in the Kantō area. Seasonal evening illuminations lend the grounds an entirely different character after dusk.

When to go

The castle park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Spring and autumn tend to offer the most atmospheric visits, with cherry blossom and autumn foliage framing the keep. Arriving close to opening time on weekday mornings generally allows for a quieter, more contemplative experience.

“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-er”— CVM T, Google review