Odawara Castle Park

A convenient train ride from Tokyo to Odawara by the regular Tokaido Line (one and a half hours) or Tokaido Shinkansen (35 minutes), Odawara Castle Park is an ideal getaway from bustling Tokyo to enjoy a full day of flower viewing, historical tour and amusement for the family.

The port city of Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture is a favorite destination for many Tokyo residents. The castle park is merely five minutes on foot from Odawara station. From the rear side of the park, a short ten-minute walk takes you leisurely to Miyukihama Beach along Sagami Bay.

Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival

Photo by: PIXTA/ kazukiatuko Time your visit to coincide with the cherry blossoms blooming at Odawara Castle Park.

The Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival usually takes place from late March to early April each year. During that time, visitors can marvel at the approximately 300 blooming Yoshino cherry blossom trees that make the park most popular. These fascinating blooms encircle the entire grounds, and their elegantly drooping branches sway above the moat. Other cherry blossom varieties—Oshima cherry blossoms (early April), weeping cherry blossoms (late March to early April), and wild cherry blossoms—spread throughout, until the rear North gate near the castle tower and earthen grounds.

If you visit the park between winter and spring, from early February to March, you may be able to catch the charming, bright pink Kawazu cherry blossoms. Plum trees are also scattered by the Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine inside the complex.

Seasonal Blooms

From mid-April to early May, azaleas bloom outside the Odawara Castle Ninja Museum near the red Manabibashi Bridge, which spans over the moat. From late April to early May, a trellis of wisteria hangs by the Ocha-tsubobashi Bridge across the Local Culture Museum. Dainty irises from late May to late June decorate the front of the Tokiwagi Gate opening to the main castle.

In other seasons, hydrangeas gather around the Local Culture Museum and the main castle. Lotus flowers float on the pond, and thistles, bellflowers, camellias, red spider lilies, dandelions, chrysanthemums and other flowers sprinkle around the property. Dogwood, juniper and pine trees also abound.

Historic Tour

Photo by: PIXTA/ t.sakai Check out the castle.

Odawara Castle can be traced back to the mid-15th century when the daimyo (feudal lord) Ise Sozui (Hojo Soun) occupied Odawara, expanding the Hojo clan territory over the Kanto region for the next hundred years. After the downfall of the Hojo clan, the Okubo clan took over the lordship of the castle until the end of the Edo period. The castle was abandoned in 1870, and many structures were destroyed. Outstanding renovations have contributed to the preservation of its legacy, making it a vital symbol of Odawara City today. The park has been designated as a National Historic Site and Municipal Park.

From the top floor of the castle tower, one can survey a breathtaking panorama of the city and Sagami Bay. Apart from the Tokiwagi Gate, the Akagane Gate, Umadashi Gate, and the Honmaru Teahouse are worth exploring. Guided historical tours, such as the Ninja and Samurai Tour and the Samurai Gallery and Ninja Museum Tour, are available.

Activities at Odawara Castle Park

Photo by: PIXTA/ Masa Head to the Ninja centre.

For families, the castle park offers an armor-dressing experience, Ninja training and a photo session with staff in warrior costumes. Visitors can watch ninja fight performances and join in on a unique Zen meditation session with a monk. Odawara Castle Park hosts several festivals throughout the year, so be sure to check the website.