Odawara Castle (小田原城, Odawarajō) is a historic and iconic symbol of Odawara City in Kanagawa Prefecture.

History and Significance

• Origins: Believed to have been first built in the mid-15th century by the Omori clan as they expanded into the Odawara region.

• Peak Era: Around 1500, the castle became the seat of the Later Hōjō (Go-Hōjō) clan and was continuously expanded into a central command base for governing the Kantō region. At its peak, the castle’s full fortifications were completed to withstand attacks, making it one of the largest medieval castles in Japan.

• Unification of Japan: Odawara Castle is famous for the Siege of 1590. Despite its strong fortifications and massive dry moats, it was captured by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s forces, marking the end of the Warring States period and the unification of Japan.

• Edo Period: Under Tokugawa Ieyasu’s control, the castle was reduced in size to the Sannomaru area. During Inaba clan ownership, major renovations restored it as an early-modern castle, serving as a strategic defense point in the Kantō region before Hakone.

Restoration and Structure

• Damage and Dismantling: The castle was abandoned in Meiji 3 (1870) and most buildings were dismantled. Remaining stone walls were damaged by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake (Taisho 12).

• Reconstruction: The current Tenshu (main keep) was rebuilt in 1960 (Showa 35) with reinforced concrete, costing 80 million yen to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Odawara City. The composite-style keep rises 38.7 meters above ground and covers 1,822 square meters.

• Restored Gates: Tokiwagi Gate (1971), Akagane Gate (1997), and Umadashi Gate (2009) were restored to showcase the original defensive design.

• National Historic Site: The remaining castle ruins are designated a national historic site, with ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage for future generations.

Visitor Highlights

• Inside the Keep: Exhibits include samurai armor, swords, historical maps, documents, and materials related to samurai culture.

• Observation Deck: At the top floor (~60 meters high), visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Odawara City, Sagami Bay, and on clear days, the Bōsō Peninsula.

• Learning Centers: NINJA Museum focuses on the Fūma ninja group, and Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Centre offers interactive samurai experiences.

• Castle Park: Seasonal flowers and plants include cherry blossoms (popular hanami spot), wisteria, iris, plum blossoms, and a 500+ year-old giant tree.

Odawara Castle is conveniently located near Odawara Station. From the station, it is a short 10-minute walk via the east exit. Odawara Station is a hub for multiple lines:

• JR Tōkaidō Line: From Tokyo and Yokohama

• JR Shōnan-Shinjuku Line: From Shinjuku and Ikebukuro (direct, no transfers)

• Odakyu Odawara Line: From Shinjuku, gateway to the Hakone area

• Hakone Tozan Train / Izu Hakone Daiyūzan Line: Local travel within the region

• Best time to visit for cherry blossoms is late March to early April.

• Visitors can rent samurai armor or kimono for memorable photo experiences.

Admission Fee:

• Tenshu Museum ¥500–¥600; themed museums may charge separately.

Opening Time:

• Castle grounds are open year-round; Tenshu Museum 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).