Odawara Castle is a historic site located in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. The castle has had an extensive and very rough history. It was first completed around the year 1450, and during it’s history, it has been seized several times, destroyed by an earthquake, then rebuilt only to be dismantled and sold off, then to be rebuilt finally again in the 1960’s based off original artworks featuring the castle. Now, the castle stands as a tourist attraction, far from it’s original roots as a feudal fortress, in which many lives were lost trying to defend it.
An interesting feature of Odawara Castle is that from the outside, the castle appears to have 3 floors, but this was a tactic to fool attackers. The castle interior actually has 5 floors, which would allow important members of the castle to hide away in a secret floor during an attack. The same concept can also be seen at Himeji Castle.
From the top floor, you can enjoy 360° views of the city of Odawara and take a moment to relax with ocean views. Inside the castle, you can find historic artifacts such as traditional armor and artwork, all found in and around Odawara Castle. In recent years, the castle has had a recent addition of the Tokiwagi Gate Samurai Museum, which is an additional exhibit within the castle grounds which is all about Japanese Samurai.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (Last Entry at 4:30pm)
- 510JPY (+200JPY for Tokiwagi Gate Samurai Museum)
- Average Time Spent: 45 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle is located very close to Odawara Station, a stop a long the Tokaido Shinkansen Line which goes through to Kyoto. Odawara Castle is only 45 minutes outside of Tokyo station via the Shinkansen, and if you have the JR Rail Pass, then the journey is covered by the pass. If you don’t have the pass, you are looking at 3,300JPY roughly from Tokyo Station, or 2000JPY using the subway. The cheaper expense comes at the cost of an extra 30 minutes of Travel time.
From Odawara Station, Odawara Castle is only about 5-10 minutes away by walking, so just follow the train tracks south from the station and you will reach the castle in no time.
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Where to Stay
Ryokan Plum
Quaint hotel with traditional Japanese Ryokan look and feel. Convenient for accessing public transport and explore Odawara.
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Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa
Ocean views, luxury dining, high class rooms and a perfect experience await you at the Hilton Odawara.
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