A reconstructed 15th-century castle that was the stronghold of the powerful Hojo clan. The donjon museum houses artifacts from the Sengoku period, while the surrounding park is one of Kanagawa's premier cherry blossom viewing spots.
Odawara Castle is a reconstructed Japanese castle in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, standing at the centre of a large public park near the Tokaido Shinkansen station. The original fortress, built in the mid-15th century, served as the headquarters of the Hojo clan — one of the most powerful ruling families of the Sengoku period — and withstood repeated sieges by Uesugi Kenshin, Takeda Shingen, and others before finally falling to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's coalition army in 1590. The castle that visitors see today is a 1960 concrete reconstruction of the 1633 Edo-period keep, housing a museum across five floors.
The castle donjon museum traces Odawara's history from the Hojo era through the Edo period, displaying armour, weapons, lacquerware, maps, and historical documents. The fifth floor observation deck provides views over the city to Sagami Bay in the east and the hills toward Hakone in the west. A Ninja Museum on the grounds offers performance demonstrations — particularly popular with families — covering the history of Odawara's famous ninja tradition.
The surrounding Odawara Castle Park is one of Kanagawa's foremost cherry blossom destinations, with approximately 300 cherry trees lining the moat and castle approaches. Hanami (blossom viewing) in late March to early April transforms the grounds into a popular picnic site. Plum blossoms in February also draw visitors, as does the late-March Odawara Hojo Godai Festival with historical processions and costumed participants.
Odawara is easily reached via the Tokaido Shinkansen (35 minutes from Tokyo) and the Odakyu Romancecar express from Shinjuku (approximately 70 minutes), making it a natural first stop on a Hakone itinerary. The castle entrance is a 10-minute walk from the station.
| Hours | 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed Dec 31–Jan 1 |
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Location
35.2564, 139.1572 View on map
Highlights
- Castle donjon museum
- Cherry blossoms in spring
- Views of Sagami Bay and Mt. Fuji
- Ninja Museum
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Ume (plum) Matsuri festival in February or cherry blossoms in late March.
When to visit
Late March cherry blossoms around the castle moat are the visual peak of the year; autumn (October–November) offers pleasant walking temperatures and good daylight for the museum.
Accessibility
Castle grounds accessible; donjon has steps
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Frequently asked questions
What is inside Odawara Castle?
The five-floor donjon museum exhibits armour, weapons, and artifacts from the Sengoku and Edo periods. The fifth floor has an observation deck with bay and mountain views. A Ninja Museum with live demonstrations is also on the castle grounds.
Is Odawara Castle a good stop before visiting Hakone?
Yes. Odawara Station is the gateway for both the Hakone Tozan Railway and various bus routes into Hakone. A 1.5-hour castle and park visit fits neatly before continuing into the mountains.
When is cherry blossom season at Odawara Castle?
Cherry blossoms typically peak in late March to early April. The moat and castle approaches are lined with approximately 300 trees, and the hanami period draws large crowds for picnicking under the blossoms.