Odawara Castle

Name: Odawara Castle
Address: 6 Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan
Rating: 4.2

4.2 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Historical Place・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Odawara Castle is a historical gem with roots stretching back to the 15th century. Located in Odawara, this castle was once a formidable stronghold for the Hojo clan, one of Japan’s most powerful samurai families. The castle you see today is a stunning reconstruction, capturing the grandeur and strength of its original design.

Walking through the castle grounds, you can almost feel the history beneath your feet. The stone walls, the towering keep, and the panoramic views of Sagami Bay all tell stories of battles fought and won. Inside the castle, exhibits bring the past to life with samurai armor, weapons, and detailed models showing how the castle was defended.

The castle grounds are more than just a historical site—they’re a place where culture and nature meet. In spring, cherry blossoms create a sea of pink around the castle, drawing visitors from all over. The gardens are meticulously kept, offering a peaceful retreat within the walls of this once-impenetrable fortress.

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 465-22-3818

Website

odawaracastle.com

The area

Address

6 Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan

Top ways to experience Odawara Castle

1 Day

Izuhakone Railway Daiyuzan Line 1 Day Pass

From $4 /person

approx. 7-21 days

Ultimate JR Pass – Travel All of Japan Freely

From $212 /person

What other travelers are saying about Odawara Castle

Beautiful and well-maintained historical site with a great view from the top of the castle. The entrance fee for the main castle museum is 510 yen, but the exhibits inside mostly consist of historical pictures and movies, which may not be very exciting. There is also a separate samurai museum that requires an additional ticket. The castle grounds are lovely, especially during cherry blossom season, making it worth a visit!

Leonard Leow

Mar 19, 2025

A quick 10 minute walk from the local train station. The park is free to enter but the castle will cost you about 500 yen per ticket. Easy to navigate the area. The attraction is very well preserved. There is limited English language translation available in the castle. There are some wonderful 360 degree views over then city from the top of the castle. Well work looking at.

Damien Smith

Feb 15, 2025

Go early! We beat the crowds when we went right around opening time, and it was fantastic. The grounds aren't huge. We were there for 1.5-2 hours and covered the Tower and the Samurai Museum. Very nice grounds and site to wander and explore.

Ginie Eckert

Mar 17, 2025

We saw the cherry blossom festival — lots of vendors, food, drinks, and entertainment on stage. It was somewhat crowded, but we loved the atmosphere, people watching, dog watching, and sightseeing. The grounds and castle are beautiful.

Kimi & Lucy

Apr 2, 2025

Odawara Castle is an incredible place to visit, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning views. The beautifully restored castle stands tall, giving a glimpse into Japan’s samurai past. Walking through the castle grounds feels like stepping back in time, with traditional architecture, well-preserved gates, and lush gardens that change beautifully with the seasons. Inside the castle, the museum showcases fascinating artifacts, samurai armor, and historical exhibits that provide deep insight into the history of Odawara and the Hojo clan. Climbing to the top is a must—the panoramic view of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains is breathtaking. The surrounding park is peaceful and perfect for a relaxing stroll, especially during cherry blossom season when the castle looks even more magical. The staff is friendly, and the site is well-maintained, making it a great spot for history lovers, families, and photographers alike. I highly recommend visiting Odawara Castle if you're in the area—it's a wonderful blend of history and natural beauty that shouldn’t be missed!