What other travelers are saying about Odawara Castle
Beautiful castle, maybe one of the easiest to get to and see from Tokyo. Has great views and is close enough to the ocean if you want to go there too. The surrounding area has some nice shops and restaurants as well.
“Top 10 castle in Japan” - we got adopted by an older couple on our way from the station as we were obviously lost which way to go (Google was directing us to the side entrance while we were trying to enter through the main one). They were very nice and the wife was explaining some history to me while I was translating for my friend.
If you have time, go through the main entrance, you’ll get some really nice shots. I’m sure it’s beautiful in spring as the path was lined with cherry blossom trees. You can also climb up to the defense gates (ninomaru?) and see where they would have defended with bow and arrow.
I’ve been to 4 castles in Japan and this one is def worth visiting - they do a wonderful blend of history lesson, preservation of the castle, and remodeled interior. The exterior is giving impressiveness of Himeji while the gates are a nice smaller size on par with Hiroshima. Interior reminds me somewhat of Osaka.
Venture through the levels of Odawara Castle and visit the history. Cheap to enter and can buy a double ticket to see the Samurai museum.
Afterwards we could wear a Samurai suit at a small price for upto 1hr. This is a great photo opportunity.
We enjoyed this place. It was pretty and the entire town is very appealing! We got great service, lovely souvenirs and delicious treats. What more can you ask for? Ha, ha. The museum itself (in Odawara Castle) is a little boring, but the property is so beautiful that it doesn't really matter.
A nice sized castle is set in a park surrounding with a museum. The park itself is free to visit, but entrance to the castle has a fee.
At the museum, one can dress up as a ninja or Samurai warrior for photo shoots.
At night, the castle is lit up, and the illumination gives off a totally different appearance.