“Odawara Castle”

 

 

 

 

Hello, guys!

Today, I want to introduce you to Odawara Castle in Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s an easy and rewarding side trip from Tokyo, often on the way to Hakone or Mt. Fuji!

 

 

✨ Why Visit Odawara Castle?

• Closest Castle to Tokyo: It’s one of the closest castles with a genuine tenshu-kaku (main keep) that is open to the public, making it incredibly accessible. A quick Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Shinagawa Station gets you close, and the castle is just a short walk from Odawara Station.

 

• A Symbol of the Hojo Clan: This castle was the powerful stronghold of the Later Hojo Clan (Go-Hojo), a major samurai family that ruled the Kanto region for over a century during Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku (Warring States) period (15th-16th centuries).

 

• The Massive Sogamae: Did you know Odawara Castle was once a massive fortress? The Hojo built a system of earthworks and moats called Sogamae that surrounded not just the castle, but the entire castle town! This unique defense made it famously difficult to attack. Even the great warlords Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen couldn’t conquer it directly.

 

🛡️ What to See and Do

• The Main Keep (Tenshu-kaku): The main tower, though a modern reconstruction, stands proudly and houses a museum. Climb to the top observation deck for a spectacular view of the castle grounds, the surrounding city, and the beautiful Sagami Bay! You can truly feel like a daimyo (feudal lord) looking over their domain.

 

• Gates and Walls: Explore the reconstructed gates like Tokiwagi-mon and Dōmon to get a sense of the castle’s defenses. These areas often feature displays of samurai armor, weapons, and historical artifacts.

 

• Castle Park (Jōshi Kōen): The spacious castle grounds are beautiful year-round, especially during the cherry blossom season (late March/early April) and when the irises bloom. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll.

 

• Ninja Experience! Odawara has a strong connection to the Fūma Ninja Clan, who supported the Hojo. You can often find fun, engaging experiences like ninja-themed exhibitions, and sometimes even a chance to try things like throwing shuriken (ninja stars)!

 

📍 How to Get There

• Location: Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

• Access: Take the JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Line, or the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station. The castle is about a 10-minute walk from the East Exit.

If you’re looking for an authentic and easy-to-access piece of Japanese history, Odawara Castle is a must-see!