[Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)]
Odawara Castle (Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a castle that played an important role as a strategic point in the Kanto region from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. During the Sengoku period, it developed as the base of the Later Hojo clan (the Odawara Hojo clan), and after it fell during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Siege of Odawara in 1590, it underwent extensive renovations during the Edo period. The current castle tower was restored using reinforced concrete in 1960, and the interior is now a museum displaying armor, documents, and panels that clearly explain the history of Odawara. From the top floor of the castle tower, you can see Sagami Bay and the Hakone area, and on clear days, Mount Fuji. The castle ruins park is also an attractive spot to enjoy seasonal flowers and events.
[Highlights]
– Castle Tower (Castle Tower Museum): View the exhibits inside the restored castle tower. Learn about Odawara's history through videos and actual materials. The view from the top floor is popular.
– Stone walls and moats: The stone walls and moats, which retain the atmosphere of castle ruins from the Warring States period, are worth seeing. There are many photo spots.
- Odawara Castle Ruins Park (Odawara Castle Ruins Park): The spacious grounds are perfect for a stroll. It is famous for its plum grove (February to March) and cherry blossoms (late March to early April).
– Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine: Located near the castle, this shrine enshrines Ninomiya Sontoku (a figure with ties to Odawara). Convenient for worship and strolling through the gardens.
- Seasonal events: Events are held throughout the year, including the plum festival, cherry blossom illuminations, festivals related to the Hojo clan, and armor processions.
[Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)]
- Nearest station: Odawara Station (served by the JR Tokaido Main Line, Tokaido Shinkansen, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Izu Hakone Railway, Hakone Tozan Railway, and Odakyu Odawara Line)
– Travel time from the station: Approximately 15-20 minutes (approximately 1 km) on foot from the west exit of Odawara Station. You can also take a bus or taxi. There is a bus stop near the castle ruins park.
– Example of access from the city center (approximate):
- Tokyo Station → Approximately 35 minutes by Shinkansen (varies depending on whether you use Kodama or Hikari) → Odawara Station
- Shinjuku Station → Odakyu Romancecar (approximately 70-90 minutes depending on the train type) → Odawara Station
- By car: Use National Route 1 or the Odawara-Atsugi Road. There are paid parking lots in the area. However, they tend to be crowded and full during cherry blossom viewing and other events.
[Estimated stay (estimated time required)]
- Quick tour: castle tower only → about 40 minutes to 1 hour
- A leisurely stroll: Castle tower + castle ruins park, Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine, etc. → about 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Including sightseeing in the surrounding area: If you are visiting Hakone and Odawara fish markets and kamaboko shops, etc. → Half a day to a full day
[Nearby spots]
- Odawara Fishing Port and Fish Market: Enjoy fresh seafood and seafood bowls (there is a morning market and restaurants).
- Kamaboko Street (Kamaboko Shop District): A row of shops where you can buy and sample Odawara's famous kamaboko.
- Hakone (towards Hakone-Yumoto): A convenient base for visiting hot springs, art museums, Lake Ashi, and more.
- Odawara-juku (Old Tokaido): Historic streets, souvenir shops, and restaurants dot the area.
– Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine and Ninomiya Sontoku Memorial Museum: A sightseeing spot related to people with local ties.
[Points to note (crowds, etiquette, seasonal precautions, etc.)]
- Crowds: The park is extremely crowded during cherry blossom season (late March to April), plum blossom season (February to March), long weekends, and festivals. Be aware of long queues to enter, traffic jams on surrounding roads, and full parking lots. We recommend allowing plenty of time for your visit or using public transportation.
– Weather and clothing: The view from the castle tower is affected by the weather (Mount Fuji is often obscured by haze or clouds). Please prepare clothing appropriate for the season and comfortable walking shoes.
- Barrier-free access: The park is relatively flat, but there are some areas with stone steps and uneven surfaces. Some routes may be inconvenient for wheelchairs and strollers, so please check in advance.
- Manners: As a historic site and park, please follow the rules for preserving the park, such as taking your trash with you, abiding by the no-photography rules in exhibition rooms if any, and not touching any off-limits areas or fences.
- Sightseeing plans: If combining with Hakone, check the transportation options (Hakone Tozan Railway, bus, cable car, etc.) and time slots. There may be fewer shops and transportation options, especially at night.
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