Odawara Castle: Impregnable Stronghold of the Later Hojo Clan

A grand keep watching over the castle town, ramparts telling of Sengoku splendor, and views across Sagami Bay. Odawara Castle in Odawara City, Kanagawa, is renowned as the stronghold of the Later Hojo clan, who ruled the entire Kanto region during the Warring States period. Its appeal lies in the historical romance of a fortress once called impregnable, and its position as the gateway to Hakone. Enjoy the sweeping views from the keep and the greenery around the castle as you reflect on the age of warring states.

Highlights

Odawara Castle flourished as the base of the Later Hojo clan, who dominated the Kanto region during the Sengoku period. Ruling for five generations over roughly 100 years, the Hojo built a colossal defensive system called the Sogamae, encircling the castle and the entire town with vast moats and earthworks. Said to have repelled attacks by Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen, the fortress was finally besieged by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's massive army in the Odawara Campaign and surrendered in 1590, ending the Hojo era. Today the site is a landscaped park with a reconstructed keep. The keep houses historical exhibits, and its top-floor observation deck looks out over the castle town, Sagami Bay, and as far as the Boso Peninsula. The adjoining Tokiwagi-mon SAMURAI Hall is another highlight.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Odawara Castle is a noted cherry blossom spot, and in spring about 300 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees frame the keep, earning a place among Japan's 100 best cherry blossom sites. Fresh greenery in early summer, autumn foliage, and the crisp air of winter each bring a different face. The grounds also include an iris garden and a plum grove, so timing a visit to a flowering season is recommended.

Access and Essentials

Access is about a 10-minute walk from Odawara Station, served by JR, Odakyu, and the Hakone Tozan Railway. Admission to the keep is 500 yen for adults (high school age and above) and 200 yen for elementary and junior high students, with combination tickets including the SAMURAI Hall available for around 600 yen for adults. Opening hours are 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30), and it is closed on the second Wednesday of December and on December 31. Strolling the castle park itself is free.

Practical Travel Notes

The cherry blossom season is very crowded, so an early-morning visit is recommended. To view the keep and walk the grounds, allow about one to two hours. Odawara is the gateway to Hakone, and the shopping streets near the station and in the old castle town offer local specialties such as Odawara kamaboko fish cake and dried fish, especially dried horse mackerel. Combined with Sagami Bay seafood and the hot springs of Hakone, it makes for a full day. Budget around a few thousand yen for admission, souvenirs, and a meal.

A Word of Advice

Beyond the keep, visiting the Sogamae earthwork remains, the reconstructed gates, and the castle-town shopping streets brings home the sheer scale of the fortress the Hojo built. Sampling local kamaboko and dried fish, immerse yourself in the historical romance of the warring states.

📚 Sources

This information is based on public materials from local governments such as Odawara City and tourism associations, on the public information of Odawara Castle and related facilities, and on on-site guidance. Hours and fees for the keep and facilities can change. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About one to two hours to tour the castle and grounds
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes for the grounds; cash for admission to the keep
• Suggested route: Tour the keep and the castle park mentioned in the article, and stroll together with the area around Odawara Station
• Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Odawara Station on the JR, Odakyu, and other lines
• Budget: A few thousand yen is a guide for admission and a meal