In a city that is otherwise pretty off the grid, Odawara-jo (Odawara Castle) is Odawara's claim to fame.  Japanese and foreign tourists alike often make a stop to check out the castle on their way to other destinations such as Hakone or Mt. Fuji.  Odawara is located in Kanagawa prefecture about 2 hours south of Tokyo and an hour south of Yokohama.  Odawara-jo itself is a short walk away from Odwara Station.  Visible from the station's exit, this beautiful castle is impossible to miss.

photo from jcastle.info

During the Kamakura Period, Odawara was the center of the Hojo Clan's operations.  For a while, the Hojo Clan was considered to be the most powerful of the Kanto region.  It was eventually captured by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his plan to take over all of Japan.  The castle was in use from 1417-1871.  Portions of the building and grounds have been reconstructed since.

I took the above photo of Odawara Castle while walking home from work on a day with clear weather.  The castle is surrounded by a moat with large koi that flows beneath a red bridge.  It looks beautiful year-round but the appearance of its surroundings changes with the season.  The sakura trees bloom in the spring and make for a beautiful and relaxing place to take an afternoon walk.  Many events are held on the castle grounds, but the most popular of all is Hojo Godai Matsuri, a samurai festival in the spring.  There is also a museum on the property.

Although many people who come to visit Odawara Castle are quick to hop back on a train, I recommend spending some time in Odawara and checking out some of the local restaurants and businesses. The Harune shopping center below the station highlights many Odawara specialty products.  Make sure you stop in for some Odawara Castle themed omiyage (souveniers) to bring back to your friends and family.

How to Travel to Odawara

Both the Odakyu and JR Tokaido lines stop at Odawara Station.  Take the Odakyu line from Shinjuku station or the Tokaido from Tokyo station for about an hour and a half.

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Written by Carly Susman (www.carly-rose.com)
All photos taken by Carly Susman unless stated otherwise.
Follow for more @carlycarbonate