Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle (小田原城, Odawara-jō) dates back to the 15th century and once served as the stronghold of the powerful Hojo clan, who ruled much of the Kanto region. The castle played a pivotal role in Japanese history until it fell to Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590, contributing to the reunification of Japan. Although the original structure was destroyed by an earthquake in 1703, the main keep was reconstructed in 1960 using ferro-concrete, faithfully modeled after Edo period designs.

Today, Odawara Castle captivates visitors with its elegant cherry blossoms and sweeping views from the top floor of its three-story keep. Inside, visitors can explore fascinating exhibits of samurai armor and swords, while the tranquil surrounding park invites a relaxing stroll. Two on-site museums enhance the experience: the Ninja Museum features interactive displays on ninja culture, and the Samurai Museum showcases historical armor and weapons from Japan’s feudal era.