Odawara Castle Ruins Park (小田原城址公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A symbol of Odawara, this is the impregnable castle that served as the home base of the Hojo clan (北条氏) for over 100 years. The current castle keep (天守閣) is a Showa-era reconstruction, but its imposing four-story, five-level form still commands presence at the heart of the castle ruins park. Climbing to the top floor of the keep rewards you with a panoramic view stretching from the blue waters of Sagami Bay (相模湾) to the mountain ranges of Hakone (箱根), and even toward the Sakawa River (酒匂川), where tonight's fireworks will be launched. The park also has a small zoo, a Japanese garden, and reconstructed gates such as the Umadashi-mon (馬出門) and Akagane-mon (銅門), letting you enjoy history and nature together. It's also famous as a spot for plum and cherry blossoms, and a stroll through its deep summer greenery is a pleasant way to spend time as well.

Tips

About a 10-minute walk from the east exit of Odawara Station (小田原駅). Admission to the castle keep is 510 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Strolling the castle ruins park itself is free. On the day of the fireworks the park gets busier, but early afternoon tends to be relatively uncrowded for visiting.

Best time to visit

About 1.5 hours. The view from the castle keep is most vivid on a clear midday.

Access & map

〒250-0014 Jonai 6-1, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture