🗺️ Odawara Castle小田原城

During the Warring States period, Odawara Castle was the stronghold of the Hōjō clan in the Kanto region, and in the Edo period, it became the residence of the Okubo clan. The reconstructed tenshu (main keep) is now surrounded by a park, making it a beloved landmark in Odawara. The current tenshu was rebuilt in Showa 35 (1960), and in 2016, earthquake-resistant renovations and restorations were completed. Inside, there are historical displays related to the castle, and the top floor features a space that recreates the placement of the deity Marishiten as it was during the Edo period. The view from the observation deck overlooking the city of Odawara and Sagami Bay is also worth seeing. The park also includes the "Tokiwa no Ki SAMURAI Museum," which displays armor, swords, and other weaponry, as well as the "NINJA Museum," which offers training experiences related to the legendary wind horse ninjas who served the Hōjō clan. These attractions are irresistible to fans of Japanese culture. The armor-wearing experience (for a fee) is particularly popular, and visitors are encouraged to don armor or kimono to transform into samurai or ninjas and take commemorative photos in front of the castle. Near the tenshu and the castle moat, there is a park planted with about 300 cherry blossom trees of the Somei Yoshino variety, which is also famous and has been selected as one of the "One Hundred Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." During the cherry blossom season, night illuminations are held, attracting around 300,000 visitors each year.

It is the most representative castle from the Edo period to the Sengoku period. Today, the area around the restored tenshu (天守閣) has been planned as a civic park. There are facilities displaying information related to ninjas and samurai. Additionally, there is a paid experience where visitors can dress up in armor or kimono. It is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot representing Odawara.