- Culture
- Kanagawa
Odawara Castle Park
Odawara Castle, a location famous for cherry blossoms
Odawara Castle Park, designated as a national historic site, is famous for cherry blossoms, and it is the center of Odawara sightseeing where many events are held throughout the year. There are many experience-oriented facilities in the park where visitors can learn about the history, such as Odawara Castle Tower, Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum and Odawara Castle Rekishi-Kenbunkan Museum (NINJA Museum). This is a spot that both children and adults can enjoy.
Odawara Castle Tower
The Castle Tower is a symbol of Odawara City, which was rebuilt in 1960. With the renewal in 2016, exhibitions were renovated and clear explanations of history and culture using videos are well received. The guide app can be downloaded on a smartphone, which contains exhibition information in various languages (English, simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese). The entire Sagami Bay can be seen from the top floor, about 60 meters high. On a sunny day, visitors can look over the Boso Peninsula.
Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum
The exhibition of Odawara Castle Tokiwagi Gate was renewed, and it was opened as Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum, the new historic tourist facilities, in 2016. The exhibition focuses on military paraphernalia such as armor and swords, and it introduces the spirituality of samurai and the art of weaponry. The armor experience to try on armor and ninja costumes is also popular. Enjoy feeling like a samurai in a photo shoot by wearing armor against the background of the Castle Tower (additional fees apply).
Odawara Castle Rekishi-Kenbunkan Museum (NINJA Museum)
In April 2019, it was renovated and opened as facilities where visitors can learn about the history of Odawara while enjoying a ninja experience. With the motif of Fuma ninja, which is said to have supported the Hojo clan from the shadows during the Period of Warring States, visitors can have a unique experience. Featuring videos and experimental exhibitions utilizing the latest digital technology, these facilities entertain a wide range of people, from children to overseas visitors.
Location
| Name | Odawara Castle Park |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | (In Japanese) https://odawaracastle.com/ |
| Address | Jonai, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa |
| Access | 10 minutes' walk from Odawara Station on the JR or Odakyu Line |
| Business Hours | Castle Tower: 9:00 to 17:00 (Final entry: 16:30） Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum: 9:00 to 17:00 (Final entry: 16:30） Odawara Castle Rekishi-Kenbunkan Museum (NINJA Museum): 9:00 to 17:00 (Final entry: 16:30） Armor dressing experience: 9:00 to 16:00 (Last admission: 15:30) |
| Closed | Castle Tower: Second Wednesday of December (December 31 to January 1 for facility maintenance） Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum: December 31 to January 1 Odawara Castle Rekishi-Kenbunkan Museum (NINJA Museum): December 31 to January 1 Armor dressing experience: December 31 to January 1 |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0465-22-3818 (Odawara Castle Tower) |
| Admission | Castle Tower Adults: 500 yen; Junior high school or elementary school students: 200 yen Tokiwagi Gate Adults: 200 yen; Junior high school or elementary school students: 60 yen Common ticket for Castle Tower and Tokiwagi Gate Adults: 600 yen; Junior high school or elementary school students: 220 yen Rekishi-Kenbunkan Museum (NINJA Museum) Adults: 300 yen; Junior high school or elementary school students: 100 yen |
