Odawara Castle Park (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Odawara Castle Park?
What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Couples can enjoy romantic moat strolls, cherry-blossom picnics, panoramic views from the tower, and kimono photo shoots, all within a scenic setting that stays open into the evening.
Positives:
- Complimentary access: Park grounds and moat paths are free to enter.
- Photo opportunities: Multiple scenic spots offer great backdrops for couple photos.
Challenges:
- Castle tower steps: No elevator inside the keep; climb five flights of stairs.
- Limited English signage: Some exhibit labels are only in Japanese; bring a translation app.
What is Odawara Castle Park?
- A historic park centered on a reconstructed five-story castle tower dating to the 15th century
- A cultural complex housing a samurai artifacts museum, a local history exhibition, and seasonal floral displays
- A landscaped urban green space defined by traditional gardens, a moat promenade, and a children’s playground
What is so special about Odawara Castle Park for couple trip?
- Stroll serene moat paths and gardens.
- Climb the keep for city and bay views.
- Dress in samurai armor or kimono for photos.
- Experience a traditional matcha tea ceremony.
- Visit during spring for cherry blossoms and lantern walks.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to explore the tower, stroll the grounds, and enjoy a tea ceremony or photo shoot without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Odawara Castle Park
Stroll the castle grounds and moat promenade:
Walk the wide paths around the castle and moat.
Tip: Snap photos by the red Gakubashi Bridge and feed koi in the moat.
Climb the castle tower for panoramic views:
Ascend the five-story keep for views of Odawara City and Sagami Bay.
Tip: Buy tickets on arrival; mornings are less crowded.
Rent samurai armor or kimono for a photo shoot:
Try on authentic samurai armor or kimono for garden portraits.
Tip: Reserve your outfit early and ask staff for a simple photo stand.
Join a traditional tea ceremony:
Experience matcha tea in the historic Youuan or Uyakuan teahouses.
Tip: Book at least one week ahead and arrive 10 minutes early.
Enjoy cherry-blossom viewing in spring:
Picnic under Somei Yoshino trees near the castle.
Tip: Bring a mat and snacks; visit in late March for peak bloom.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Odawara Castle Park
- Start early: Arrive at opening to avoid crowds at the tower and photo rentals.
- Pre-book activities: Reserve tea ceremony and kimono rentals online before your trip.
Reviews of Odawara Castle Park
Jasper
The park itself is probably more beautiful in other periods of the year, but the castle itself is really nice. Especially the amazing view. Sea, city and mountains.
Ralf Winter
Not much of a park in the grand scheme of things. All the grounds around the castle are gravel. What grassy and treed areas there are are closed for excavation. Very clean public washrooms. There is a restaurant and an ice cream vendor which was lovely.
A S
Awesome place to visit. I would definitely bring your family and they have a ninja experience. They have samurai suits, you. Can rent small restaurants in the train station is very close.Also, the castle is full of history and is very cheap to go to only six hundred yen for a combo kit ticket
Soni Pratik
If you are on odawara metro station and if you have extra time then you should visit this palace this place is very walking distance from the station there are 2/3 entry to enter this castle compound but I suggested enter from the main bridge side gate this is my first castle visit in Japan so I was very impressed with the entry with the beautiful bride and gate Made with the large size of the san...
Jay S
Even though the weather was not agreeable rain, and more rain, and broken umbrella the experience was very good. Everything about the castle was truly awesome. Even got to be a fake ninja and samurai. I highly recommend this visit it was truly fun.
When is the best time to visit Odawara Castle Park (Hakone, Japan)?
Late March–early April: cherry blossoms. Late April–mid-May: wisteria trellis. January–February: plum blossoms. Late November: autumn leaves.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Castle tower admission (2 adults) | JPY 1,020 |
| Samurai armor or kimono rental (2 people) | JPY 1,000 |
| Tea ceremony (2 people) | JPY 4,000 |
| Snacks at food stalls (2 people) | JPY 1,600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,620 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Odawara Castle Park
Address: 6-1 Jōnai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan
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About Odawara Castle Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 465-23-137310 BEST nearby Activities
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