Odawara Castle Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Odawara Castle Park?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Babies can be wheeled on gentle paths and fed in the Ninomaru nursing room and multipurpose toilets, yet caregivers must skip the tower stairs and bring their own stroller as no rentals exist.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly Paths: Wide, smooth walkways suit all stroller types.
- Free Baby Facilities: Nursing room, diaper space and hot water at Ninomaru Info Center.
- Shaded Rest Areas: Benches by the mini zoo offer cool spots to rest.
- Picnic Space: Lawns under cherry trees are ideal for baby naps.
Challenges:
- No Elevator: Castle tower and museum have only stairs; skip with baby.
- Limited Rental Options: Bring your own stroller; rentals not available on site.
- Scattered Facilities: Baby-care areas are in specific spots; plan your route.
- Peak Crowds: Cherry blossom weekends can get busy around the moat.
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 with baby?
- Smooth, wide paths ideal for strollers
- Onsite nursing room, diaper-changing and hot water free
- Mini zoo offers shaded benches and baby-friendly break
- Seasonal blossoms and lawns for easy picnics
- Scenic photo spots at red Gakubashi Bridge
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to stroll grounds, use baby facilities, enjoy zoo and picnic without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Odawara Castle Park
Stroll Castle Grounds:
Walk on wide, flat paths around the castle and moat.
Tip: Paths are stroller-friendly; follow signs to the moat promenade for smooth routes.
Use Baby Care Facilities:
Visit Ninomaru Info Center for nursing room, diaper-changing and hot water.
Tip: Ask staff at the front entrance for free access; bring your own blanket for privacy.
Mini Zoo Break:
See capybaras and squirrel monkeys at the small, free zoo.
Tip: Rest on shaded benches nearby while baby watches animals.
Picnic Under Seasonal Blooms:
Spread a blanket on the lawn among cherry blossoms, wisteria or irises.
Tip: Bring a shade umbrella and picnic sheet; arrive early to claim a spot.
Photo Spot at Gakubashi Bridge:
Frame the red bridge with the moat and castle in the background.
Tip: Take photos at opening time for soft light and fewer crowds.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Odawara Castle Park
- Early Start: Arrive at opening to secure picnic spots and avoid crowds.
- Barrier-free Restrooms: Use restrooms near the wisteria trellis during busy times.
- Pack Light: Bring a compact picnic and blanket to avoid food stall lines.
- Sun Protection: Rent umbrellas or use a shade tent from home for baby comfort.
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 around the moat and lawn. Mid-April: wisteria trellis near barrier-free restrooms. Early summer: iris blooms by the moat. Visit weekdays before 10:00 to avoid peak crowds.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Castle tower admission (2 adults) | JPY 1,020 |
| Mini train ride (2 adults) | JPY 400 |
| Picnic supplies | JPY 1,000 |
| Snacks | JPY 300 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,720 |
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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