Odawara Castle (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Odawara Castle?
What makes it 90% Couple-Friendly: Couples get romantic castle-park strolls under blossoms and night lighting, panoramic bay views from the keep, and quiet spots to sit together, all for low fees and easy 2-hour timing.
Positives:
- Easy access: A 10-minute walk from Odawara Station makes the castle park convenient to reach.
- Free park entry: Walking the grounds and viewing blossoms does not require a ticket.
Challenges:
- Steep stairs: The castle keep has no elevator and narrow, steep stairs to the top.
- Limited signage: Historic exhibits have minimal English descriptions; bring a guide app.
What is Odawara Castle?
- A 15th-century flatland fortress that served as the Hōjō clan’s political center during Japan’s Sengoku period
- A six-tiered tenshukaku (main keep) reconstructed in 1960, featuring traditional stone walls and characteristic ornamental roof gables
- A historic complex of moats, turrets and gates housing samurai armor exhibits and castle-era artifacts that illustrate Kanto region heritage
What is so special about Odawara Castle for couple trip?
- Free stroll under seasonal blooms in the castle park
- Panoramic city and bay views from the top of the restored keep
- Historic samurai armor and castle history exhibits
- Romantic evening illuminations create a date-night setting
- Easy access from Odawara Station makes day trips simple
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can explore the park, climb the keep, and enjoy exhibits without rushing
Couple-Friendly Activities in Odawara Castle
Stroll in Odawara Castle Park:
Walk under plum, cherry, and hydrangea trees in the inner and outer citadels.
Tip: Enter through the south gate to avoid crowds; visit during bloom season for best colors.
Climb the Castle Tower:
Explore samurai armor and old documents across three tiers, then reach the top for views of Sagami Bay and Odawara City.
Tip: Buy tickets (¥500 per person) at the main gate; head up early to skip lines and catch morning light.
Visit Rekishi-Kenbunkan History Museum:
Watch audio-visual presentations about the castle’s history in this compact museum.
Tip: Combine with the tower visit for a deeper context; admission ¥300 per person.
Evening Castle Illumination:
Enjoy the castle walls lit up from sunset until 9 pm, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Tip: Check illumination dates on the castle website; bring a flashlight for the walk back.
Seasonal Cherry/Plum Viewing:
See about 250 red and white plum trees bloom against the castle walls from early February to early March.
Tip: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds and get clear photos.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Odawara Castle
- Buy combo tickets: Purchase tower and museum tickets together at the ticket booth to save time.
- Use Odakyu Hakone Pass: Combine castle visit with Hakone trips using this pass for transport discounts.
Reviews of Odawara Castle
A S
Wonderful experience. The outside is free but the castle is very affordable about ¥500 yen $3.50. And only a small amount more for the samurai museum. I definitely want to come back with my family it was really fun lots of food in shops and vending machines and everywhere takes card. The train station area also has so much food options 5 min walk.
Kenjiro Y
It's not a fun place to visit, but thanks to that, there are not that many people here. That makes it a nice and quiet walk. Odawara Castle is the 7th tallest castle in Japan and the original was built in the 1400s! It's 510 yen to get in. The highlight was of course the top lookout. Everything else is just a lot of drawings, writings and some artifacts.
Melvin J.
Odawara Castle is a charming historic site with beautiful grounds and great views. Perfect for a relaxing walk and learning a bit of local history. Fun fact: The castle was a key stronghold during the Sengoku period and famously withstood multiple sieges. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re nearby!
Kevin Sanchez
Awesome sights inside and outside of the castle. Learned a lot about the history of the castle and the construction. There are some floors that no photography is allowed in. The view from the top of the castle is definitely something to see if you visit. Was not super busy when we went which was near the closing time. Beautiful layout! Would definitely go again.
Leonard Leow
Beautiful and well-maintained historical site with a great view from the top of the castle. The entrance fee for the main castle museum is 510 yen, but the exhibits inside mostly consist of historical pictures and movies, which may not be very exciting. There is also a separate samurai museum that requires an additional ticket. The castle grounds are lovely, especially during cherry blossom season...
When is the best time to visit Odawara Castle (Hakone, Japan)?
Spring: early Feb–Mar for plum and late Mar–Apr for cherry blossoms. Summer: June hydrangeas. Autumn: November maple leaves.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Castle Tower tickets (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| History Museum tickets (2 adults) | JPY 600 |
| Park snacks and drinks | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,400 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Odawara Castle
Address: 6 Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan
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About Odawara Castle
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
+81 465-22-3818Explore Popular Things to Do
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