Odawara Castle (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Odawara Castle?
What makes it 90% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy cherry and plum blossom walks, night illumination, and tower top views for memorable photos; entry is inexpensive, yet the many stairs may deter partners with mobility limits.
Positives:
- Romantic Setting: The park and illuminated walls create a perfect backdrop for evening photos.
- Easy Access: Located near Odawara Station; trains run every 15–20 minutes from Hakone.
Challenges:
- Steep Stairs: The tower has narrow, steep stairs; avoid heavy bags and wear comfortable shoes.
- Limited Signage in English: Some exhibit labels are only in Japanese; use the Odawara Sampo app for guidance.
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?
- Stroll flower-lined castle grounds for seasonal blooms
- Climb the donjon for panoramic Sagami Bay views
- Explore samurai exhibits at the history museum
- Capture romantic night shots during castle illumination
- 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: Allows time to explore gardens, donjon, and museum without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Odawara Castle
Stroll in Castle Park:
Walk paths among plum, cherry and hydrangea blossoms in the inner and outer citadels.
Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and catch soft light on the walls.
Climb the Castle Tower:
Explore three floors of samurai armor and historical documents, then enjoy the 360° view of Sagami Bay.
Tip: Buy tickets at the south gate kiosk; avoid peak hours after noon for clearer views.
Rekishi-Kenbunkan History Museum:
Watch audio-visual presentations on the castle’s history and the Hojo clan.
Tip: Check showtimes on arrival and plan museum visit between exhibits.
Evening Castle Illumination:
See the white walls of the castle lit in warm tones from sunset to 9 pm.
Tip: Bring a tripod or use a low shutter speed for sharp night photos.
Seasonal Flower Viewing:
Admire 250 plum trees in Feb–Mar, cherry blossoms in late March, and hydrangeas in June.
Tip: Check park website for bloom forecasts and time your visit accordingly.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Odawara Castle
- Combine Tickets: Buy a bundle pass at the ticket counter to save time if visiting both the tower and museum.
- Use the App: Download the free Odawara Sampo app for English audio guides and maps.
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)?
Visit early February to early March for plum blossoms, late March for cherry blossoms, and June for hydrangeas.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Castle Tower Admission (per adult) | JPY 500 |
| Rekishi-Kenbunkan Museum Admission (per adult) | JPY 300 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,600 |
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
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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