Odawara Castle (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Odawara Castle?
Level park paths, diaper table, and nursing room suit a pram stroll, but the tower lacks an elevator so adults must carry baby on narrow steps and the site offers no stroller rental.
Positives:
- Level Grounds: Most of the inner citadel has flat paths ideal for strollers.
- Compact Layout: The park's small size means you won't overreach with a baby.
Challenges:
- Steep Stairs: No elevator in the main keep; carrying a baby up steep stairs is hard.
- Facility Hours: The nursing room closes at 16:30, one hour before castle closure.
What is so special about Odawara Castle for with baby?
- Stroller-friendly park paths around the inner citadel.
- Free nursing room and diaper stations near the south gate.
- Short, flat walks perfect for a baby’s first outing.
- Carp feeding offers gentle, engaging activity.
- Easy 2-3 hour visit with minimal stairs.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Gives time to explore level paths, use baby-care facilities, and enjoy a gentle castle-park stroll without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Odawara Castle
Stroll stroller-friendly paths:
Follow the sloped road around the main entrance for a stroller-friendly circuit of the inner citadel.
Tip: Start from the Ninomaru gate to avoid stairs and keep the baby in the stroller comfortably.
Use the nursing room:
Use the free baby nursing room with tatami space, reclining chair, and hot-water dispenser.
Tip: Locate it near the front south gate; it closes at 16:30, plan feedings before then.
Use diaper-changing stations:
Find free changing tables in the info center or in the multipurpose restroom on the first floor.
Tip: Bring disposables; disposable bag bins are provided near the changing table.
Feed carp at the shrine pond:
Buy a small bag of fish food and feed koi in the Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine pond.
Tip: Ask at the nearby stand for food; keep baby at arm’s length and use the bench beside the pond.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Optional castle tower climb (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| Carp feeding fish food | JPY 100 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Odawara Castle?
From late February to early March, enjoy over 250 blooming plum trees along flat walking paths around the castle walls.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Odawara Castle
- Arrive Early: Get to the park by 9:00 to use baby rooms before they get busy.
- Use Baby Carrier: Bring a carrier to reach viewpoints with stairs you can't stroller.
Map of Odawara Castle
Address: 6 Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan
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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...
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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