旅Around Tokyo

Coast

Odawara 小田原

A castle town at the gateway to Hakone

Prefecture
Kanagawa
From Tokyo
About 35 minutes by Shinkansen
Best time
Late March–early April (cherry blossoms), February (plum blossoms)

Once the stronghold of the Hojo clan, Odawara is best known for its rebuilt castle and its fish-cake makers. It's a quick stop on the way to Hakone or Izu.

Highlights

Odawara Castle

A reconstructed keep with a museum and views to Sagami Bay.

Castle Park

Cherry trees and seasonal flower displays around the moats.

Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum

Watch and try making kamaboko fish cake.

Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle

Ruins of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 'one-night castle', now a park.

Soga Bairin

Plum orchards blooming in February with Fuji views.

Getting there

  • Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo (about 35 minutes).
  • Odakyu Line or Romancecar from Shinjuku (about 1–1.5 hours).
  • JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo (about 80 minutes).

Tips

  • Combine with Hakone — Odawara is where the Hakone Tozan Line begins.
  • The castle keep closes for a few days around New Year.

What to eat