Odawara Castle

The legendary castle of Odawara: the history of one fortress

The ancient fort, which had strategic importance, repeatedly changed hands. The rise and fall of the strongest clans, true courage and treachery - the walls of the castle saw a lot, its history is inextricably linked with the history of Japan of the 15-19 centuries.

Odawara: an excursion into the past
The fortress was built by Omori Yerihara in 1418. It later became the residence of the Hojo Nagaudji clan. The founder of the family became friends with the owner of the castle, vilely killed him and took the family estate.
For several centuries, the fortress belonged to Go-Hojo. In 1590, Odawara could not take 20,000 troops, the defenders surrendered from starvation, withstanding a 3-month siege.
After the Meiji Restoration, the authorities feared a rebellion of feudal lords, many pearls of architecture were erased from the face of the earth. In 1871, the impregnable citadel was destroyed.

The Resurrection by Odawara
When restoring the fortress was guided by ancient drawings. Work began in 1950 and lasted 10 years. Now museums, a library, a mini-zoo are open on the territory of the bastion.

How to get there:
by train – to the railway station “Odawara”, then on foot for 10 minutes;
by car - moving along the Seiso bypass road, turn at the Odawara congress.