Odawara Castle - Worth a Visit!
The Caslte is famous for its strong defenses
When you are in Odawara area, the Odawara Castle is worth a visit. It is actually located in a fairly short walk from Odawara Station. You can see it from the station as this castle is built upon a small hill.
What I liked most is a beautiful red bridge leading across the moat into the castle grounds. It was really pretty with lots of greenery in the blue sky. After crossing the bridge, you will enjoy a nice walk through the castle grounds to the Donjon.
Historically, Odawara Castle had very strong defenses, as it was built on a hill, surrounded by moats with water on the low side, and dry ditches on the hill side, with walls and cliffs located all around the castle. I am not an historical expert or anything, but could imagine the structure should have enabled the defenders to repel attacks by the warriors back then.
A few other attractions...
You can rent histrical costumes at the entrance and wear samurai armour and kimono dating back to the days and then have your photo taken with the castle in the background for 300 yen. Because of such a customer friendly pricing, we saw many people enjoying this attraction.
If you are with little kids, there is a small amusement park located by the sideway up to/from the Donjon. They have a little locomotive train that goes around the park as well as several small vehicle rides. You can enjoy them at incredibly cheap fee such as 30 - 80 yen per ride - Odawara local prices!
EmiOnishi
Japan
