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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Cherry Blossoms at Odawara Castle
A castle surrounded by pink sakura flowers
Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
If your idea of a perfect escape entails exploring beaches, mountains, hot springs, and temples before tucking into delicious Japanese cuisine, then spending a few days in the picturesque port city of Odawara should make it to the top of your must-do-in-Japan list.
Located in the Ashigara Plains of Kanagawa Prefecture, the city is surrounded by breath-taking scenery, including the Hakone Mountains to the north and west, Sagami Bay to the south, and the Sakawa River to the east. It’s ideal for couples seeking some time out—especially if coming from packed Tokyo, since, with a population of just under 200,000, Odawara has plenty more breathing space to offer. In addition, it’s easy to access and only takes 35 minutes on the Shinkansen bullet train, or just over one hour on a local train, to get there from Tokyo Station.
Since Odawara Castle Park is one of the city's main attractions, it makes sense that plenty of seasonal activities take place in its midst. Head here from late March to early April for the Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival. Marvel at 300 blossoming Yoshino cherry trees surrounding the historic building and dangling gracefully above the castle moat. At night, paper lanterns are lit to transform the area into something even more fantastical.
How to get there
Odawara Station is about 35 minutes from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen bullet train. Odawara Castle is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
6-1 Jonai, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa-ken
