Odawara Castle: A Daytrip Destination from Tokyo

The central keep, rising beyond the main compound, gleams after major renovations in 2016.

The roof tiles of the Tokiwagi Gate entrance to the main compound display the triple hollyhock of the Tokugawa clan.

The former site of rice storehouses of the Edo shogunate on the north side of the main compound.

An exhibition in the central keep details the history of the castle and its successive occupants.

The Akagane Gate was restored in 1997. The central keep is visible in the background.

To the south of the main compound, stone ramparts that collapsed in the Great Kantō earthquake lie undisturbed.

Restored in 2009, the Umadashi Gate beyond the bridge is the castle’s main entrance.

The moat and a corner turret, photographed from Umadashi Gate. Entrance to Odawara Castle Park is via Manabi Bridge seen in the background.

The Umadashi Gate, left, and Kabuki Gate open onto a square masugata court designed to delay attacking forces. The graveled area was also used as a gathering place for troops.

The Akagane Gate, across the Sumiyoshi Bridge, also has a square masugata court.

The copper fittings on its massive wood portal give the Akagane Gate its name.

A model of the mud wall in the second compound shows the Edo period building technique employed for the Akagane Gate.

The Tokiwagi Gate is at the top of the stone steps. Hanashōbu (German iris) bloom under the vermillion bridge.

The imposing Tokiwagi Gate, entrance to the castle’s central keep.

The central keep, viewed from the east. Shachihoko, mythical creatures said to protect against fire, are poised at the ends of the roof ridge.

The entrance to the central keep. Admission tickets are sold from a booth at the top of the stairs.

Panels, models, and historical documents recounting the castle’s history are displayed inside the central keep.

The view from the central keep observation deck, with the city below and the Izu Peninsula in the distance to the right.

Refreshments are available at the shop Honmaru-chaya.

The spot in front of the Tokiwagi Samurai Museum is perfect for photographing the central keep.

Suits of armor and swords on display at the Samurai Museum. Projection mapping videos also add interest.

Visitors can learn about the Fūma ninja who served the Hōjō clan at Ninja House, where displays are arranged like a video game.

The Ninomaru Tourist Information Office. Visitors can arrange for free guided tours of the castle.