Odawara Castle located in Kanagawa prefecture is the closest Japanese castle you can visit from Tokyo.

You’ll need only 90 min by normal train on JR (around 1500 yen) or Odakyu line (Around 850 yen) from Shinjuku station in the center of Tokyo.

You can also take the Shinkansen from Tokyo station, it takes only 35 min but costs around 3700 yen if you don’t have Japan Rail Pass. 

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, it will be the best solution since you can ride any JR train, including the Shinkansen.

The autumn leaves started to turn red.

The castle is located around 10-15 walking from the train station.

It has been first built in 1447 then rebuilt in 1633, 1706 and 1960.

It was originally under control of the Doi Clan before falling under the Hojo Clan.

The castle knew many wars and it was used as one of the stronghold of the Kanto region.

You can understand how the castle was build before : with a wood structure and mortar.

After being took down during wars or earthquake it has been finally rebuilt in 1960 with modifications for the tourists like an observatory platform on the top floor.

Inside the castle, where photographs are forbidden, you can discover many historical items like samurai armors, weapons, Japanese swords but also everyday items.

The view from the top is very beautiful and if the weather is sunny, you can see Mount Fuji. (Unfortunately it was cloudy that day.)

Around the castle there’s many things to enjoy like looking at archeological researches.

There’s also a space where you can rent samurai or princess costumes and take pictures around the castle.

If you only plan to stay around Tokyo, but want to visit a castle don’t miss Odawara!

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