Odawara

Odawara is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It lies on Sagami Bay in the western part of the prefecture and serves as a gateway to the Hakone region. The city blends coastal scenery with historical sites, and it functions as a regional transportation hub connecting Tokyo and western Kanagawa with the Hakone area.

Historically, Odawara grew around Odawara Castle, the seat of the Hojo clan who dominated Sagami Province during the Sengoku period. The castle was one of the era’s major strongholds until Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s siege in 1590, which led to the Hojo downfall and the castle’s decline. Today, Odawara Castle Park preserves the site, featuring a reconstructed keep and a local history museum, and it remains a focal point for visitors during cherry blossom season and festivals.

The city’s economy combines traditional fisheries, regional commerce, and tourism. In addition to the castle park, visitors are drawn to seaside areas, historic streets, and markets. Odawara also serves as a practical starting point for trips to Hakone, accessible by road and rail, with rail connections including JR East’s Tokaido Main Line and the Odakyu Electric Railway’s Odawara Line, which links Shinjuku with Hakone-Yumoto.

Odawara maintains cultural and commercial vitality while preserving its historical heritage. Its coastal location, access to the Hakone region, and mix of parks, museums, and shopping districts make it a notable city within Kanagawa Prefecture.