Odawara Castle was the base for the Hojo Clan during the feudal era. It is one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossoms Spots. They have been reconstructing a few castle buildings while the main tower is a local samurai history museum. It is within a park including a small zoo and cherry trees. The present castle tower was rebuilt in 1960. A short walk from Odawara Station.
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Odawara's biggest festival held annually on May 3. Main highlight is the samurai parade featuring the five Odawara Hojo lords on a 2.1 km route. On May 3, 2023, 260,000 turned out to see 59th Odawara Hojo Godai Matsuri samurai parade highlighted by five Hojo Odawara Castle lords and their ladies in colorful costumes. Three of the lords were played by celebrities Goda Masashi, Takashima Masanobu, and Yanagisawa Shingo. Local kids dressed as ninja and international students dressed as samurai also appeared. About 1,600 people are in the parade. Held for the first time in four years due to the pandemic. Normally, it is held annually on May 3.
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Odawara-juku was the 9th post town on the old Tokaido Road. Today, there is nothing left of the old post town except for a few stone markers. A short walk from Odawara Castle and close to the beach.
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