Odawara 小田原エリア

Located in the southwest of Kanagawa Prefecture, Odawara is a major transportation hub and the gateway to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park . Particularly famous for Odawara Castle , this area is a popular tourist destination in the prefecture.

Odawara is easily accessible from Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.

Taking either the Tokaido Shinkansen or JR Tokaido Line will get you there from both Tokyo and Yokohama in between 30 to 90 minutes. Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka are all a couple of hours or less away on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Situated on the coast of Sagami Bay, Odawara initially flourished under the Hojo clan who ruled over the area during the near-constant conflict of the Sengoku period (1467-1603). Odawara Castle was a key stronghold. Over the centuries, Odawara also served as an important post town along the Tokaido Highway which linked Edo (old Tokyo) to Kyoto .

While most visitors come to Odawara to see Odawara Castle, this coastal city also has Enoura Observatory , where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the bay, and the Odawara Plum Festival in February, when the area's many plum trees come in to full bloom.

Nearby locations, including Hakone , Kamakura , and the Shonan beaches offer plentiful activities and festivals throughout the spring, summer and fall.