Odawara: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a city located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture with a population of approximately 190,000 people.

Odawara City prospered as a castle town that was the base of the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period. Odawara Castle Ruins Park is home to historical sites such as the castle tower and Tokiwagi gate that still retain the appearance of those days, allowing you to experience the history of the Sengoku period. Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle, built in just one night by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Odawara invasion, is also a tourist spot that represents Odawara City.

Odawara is also home to the Odawara Fishing Port, which is famous for its fresh seafood such as sashimi and sushi. Odawara’s famous gourmet foods include kamaboko, oden, Kataura lemon, and Odawara-don.

Odawara City is well-equipped to welcome tourists, and you can visit the main sightseeing spots by riding the sightseeing buses that operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. In addition, tourist information centers have been set up at major facilities such as Odawara Station, and the city is ready to accept foreign tourists.