Odawara Castle — Reconstructed Feudal Fortress

Odawara Castle (小田原城, Odawara-jo) was the stronghold of the Hojo clan during the Sengoku Period (1467–1615), famous for withstanding multiple sieges before falling to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 200,000-troop army in 1590. The current castle keep is a 1960 reconstruction (the original was demolished during Meiji Restoration), but the site preserves massive stone walls, moats, and the general layout of the feudal fortress that once controlled the Tokaido road connecting Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

The five-story castle keep houses a museum displaying samurai armor, weapons, historical documents, and dioramas explaining Odawara's strategic importance. The top floor offers panoramic views over Odawara city, Sagami Bay, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji. The castle grounds feature reconstructed gates (Akagane-mon, Umadashi-mon), a samurai residence, and seasonal plantings — cherry blossoms (late March), wisteria (May), plum (February), and hydrangea (June). The combination of history, architecture, and gardens makes this Kanagawa's premier castle site.