Odawara Castle

Odawara is a plain castle built on a small hill with a moat around it. The moats served not only to protect fortified fortresses. The soil that remained during its creation was used as a building material.

Almost all castles of that time were built using the same technology. The stone walls (which replaced the wooden ones) were laid out without the use of connecting solutions. Japan, as you know, often suffers from earthquakes, structures bonded with cement are more susceptible to destruction. But the masonry of stones experiences shocks much more calmly.

The largest battle for Odawara Castle took place in 1590. At that time, an army of 200 soldiers stood at its walls, and the siege lasted for 100 days. As a result, the castle was captured, and the Hojo clan, which had owned it for five generations, was destroyed.

The Meiji era, which came at the end of the 19th century, brought many changes to Japan, castles and other defensive structures were deemed unnecessary. Dozens of different fortresses were dismantled and destroyed all over the country. The restoration and restoration of Odawara Castle took place in 1960.

Odawara Castle today

Today, Odawara Castle is a large historical and cultural complex, and tourists, schoolchildren, and history buffs come here. Various exhibits are displayed in large showcases, including weapons, armor, and household items.

On the top floor there is a viewing platform with a view of the city and its immediate surroundings.

Interesting facts:

• The height of the main tower of Odawara Castle is 60 meters, in the original building there was no observation deck on its upper floor, it was placed here exclusively for tourists.;
• The moat around the fortress wall, as well as the wall itself, have been preserved since the Middle Ages.;
• Sakura trees grow in the park near the fortress, the average age of which is about 100 years old.;
• There is also a zoo on the vast territory of the castle complex, where, among other animals, you can see miniature monkeys.;
• There is also a relatively small amusement park on the territory of the complex.

Odawara Castle is a great place for both tourists and locals, they often spend weekends here with the whole family. There is a hot spring resort next to the castle, offering excellent views of Mount Fuji.