Odawara Castle
Odawara is a flat castle built on a small hill with a moat around it. Moats served not only to protect fortified fortresses. The soil that remained during its creation was used as a building material.
Practically all the castles of that time were built using the same technology. Stone walls (which replaced the wooden ones) were laid out without the use of joint mortars. Japan, as you know, often suffers from earthquakes, structures fastened with cement are more prone to destruction. But stone masonry is experiencing shocks much calmer.
The largest battle for Odawara Castle took place in 1590. Then an army of 200 soldiers stood at its walls, the siege lasted 100 days. As a result, the castle was nevertheless captured, and the Hojo clan, whose five generations owned it, 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. Across the country, dozens of various fortresses were dismantled and destroyed. The restoration and restoration of Odawara Castle happened in 1960.
Odawara Castle today
Today, Odawara Castle is a large historical and cultural complex, tourists, schoolchildren and just history buffs come here. Large showcases display various exhibits, including weapons, armor, household items.
On the top floor there is an observation platform overlooking the city and its 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 ditch around the fortress wall, as well as the wall itself, have been preserved from the Middle Ages;
- In the park near the fortress, cherry blossoms grow, the average age of which is about 100 years;
- On the vast territory of the castle complex there is also a zoo 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, who often spend weekends here with the whole family. There is a hot spring resort next to the castle, which offers a great view of Mount Fuji.
