On November 8, 2006, we visited Odawara Castle.
Odawara Castle is about a 1.5 hour train ride on the Tokaido Line from Tokyo. Odawara is a coastal city located south of Tokyo.
The Odawara Castle is located on top of a hill overlooking the city. The castle is strategically located such that there is a 360 degree view of the area.
From Odawara station, it is a 15 minute week uphill to the castle entrance. The grounds of the castle includes an glass museum and a zoo. One cannot help but notice the elephant and monkeys. From the base, the castle is an awesome site.
Our trek begins with stairs leading to the castle entrance. Above is a picture of our group on our way up in to the castle.
Inside the castle is a museum. Included are models of the castle structure, architectural features of the building and a history of the Hojo clan. There are displays of everyday working tools as well as weapons handled by the samurai. There is also a photo display of the castles throughout Japan.
If you look closely you will notice hidden panels, trap doors and lookouts throughout the castle.
We walk up the steep stairs of the castle to get to the top.
To be continued.
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