VOL.203 MAY 2025
[SPRING SPECIAL ISSUE] VARIOUS VARIETIES OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN (PART 2): ADMIRING THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT CASTLES IN JAPAN Cherry Blossoms at Odawara Castle, with Over 500 Years of History

Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom adorn the keep of Odawara Castle.
Photo: Odawara Tourism Association

Odawara Castle, a symbol of Odawara City located inland from the Pacific Ocean and facing Sagami Bay in western Kanagawa Prefecture, has a history dating back to the mid-15th century, spanning over 500 years. In spring, around 300 cherry trees bloom, attracting approximately 300,000 visitors. The Odawara Tourism Association shared insights into the best spots to enjoy the beauty of this historical site.

Odawara Castle is located with Sagami Bay to the south and Mt. Hakone (1,438 meters in elevation) to the west. It is easily accessible from Tokyo; taking the Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to JR Odawara Station takes about 35 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk from the station to the castle.

“Odawara developed as a center of samurai culture from the 15th century and flourished as a post town during the Edo period (early 17th century to mid-late 19th century). Today, it is known for its mild climate and historical townscape, making it a popular tourist destination,” says ASAO Naoya from the Odawara Tourism Association.

Odawara Castle was the stronghold of the Odawara Hojo clan, founded by HOJO Soun from the early 16th century, and flourished for about 100 years as the center of power in the Kanto region¹. The castle was once surrounded by a vast defensive perimeter², stretching over nine kilometers, making it one of Japan's largest castles. The Hojo clan fell in 1590, after which the castle’s leadership changed multiple times. Following Japan's modernization, the castle was abandoned. Earthquakes and other disasters led to the loss of many structures. Today, it is preserved as Odawara Castle Park, with the keep rebuilt in 1960, standing proudly as a symbol of the region’s history.

Odawara Castle Park features about 300 cherry trees, with various species blooming sequentially from late January to early April. “Visitors can enjoy different types of cherry blossoms in the park, including Kanhi-zakura³ (January to February), Kawazu-zakura⁴ (early February to early March), Somei-Yoshino (late March to early April), Oshima-zakura⁵ (early April), Shidare-zakura (late March to early April), and Yama-zakura⁶ (late March to early April), providing a long period to appreciate the blossoms. Especially captivating are the Somei-Yoshino and Shidare-zakura, which beautifully enhance the castle keep,” ASAO explains.

In line with cherry blossom season, Odawara Castle Park illuminates its cherry blossoms after sunset. The event is held both in the park and around the moat, offering a captivating night view that draws much admiration from tourists.

“The extended opening hours of the castle keep allow visitors to enjoy the night cherry blossoms from the observation deck on the fifth floor. From this scenic spot, offering a panoramic view of Odawara City, the cherry blossoms create a magical atmosphere, different from the daytime view,” says ASAO.

In addition, events celebrating Odawara's spring season are also held. From the end of March to early April, attractions such as the Odawara Kamaboko⁷ Sakura Festival and a children’s procession⁸ take place.

“To offer an immersive experience for international visitors, Odawara Castle provides various activities such as ninja training, Zen meditation sessions with a local monk fluent in three languages, and guided walking tours of the castle town in English. Since 2023, over 360 people from around the world have participated. I hope these experiences serve as a bridge to share the charm of Japanese culture,” comments ASAO.

Odawara Castle, where history and cherry blossoms come together, presents a stunning scene as spring arrives, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the captivating landscape.

• 1. The region in eastern Japan, which today encompasses the seven prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, and Kanagawa developed historically as a center for the samurai.
• 2. The fortifications built around a castle, fortress, or a certain area, as well as the general term for the area enclosed within it.
• 3. The Kanhi-zakura is a cherry blossom variety found in regions south of Kanto. It blooms from around January to March, with dark red flowers that bloom hang downward.
• 4. The Kawazu-zakura is believed to be a natural hybrid of the Hikan-zakura and early-blooming Oshima-zakura. It was discovered in Kawazu town, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• 5. The Oshima-zakura grows primarily in the Izu Islands, as well as on the Izu Peninsula, Miura Peninsula, and the southern part of the Boso Peninsula. It is an early-blooming variety with pink flowers.
• 6. The Yama-zakura grows in the mountain regions of Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Kyushu and is one of Japan’s representative wild cherry species.
• 7. A traditional dish made from steamed, seasoned white-flesh fish paste (boiled fish-paste). Odawara is renowned for this specialty, which is often served at celebratory events.
• 8. Children, beautifully dressed, walk in a procession during festivals, temple rituals, and similar events.

By MOROHASHI Kumiko
Photo: Odawara Tourism Association; PIXTA