Odawara Castle

Seat of the Hojo clan for nearly a century before Toyotomi Hideyoshi besieged it in 1590, ending their rule over the Kanto region. The current concrete reconstruction dates to 1960, and the interior museum holds swords, armor, and documents tracing the castle's long history. Climb to the top floor for an open-air view over the city to the coast, with Sagami Bay visible on clear days. The surrounding castle park has a small zoo, and cherry trees make it a busy spot in spring. Odawara Station is a short walk away and well connected by shinkansen.