Odawara is a historic city located in Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, and we had the pleasure of visiting this charming destination during our trip to Japan. The city is well-known for its impressive castle and beautiful natural surroundings.
One of the main attractions in Odawara is the Odawara Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. The castle has been beautifully restored and offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal history. We enjoyed exploring the castle’s grounds, which included a museum, a traditional Japanese garden, and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Another highlight of our visit to Odawara was the Enoura Observatory, a stunning art installation created by the renowned Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. The observatory is situated on a hill overlooking the ocean, and its unique design and captivating exhibits left a lasting impression on us. We were particularly impressed by the “Sea of Time” exhibit, which features a series of stone circles that align with the sun and the stars to mark the passing of the seasons.

In addition to its historical and artistic attractions, Odawara is also home to some beautiful natural scenery. We visited the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which is a sprawling outdoor art museum set amidst the stunning mountains and forests of the Hakone area. We loved strolling through the museum’s gardens and admiring the sculptures and installations on display.