The castle tower is an imitation of a reinforced concrete structure. The top of the castle tower is an observation deck.

Odawara Castle was built by Hojo Soun in 1493. After that, the Hojo clan expanded their power from Odawara Castle as a base and became the ruler of the Kanto region.

In 1590, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked Odawara, the Hojo clan barricaded themselves in Odawara Castle and fought a fierce battle. However, they were unable to resist the overwhelming military power of the Toyotomi army and finally surrendered.

Odawara Castle was demolished by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but was rebuilt as the Odawara Domain's administrative center during the Edo period. It was abandoned during the Meiji period and is now designated as a national historic site.

[Useful concerns]
As of 2025, the Children's Amusement Park is undergoing maintenance due to ground collapse caused by a typhoon in 2024. Please check the official website for reopening information.
Odawara Castle Zoo will close in December 2023.