EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Enjoy one of the many events and festivals held throughout the year in Odawara.
Events and Festivals for all seasons
The history of Odawara spans thousands of years and has been the a place for samurai, artisans, geisha, war, and much more. There are traditional shops, crafts, and foods all over the city waiting to be found. Odawara is by the sea so the fish is delicious, sake refreshing, and nature abundant.
Upcoming Events!
Check the Calander or Contact Us!
Drop us a line to receive the most recent news of events and festivals in and around the Odawara area during your visit. There are events big and and small to discover and enjoy!
HOJO GODAI FESTIVAL
May 3rd / Castle Area and Around Town
Odawara's largest festival includes an impressive parade of samurai warriors through town to celebrate the rich history and culture of this castle town under the Hojo Clan who ruled during the Sengoku period. Enjoy music, samurai regalia, dancing, characters from the past and much more!
PLUM BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Late February / Shimosoga
Odawara is famous for the thousands of blooming plum trees concentrated in the Soga area. The beauty rivals the more popular cherry blossoms and tese trees produce the ume plum which is used for umeboshi and Japanese plum wine. Enjoy the stalls and views of Mt. Fuji as well.
ODEN SUMMIT
April 1,2 / Odawara Castle
Oden is a popular traditional Japanese dish. Many of the ingredients used to make this tasty dish are made in Odawara. Try the many different types of food like radish, kamaboko, chikuwa,tofu, egg, and much more simmered in a savory broth.
Recognized as one of the most beautiful places to see the blooming cherry blossoms, the grounds of Odawara Castle has hundreds of trees to wander through and around. There are many popular spots in the city to enjoy a picnic or just reflect on life while watching the petals fall.
Summer is a time for "Matsuri" the Japanese festival. There are a number of events throughout the summer in local areas, some big and some small, but an opportunity to see, feel, and experience celebrations of life, health, and culture.
Summer in Japan means fireworks! Enjoy the food stalls and light show over Sakawa River. Kamonomiya Station is a convenient way to get to the riverside and is only one stop away from Odawara Station. Enjoy the sight of yukata and even wear one of your own!
ODAWARA PORT FESTIVAL
August First Sunday / Odawara Port
Celebrate our connection and appreciation for the sea at this festival held at Odawara Harbor in front of Hayakawa Station. Enjoy the kid friendly activities fresh seafood, and experience this important part of Odawara culture and heritage.
CHOCHIN LANTERN FESTIVAL
Late October / Odawara Castle
Chochin were lanterns mass produced in Odawara for travelers making their way up the Hakone mountains. These compact paper lanterns are a symbol of the town and every year 6th grade elementary school students in the city design their own and are put on display around the castle.
This famous temple in the Izumi area of Odawara is one of the first places in the Kanto Area to sell Daruma dolls. Families and businesses come to wish for a safe and prosperous year. There are many stalls and a lively atmosphere to enjoy.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL FESTIVALS
Soga Umbrella Burning
Late May
Ichiyajo Castle Festival
Early October
Esa Hoi Festival
