Odawara (Japanese: 小田原市; -shi) is a city located in Kanagawa, Japan.

As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 199,463 and the density of 1,748.30 persons per km². The total area is 114.09 km².

The city was founded on December 20, 1940.

History

Odawara's strategic location on the Tokaido, between mountainous Hakone and Sagami Bay, has given it a key role in Japanese history. Prior to the Edo period, its castle was the stronghold of the Late Hojo clan warriors. During the Edo, its castle controlled the Tokaido between the Tokugawa headquarters at Edo and the stations west of Hakone, including Sumpu (Shizuoka), Hamamatsu and Nagoya.

Today, a reproduction of the castle stands high on a hill above the city.

Transportation

Road

• Route 1, to Tokyo or Kyoto
• Route 135, to Shimoda
• Route 255, to Hadano
• Route 271, to Atsugi (toll)

Train

• Shinkansen (rail), to Tokyo or Hakata
• Tokaido line (rail), to Tokyo or Atami
• Odakyu Odawara Line (rail), to Shinjuku
• Hakone-Tozan Line, to Hakone
• Daiyuzan line (rail), to Sekimoto

Tourist Attractions

• Odawara Castle

Other Institution

External links

• Official website in Japanese
• Cinema in Odawara