【Odawara Castle castle tower】
The Tenshukaku is a symbol of Odawara City, which was revived as a city-based 20th anniversary project in 1975.
The appearance of the Edo period was restored in 1955 based on the patterns and drawings (models and drawings made during the reconstruction of the Hoei era) built during the Edo period, and the interior is an exhibition facility for historical data. It has become.
【Odawara Castle History Museum (NINJA Hall)】
Learn the Wind Magic Ninja! Experience! Experience!
With a fuman ninja who is said to have supported Mr. Hojo of the Warring States period as a motif, you can experience fresh experiences.
【Tokiwa Kimamo SAMURAI Building】
The exhibition focuses on armor such as armor and swords, and introduces the spirituality of the samurai and the artistic nature of the armor.

Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple is well-known as a symbol of Minami Ashigara City and as a sacred ground in the Kanto region with history of 600 years. The many elegant structures fascinate visitors. It is also possible to experience zazen meditation here and enjoy the special vegetarian cuisine (requires reservation).

This antique museum displays around 1,500 household items with a focus on tools used in daily life collected by the museum director Mr. Akizawa, who says he became fascinated with the wisdom and techniques of the people who made the tools. The museum includes many lighting-related items in particular. Visitors can actually handle daily items used from the Edo Period to the Meiji, Taisho and Showa Periods. The chance to experience the texture and weight of the items is the biggest feature of the museum.

Enmei-ji Temple on Mt. Bansho was founded in 1472 by a high-ranking Buddhist monk, the third generation of Kuno Murasose Temple (Soto School) and opened by Naokage Tanbano-kami Toyama, a servant of the Odawara Hojo clan. The road leading to the temple and inside the temple grounds feature a number of stone monuments such as the Banrei-tower、kinhi-monument、and Sannogongen-tower. Every year a Peony Festival is held on April 29 and is always a lively event.

Kawamura Castle, said to be constructed by the Kawamura family at the end of the Heian Period, was a mountain castle occupied by the Odawara Hojo clan during the Warring States Period. The park gives a good insight into the history of the area with the use of the natural terrain of the mountain towering over the south side of Yamakita Station and the grid-shaped moat, which has been restored to its former glory.

This manor in Ashigari Village was home to the Seto clan who ruled the area for generations. The house has become an important historical and cultural asset that tells the story of rural living in the Edo Period alongside beautiful scenery that includes the clear streams and waterways of the Ashigara Plain, farmland and forest.

【Address】
1336,Kanaishima,Kaisei
Town,Ashigarakami-gun

Hakone Checkpoint was built around 1619 so the Tokugawa Shogunate could protect Edo. It was restored based on a detailed report on its dismantlement and repair made around the end of the Edo Period (1865) and then opened to the public in April 2007. A museum at the site exhibits materials associated with the checkpoint, including an official bulletin board and passes permitting passage.

This is the place where visitors can trace the steps of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate. It is said that Dohi Sanehira, founder of the Dohi clan, helped Yoritomo escape to Shitodo-no-Iwaya （Shitodo Cave) in Manazuru after he lost the battle of Ishibashiyama, where he plotted his return. Sanehira was said to have sung and danced along Utaizaka path before Yoritomo set sail from the rocky coast to Boshu, where he established the Kamakura Shogunate. Walk the course and get a feeling for the steps Yoritomo had to take.

【Shitodo-no-Iwaya】
【Address】
1042-4,Manazuru,Manazuru Town,Ashigarashimo-gun

【Utaizaka】
【Address】
42,Iwa,Manazuru Town,Ashigarashimo-gun

【Rocky coast】
【Address】
957-1,Iwa,Manazuru Town,Ashigarashimo-gun

Fresh fish and shellfish from Sagami Bay, including horse mackerel, are landed every day (seri is private). There are many restaurants that have a reputation for freshness, and there is also a white lighthouse that imitates Odawara, and many tourists visit on holidays. In addition, the morning market of the harbor is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday morning.

【Address】
1-10-1,Hayakawa,Odawara City

It will open in November 2019!!
Station of fishing port TOTOCO Odawara (Odawara fishing port interchange promotion facility)
With the core of selling local seafood such as fresh fish, live fish and processed fish products and eating and drinking as core, we provide locally produced agricultural products, souvenirs, etc., and are facilities equipped with information dissemination functions such as Odawara tourism and PR of local products.

【Address】
1-28,Hayakawa,Odawara City

A park where you can enjoy flowers and green all year round. There are about 300 kinds of tropical and subtropical flower trees and fruit trees in the tropical dome greenhouse, and the water flower that blooms from March to May is worth seeing. A plum garden where about 200 varieties of 480 plum blossoms can be viewed from January to March, cherry blossoms in late March, about 150 varieties of 350 roses in spring / autumn, irises in June, etc. You can watch it.

The Ashigara Pass on the border of Kanagawa Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture has been an important location connecting the east and west of Japan since long ago. The pass offers views of Mt. Fuji, Mt. Hakone's volcanic crater, the Ashigara Plain and Sagami Bay.

Located on a hill in the center of Nakai, this comprehensive park offers sights good enough to be recognized as one of the "100 Best Views of Mt. Fuji in Kanto." The viewing area stands 116m above sea level, providing sweeping panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Hakone and the Tanzawa mountains. The park can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults and the Nakai Satomachi Cafe within the grounds sells light meals and special local items. On Saturdays and Sundays it is possible to buy fresh vegetables at the farmers' market.

This 19-hectare area stretches from Yamada in Oi to Yanage. Originally a rough mountain forest, local volunteers led a project to restore the area. It now includes walkways for observing the flowers, trees and living creatures in each season.

This park offers views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. On fine days, it is possible to see the tower at Odawara Castle and Oshima far away on the horizon. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the Ashigara mountains next to Mt. Fuji, such as Mt. Yaguradake, Mt. Kintokiyama and Mt. Myojingatake. There is a long slide on the slope providing spectacular vistas too. A herb garden, mini steam locomotive and nature center are some of the leisure-based facilities inside the park that make use of the terrain of Mt. Matsuda. The park is perfect for a drive or to take in the views from the walkways.

Shasui Falls have been selected as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful waterfalls, 100 most famous waterfalls and top 100 waterfalls. The breathtaking waterfall has three stages with drops of 69m, 16m and 29m.

Lake Ashinoko is a caldera lake from the Hakone volcano at an altitude of 724m. It is a fun tourist area representative of Hakone famous for its green in spring, fireworks in summer, colored leaves in autumn and the reflection of Mt. Fuji in winter. The surrounding area is thought to be flowing with mystic energy and includes a number of well-known spots that provide a taste of its history, including the famous Hakone Shrine as well as Hakone Station, which is reminiscent of the Edo Period, and Cedar Avenue on Old Tokaido Road.

Owaku-dani Valley was created 3,000 years ago when Mt. Kamiyama (altitude 1,438m) erupted. Smoke billows up around the valley every now and then, with the dynamic views making it one of the most popular tourist areas in Hakone. It has been selected as one of Kanagawa's 50 most scenic spots.

The Ohayashi Woods are full of giant black pine and camphor trees over 350 years old that were planted between the Edo and Meiji Periods. The woods have been carefully protected by the people of Manazuru for many years as a forest that nurtures the fish of the region. The green trees on the peninsula stretch all the way from the coast and the forest also supports coastal fishing in Manazuru.

This nature park has an athletics field that runs along the Niizaki River and can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults alike. The park includes around 40,000 ume (plum) trees and has rock walls with columnar joints as well as a forest of camphor trees a little further along, which was chosen as one of the 50 most beautiful forests in Kanagawa. The epic nature will ensure a superb day out hiking and enjoying the views from Mt. Makuyama.

This dish truly conveys the appeal of Odawara, combining food caught from the sea or gathered in the mountains with locally produced lacquerware and served with love.
Compare the different styles of ""Odawara Don"" until you find the one you like the best.
Features of ""Odawara Don""
　1. Uses at least one kind of ingredient taken from the sea and ground of Odawara.
　2. Uses traditionally crafted handicrafts and Odawara lacquerware when serving the food.
　3. Provides excellent service that satisfies customers and increases their love of Odawara.

This handmade udon uses water called "Kintaro's Power Water" that wells up near the Yuhi-no-Taki Falls. The noodles are known for their hardness and velvety texture. Manyo Udon is highly popular among locals as well as hikers visiting the region.

This healthy, safe, top-quality beef comes from cows fed a unique mix of rice and wheat cooked with beautiful water from the foot of the mountains in Minami Ashigara, bean curd lees and beer lees. It has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries award and is well-known to only those people in the know.

The popular Negoya Don and Ashigara's No. 1 karaage (""friend chicken"") with flavors unchanged since the Negoya store opened in 1971 are not to be missed. The yakitori sold at a related store is also a big hit. Large and small parties of people require a reservation.

This dish is sure to boost your spirits. The tempura is cooked by master chefs with over 10 years training at a well-established restaurant in Ginza and served in a cozy, ""at-home"" atmosphere. The tempura can be bought at supermarkets in the town as well.

Manazuru’s fresh fish reap all the benefits of the Ohayashi Woods, a forest that protects the fish known as a fish-gathering protection forest. The producer’s market enables fresh fish alive until that morning to be eaten that day. The sweetness and crispy texture provide an unforgettable experience. The fish can be eaten raw, boiled, baked or fried and the fluffy insides will have you begging for more.
Dried fish stores in Manazuru are complete with expert chefs with a passion for handmade treats that are made with care and love. Each store offers a unique flavor, so look around until you find the one you like best.

Tantan Yakisoba is a local specialty of Yugawara. The yakisoba offers a different spiciness, flavor and noodle hardness that lets you enjoy the unique taste of Yugawara.
[On sale at]
17 stores in Yugawara

Odawara lanterns can be folded like an accordion and are mentioned in the children's song "Osaru no Kagoya" ("monkey rickshaw"). Draw the pictures or letters you like on Japanese paper and paste it onto a framework made of thin bamboo sticks. Make an original lantern as a souvenir from your time in Odawara.

Dress up like a samurai warrior, princes or ninja with armor, helmet, ninja attire or women's bridal robe. Take a commemorative photo with Odarawa Castle in the background.

This forest park is surrounded by incredible nature all year round. The park features different events for children and families. The aerial net and trampoline area known as ""pakabu"" is extremely popular.

Shiki-no-Sato provides the opportunity for a variety of experiences in addition to agricultural-type experience such as pizza making and soba noodle making. The on-premises shop sells fresh vegetables and specialty products from the town. You will also find Oi Yume-no-Sato mountain forest and a farm village park nearby.

On the south side of Mt. Matsuda there are a number of plantations providing mandarin picking experiences that make use of the mountain slopes. It's simply incredible savoring one of the delicious mandarins while soaking in the views of the Ashigara Plain.

Mandarins from Manazuru are grown with the sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean and plenty of sunshine. There are a number of varieties with a traditional taste that preserves the acidity within the sweetness for a deeper flavor. Matsumoto Farm provides a diverse array of activities depending on the season, such as dogs for rent, barbeques, daffodil-lined pathways and mountain hiking courses. The mandarins and lemons with edible peel made at Orange Floral Farm do not use any anti-mold agents, soil improvement agents or wax so you can rest assured when you take a bite.

【Matsumoto Farm】
【Address】
898-7,Iwa,Manazuru
Town,Ashigarashimo-gun
【Telephone】
TEL　0465-68-0330

【Orange Floral Farm 】
【Address】
1147-4,Manazuru,Manazuru
Town,Ashigarashimo-gun
【Telephone】
TEL　0465-69-2239

Experts in Japanese sweet making serve as instructors at Mirakuan. The sweets that you make can either be taken home or consumed on site. Different sweets are made each day so even if you've tried it once, come again!

【Address】
230,Miyakami,Yugawara
Town,Ashigarashimo-gun

【Telephone】
TEL 0465-62-5577

A thriving fishing industry around the end of the Edo Period and an abundance of water led to the development of fish paste as a preserved food that quickly became known throughout Japan through word of mouth from people coming and going to Tokaido. Odawara fish paste is known for producing radiant skin as well as having fine texture and a springy feel in the mouth.

The long-nosed goblin ("tengu") is associated with Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple. Tengu rice crackers are shaped after the nine-feathered tengu fan, said to be the possession of the powerful tengu. The product is approved as a special Minami Ashigara brand, making it perfect as a souvenir or snack with tea.

Satomachi Nakai brand certification system certifies products with excellent brand concept that are recommended by the town in order to boost business using the town's resources.

This delicacy using edible gourd is unique to Oi. The pickled gourd comes pickled in red perilla (""aka shiso"") miso and tamari soy sauce flavor.
[On sale at]
・Shiki-no-Sato store TEL 0465－84－5029
・Machinoeki Ashigara　TEL 0465－44－4820

Nakazawa Shuzo, a well-established sake brewery with more than 180 years experience produces sake via a brewing method that is totally handmade, from traditional malt production to pressing in a vat. Underground water from Mt. Tanzawa is used for the brewing. Taking advantage of the natural elements of Matsuda, the skills of its people and the beautiful water has bred a legion of loyal fans. The Matsumidori brand of sake can be found at the Nakazawa Shuso store.

【Address】
[On sale at]
Nakazawa Shuzo (1875 Matsudasoryo, Matsuda Town, Ashigarakami-gun)

【Telephone】
TEL 0465-82-0024

The origin of Odawara lacquerware can be traced back to the Muromachi Period when utensils were carved out of wood utilizing the abundant lumber resources of the Hakone mountain region. In the Edo Period, practical-use lacquerware was exported to Edo (present-day Tokyo) and lacquerware making techniques were established. Using primarily Japanese zelkova as its main material results in products that are durable and experience minimal warping. Odawara lacquerware emphasizes the raw beauty of the coarse grain and all stages of production are done by hand.

Hakone Yosegi wooden mosaic craft employs traditional techniques that date back to the Edo Period. Different colors of wood are combined to create unique, outstanding geometrical patterns. The Hatajuku region of Hakone is home to many artisans skilled in marquetry and stores that allow you to watch them at work and that exhibit and sell the products. Puzzle boxes, flower vases and key holders are some of the popular items that make perfect gifts from the Hakone area.

Yugawara pottery is made using the clay and the ash of mandarin oranges produced in the valleys of Yugawara as raw materials. The soil in Yugawara is rich in iron and the deep brown rugged texture is plain and simple and adds charm to flowers or dishes.

【Address】
[On sale at]
KOUZANGAMA (753-25 Miyashita, Yugawara Town, Ashigarashimo-gun）

【Telephone】
　TEL 0465-62-1854

Odawara Castle Park is famous for its 300 or so traditional "someiyoshino" cherry trees ("sakura"). The trees line the moat of the castle, reflecting in the water. The contrast with the castle and the views from the top of the castle tower are spectacular. There are a number of spots to see the cherry blossoms in the city and each spot holds the Odawara Sakura Festival. Come and check out the castle town and get a feel for Japan in spring when the blossoms are out.

The Odawara Hojo Godai Festival is held in memory of the five generations of the Hojo clan who built the foundations of Odawara. Some 1,700 samurai warriors, musical bands and townspeople march through the city in a parade, providing a colorful picture of days gone by. Since starting as the Odawara Castle Festival, it has grown into a huge event attracting around 200,000 people every year, making it the largest event for the castle town.

A flower festival ("Chigo Gyoretsu") is held on the first Sunday of April most every year to pray for the healthy development of children who enter elementary school in April. The boys wear formal headwear for court nobles and the girls wear decorated crowns and makeup, and they parade through the grounds of Saijoji Temple from the Ruri Gate.

Over 3,000 bamboo lanterns color the waterside for a single night. Visitors can enjoy making their own lantern. Fireflies tend to make an appearance around the same time, resulting in a truly magical sight.

This festival provides a beautiful setting for flower viewing, especially cherry blossoms, and includes stalls, music and comedians, making it great fun.

This festival offers the chance to see around 360 early-blooming "kawazu" cherry trees and rapeseed flowers that color Mt. Matsuda. The trees are illuminated during the best blossom viewing period, providing a night view of the Ashigara Plain and the cherry trees that offers a different perspective from daytime and a really magical scene. The festival attracts a lot of people from all around, making this season the busiest of the year at Mt. Matsuda. The Furusato Tetsudo novelty train makes a short circuit around the top of the mountain. There is also a herb garden with seasonal herbs in bloom, making it look just like a flower garden floating in the sky.

This festival is held around Yamakita Station, where there are around 130 cherry trees. The trees along the JR Gotemba Line are illuminated during the festival period and can be enjoyed from the train. There is an event day too that includes folk entertainment as well as a variety of other performances.

The charm of the Edo Period is on full display with the Doll's Festival at Seto Yashiki, an old residence dating back 300 years. "Kyoho-bina," large-sized elegant "hina" dolls from 300 years ago found in a local warehouse are exhibited along with a variety of other "hina" dolls collected at the residence and over 7,000 "tsurushi-bina" dolls handmade by a local women's group. A highlight is the 2.4m high "tsurushi-bina" doll.

【Address】
Ashigari-go Seto-yashiki
1336,Kanaishima,Kaisei Town,Ashigarakami-gun

Weeping cherry trees ("shidare-zakura") conjure up a whimsical atmosphere inside a peaceful garden surrounded by bamboo thicket. The blossoms give off a light pink color under a blue sky in the daytime and provide an altogether different feel when lit up at night. The contrast with the bamboo and lawn is a sight to behold.

【Address】
Arai Castle Park
1789,Manazuru,Manazuru Town,Ashigarashimo-gun

【Telephone】
Manazuru weeping cherry blossom feast organization
(Inside Manazuru Town Chamber of Commerce)
TEL 0465-68-0033

Every year in June, visitors to Odawara Castle can enjoy some 10,000 irises in the iris garden by the East Moat and some 2,500 hydrangeas. During the festival period, concerts are held in front of the flowers and the flowers are illuminated at night, affording yet another treat.

The Odawara Lantern Summer Festival is one of the biggest events in summer with the common theme of the Odawara Lantern, which has been carved into history. Every year a portable "mikoshi" shrine is carried through Odawara Castle Park and a special stage shows a lantern dance contest and taiko drum performance, and many food stalls are set up on the grounds. Lanterns made by local elementary school children light up the moat with color. The lights are turned on at night and give off magical reflections on the surface of the water. The illuminated lanterns add to the festive atmosphere.

Around 10,000 fireworks brilliantly color the night sky, set off from the banks (Sports Plaza) of Sakawa River, which runs through the center of Odawara. The fireworks festival features "Hanabillusion," a synchronization of music and fireworks. The venue is filled with great cheers when the dynamic and beautiful "Niagara" fireworks measuring 300m in length runs across the Sakawa River along the Odawara Bridge.

In Japan, Kintaro stands for health, strength, good nature and loyalty. The Ashigara Kintaro festival begins with a ritual of gathering water from the Yuhi-no-Taki Falls. The water is carried back to the festival venue by children in a relay. The Kintaro Parade is run in the evening on the road in front of the festival venue. The parade includes a lead Kintaro figure, a "mikoshi" portable shrine, and three "Kintaro Nebuta" floats, the largest of their kind in Kanto. The sight of children pulling the portable shrine really gets the crowd going.

This festival includes the Yosakoi Gourd Dance Contest, which receives support from the well-known Yosakoi Dance team from Kochi Prefecture, and the Junior & Kids' Dance Festival, the largest of its kind in the western region of the prefecture. Around 1,200 people gather from inside and outside the town to perform the fun-filled dances. The street stalls provide a real summer festival vibe, helping to make this the biggest festival event in Oi.

Matsuda Tourism Festival, summer's biggest event, is full of attractions. Among them, the Daimyo Gyoretsu, an authentic reproduction of the Daimyo ("feudal lord") procession involves the ritual of 113,000 koku of rice (1 koku is defined as enough rice to feed one person for a year) that is depicted in a well-known historical scroll, and is counted as one of the 50 Top Folklores of Kanagawa and has been designated as an intangible cultural heritage. Children dressed up as samurai servants and portable Mikoshi shrines move through the streets during the parade. The climax of the festival comes at night with the Ashigara Fireworks Display. The summer night in Ashigara is lit up with vividly colorful fireworks and the flaming torches of the Hyakuhatte over the Sakawa River, and this is definitely worth seeing.

This fireworks festival is the embodiment of all things summer at Lake Tanzawa. The fireworks are set off from the water, a rare sight in the prefecture. Many people come from the town to witness the booming sound and power of the fireworks and the collaboration of fireworks set off from land and sea reflecting in the lake.

A field around 3.6 times the size of Tokyo Dome and around 5,000 colorful hydrangeas offer a spectacular stroll during this festival. Kaisei brand merchandise is also on sale in the festival period alongside local agricultural produce and processed goods. The festival has a number of events that include club activity presentations by high school students, a concert by the Japan Self-Defense Force, and an event to intermingle with sumo wrestlers.

【Address】
Kaisei Town Hydrangea Village and the surrounding area
【Kaisei Town Hydrangea Village】
1421,Kanaishima,Kaisei Town,Ashigarakami-gun

At an altitude of 924m at the top of Mt. Myojogatake, commonly known as Mt. Daimonji, a fire is lit in the form of the Japanese character "dai" meaning "large," lighting up the summer night sky. The festival began in 1921 when people sought refuge from the summer heat in the mountains and lit a ceremonial bonfire and prayed for the happiness of all spirits, not only one's ancestors. The "dai" is written in strokes that are 108m, 162m and 81m in length.

【Address】
Hakone Town Gora Area

【Telephone】
Hakone Gora Tourism Association
TEL 0460-82-2300

Kifune Festival is said to be one of the three largest marine festivals in Japan and has been designated as an important intangible cultural folk asset. The festival has been running for more than 350 years, and now takes the shape of a marine parade with the only god in Kanagawa Prefecture crossing over the sea. There is an element of mystery in the religious festival amid the seven gorgeous boats that include the colorfully carved Kobaya-bune boat, the Kaidenma towing boat, the Mikoshi (portable shrine) boat and the Hayashi traditional music boat.

This festival features a parade along the streets in which little children, adults and geisha shout "Yassa, mossa!" Beautifully decorated floats, gallant Mikoshi shrines and a brass band all add to the parade. On the second day of the Yassa Festival, a fireworks display is held over the water near the Yugawara onsen hot spring resort at the climax of the parade.

This exhibition has become a seasonal tradition of autumn in Odawara boasting around 700 exhibits, one of the prefecture's biggest. In addition, items lovingly made by members of the Kiyoka Odawara Society and elementary school children are on display in Odawara Castle Park, including a miniature Odawara Castle decorated with small chrysanthemums in a flower bed as well as large chrysanthemums, "cascade" chrysanthemums and bonsai.

This festival is tied to the legend of Shinra Saburo Yoshimitsu, brother of Yoshiie Hachiman Taro, who taught his disciple Toyohara Tokiaki the secrets of the flute at Ashigara Pass. The festival includes a flute memorial service as well as a performance of old Japanese court music, folk entertainment and a tug of war between the elementary school students of the two cities separated by the mountain pass.

This event provides agricultural experiences centered on harvesting the sweet potato and taro.

"This festival is held in the square in front of the Nakagawa barbeque area every year in autumn when the leaves turn red. Wild boar meat and locally produced vegetables are cooked in around 100 large pots to the delight of visitors. The event is affectionately known as hot-pot for 1,000 people.
*Reservation in advance required"

The Kaisei Awa Dance Festival includes participation by local groups, such as resident associations, as well as 25 groups from outside the area, such as from Koenji and Yamato. Around 1,000 dancers perform in seven different areas throughout Kaisei. Following the opening parade and street dance everyone joins together for the finale, a combined dance that thrills onlookers.

【Address】
Roads surrounding Kaisei Town Hall

Every year on November 3 (Culture Day), a 170-strong procession of people parade through the Yumoto hot spring area led by a "tsuyuharai" flagbearer marching at its head and comprising people carrying long spears with tips decorated in fluffy balls ("keyari"), people representing women in waiting from a feudal lord's mansion during the Edo Period and the feudal lord's palanquin. The number of riders and horses in the parade is decided by the stipend (assessed on the basis of rice crop). The 170 people in the Hakone Daimyo Procession was based on the 113,000 "koku" (old measure for a quantity of rice) owned by the Odawara domain.

The Watatsumi-no-Machi Harvest Festival is the culmination of three events. The fun-filled day includes a market bursting with local fish and produce as well as sea-related events celebrating the people's connection with the sea such as the Manazuru Yosakoi "Big Catch" Festival where people dance on a stage on the sea in true Manazuru style.

Check out the beautiful vivid autumn leaves at Ikemine "Momiji-no-Sato" deep in Yugawara.

Members of the Odawara Swimming Association enter the sea together as the sun rises to welcome in the new year and offer prayers for safety at sea and for health, and celebrate with tourists who have come to see the sunrise.

Soga Plum Grove, composed of the three plum groves of Bessho, Hara and Nakagawara, is the main venue for this festival where around 35,000 plum blossom trees bloom with Mt. Fuji and the mountains of Hakone as the backdrop. The aroma of plums lingers in the air and during the festival period a variety of events are staged that include horseback archery, Odawara lantern dance and lion dance.
[Plum blossom viewing spots]
Odawara Castle Park, the mountain stream plum gardens in the Odawara Flower Garden, and Tsujimura Botanical Garden

Every year in February on "Setsubun" day (the last day of winter), a bean-scattering ceremony is held on a specially erected stage. When the head priest first shouts "in with good fortune!" people who applied in advance scatter beans together with guests. Some 12,000 bags of beans are used with each bag containing a ticket for a lottery that is drawn later on. The event attracts a large number of people on its opening day.

Robai Park, which stretches out along the southern slopes of the Uzumo district, is home to 3,000 varieties and 20,000 robai flowers. Once the small buds open and the yellow flower blooms, the area is filled with a beautiful aroma, despite the cold blue skies of early spring. On weekends, a line of outdoor stalls pop up where locals sell their produce, processed goods and gifts. During the festival period, a large number of people come to visit and the park is full of life.

The first sunrise of the New Year when the sun appears from the horizon between the picturesque three rocks ("Mitsuishi") is truly a sight to behold. The scene is one-of-a-kind at this time and finding the best spot to see it from is a tradition that people look forward to each year.

Yugawara Plum Grove opened in 1996. At the foot of the majestic Mt. Maku, the scene of breathtaking nature in all four seasons, 4,000 red and white plum trees bloom and cover the mountain foot like a carpet, and the fragrance of plum blossoms permeates the mountain park.