Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Spring in Japan is all about chasing cherry blossoms, and Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is the perfect excuse for a day trip from Tokyo. Held in Odawara Castle Park, this festival turns the samurai stronghold into a pastel wonderland, with 300 cherry blossom trees creating a breathtaking backdrop against the castle’s white walls and the sparkling Sagami Bay in the distance.

The festival typically runs from late March to early April, aligning with full bloom in Kanagawa Prefecture. And if you time your visit just right, you might also catch the tail end of the Odawara Plum Blossom Festival, where fragrant plum trees add another layer of color to the season.

Disclaimer: These dates are based on bloom predictions for 2025, but bloom timing can change. Double-check closer to your visit to avoid surprises!

History of Odawara Castle and Its Cherry Blossoms

Odawara Castle has been standing guard over Odawara City since the 15th century, serving as the powerful Hōjō clan’s stronghold during the Sengoku period. Though the original castle faced destruction over the centuries, the current main keep, rebuilt in 1960, is now a museum about samurai history.

The cherry trees in the park were planted to enhance the castle town’s beauty and symbolize renewal after Japan’s turbulent past. Today, they draw thousands of visitors eager to see pink petals fluttering over the historic moat.

What to Expect at Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

From hanami picnics to nighttime illuminations, here’s what makes this festival worth the visit:

• Cherry blossom viewing: Enjoy 300 cherry trees, mostly Somei Yoshino, blooming around the castle grounds and reflecting in the moat.
• Evening illuminations: As night falls, paper lanterns light up the park, casting a dreamy glow on the castle’s stone walls.
• Food stalls and festival treats: Savor local specialties like umeboshi (pickled plums), Odawara-style kamaboko (fish cakes), and sakura mochi.
• Traditional performances: Enjoy cultural events, including taiko drumming and samurai reenactments.
• Explore beyond the park: Visit Soga Plum Grove, known for its scenic orchards, or head to Odawara Flower Garden to see other seasonal flowers in bloom.

Admission Fees

Good news: Admission to Odawara Castle Park is completely free during the cherry blossom festival, so you can enjoy the stunning sakura views without spending a yen. However, if you want to explore the history of Odawara Castle, entry to the Odawara Castle Museum costs 510 yen (around $3.45) for adults. From the top of the castle tower, you’ll get panoramic views of Odawara City, Sagami Bay, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day – well worth the small fee!

How to Get to Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Odawara is an easy-to-reach destination, whether you're coming from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Yokohama. Since cherry blossom season draws crowds, it's best to plan ahead.

• By train: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen or Odakyu Line to Odawara Station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the castle park.
• By car: Drive via the Tomei Expressway and exit at Odawara IC. Parking is available near the park, but spots fill up fast.
• From Tokyo: The Shinkansen from Tokyo Station gets you to Odawara in 35 minutes, making it one of the most accessible cherry blossom festivals near the capital.
• From Kyoto or Osaka: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara, which takes about two hours from Kyoto and a little longer from Osaka.

Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Policy

Planning a hanami picnic or bringing extra gear for photography? Keep in mind the expected bag policy:

• Small backpacks and handbags are allowed, but large suitcases and coolers may not be permitted inside festival areas.
• Coin lockers are available at Odawara Station, but they tend to fill up quickly during peak bloom.
• Check the festival website for any last-minute updates on storage options.

Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Enjoy the Festival Hands-Free with Bounce

Skip the hassle of carrying your bags and store them securely with Bounce at convenient locations in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kanagawa before heading to the festival.

• Affordable: Store your bags for as low as ¥400 per day.
• Safe and Secure: Your belongings are secured up to ¥1,000,000, so you can enjoy the festival stress-free.
• 24/7 Support: Need assistance? Our support team is available anytime.
• Free Cancellation: Plans changed? Cancel for free before the scheduled time.

How to Store Your Bags with Bounce

1. Find a spot – Use the Bounce app or website to locate a nearby luggage storage facility.
2. Drop off your bags – Choose a location and store your items securely.
3. Enjoy the festival – Explore the castle grounds, take stunning photos, and enjoy hanami without heavy bags weighing you down.

Tips to Make the Most of Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

• Check the bloom forecast – Cherry blossoms depend on weather conditions, so follow updates from the Japan Meteorological Corporation.
• Arrive early – The best hanami spots near the castle fill up fast, especially on weekends.
• Dress for the weather – March and April temperatures in Odawara range from 8–18 C (46–64 F), so bring a light jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.
• Explore beyond the castle – Visit Soga Plum Grove and check out the Odawara Plum festival or take a short trip to Mount Fuji for even more spectacular spring scenery.
• Skip the baggage hassle – Store your bags with Bounce so you can roam the festival hands-free.

With cherry blossoms, samurai history, and a castle straight out of a storybook, Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is a must-visit for anyone exploring spring in Japan. Grab your camera, pack a picnic, and head to Odawara Castle Park, because cherry blossom season is too short to miss!