Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan: The Stunning Night View of Nighttime Cherry Blossoms at Odawara Castle

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Reported & Compiled   Photos / Odawara City Tourism Association
 
Odawara City, located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is home to Odawara Castle, which is recognized as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Castles” and also selected as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” It is a popular cherry blossom destination in the Kanto region. The cherry blossom season events in Odawara City kicked off on March 16 in the area centered around Odawara Castle.

Within Odawara Castle Ruins Park, which surrounds the castle’s keep, approximately 300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees burst into full bloom, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year during the cherry blossom season. The white Odawara Castle keep stands in striking contrast to the pink cherry blossoms, making it a popular photo spot.

At night, Odawara Castle hosts a cherry blossom lighting event called “Illuminated Night Cherry Blossoms,” held at the Honmaru Plaza. Using LEDs that can produce a variety of colors, the event creates a constantly changing light display. The number of LED lights has increased from 30 last year to 42 this year, making the cherry trees sparkle and creating a magical atmosphere in the plaza.

During the event period, the opening hours of Odawara Castle’s keep are extended until 7 PM. Visitors can climb up to the 38.7-meter-high observation deck of the keep to admire the illuminated cherry trees in the Honmaru Plaza from above, as well as enjoy the captivating night views of Odawara City and Sagami Bay, offering a completely different atmosphere from the daytime.

Notably, Japanese-style kotatsu seating (heated tables with built-in electric heaters) has been set up in Odawara Castle Ruins Park, increasing from 2 tables and 8 chairs last year to 6 tables and 24 chairs this year, enabling visitors to comfortably enjoy the cherry blossoms both day and night, even in cold weather.