While changing trains at Odawara Station on the Shinkansen, I unexpectedly spotted Odawara Castle from the platform, which was a wonderful surprise! Odawara Castle was once an important stronghold of the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period. With its formidable defenses, it became one of the most renowned castles in the Kanto region. The main keep seen today is a reconstruction, and its interior has exhibition spaces introducing the castle’s history and stories from the Sengoku period. From the observation floor, you can also look out over the city of Odawara and Sagami Bay. Odawara Castle Park has its own charm in every season and is especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring. This time, my schedule was tight and I had to hurry on to Hakone, so I could only admire it from a distance at the station and didn’t get to explore inside the castle. It was a bit of a shame, but it also gave me something to look forward to on my next visit.
Odawara Castle | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Pleasure Boat Benten-maru
The pleasure boat "Benten-maru" offers a quick and scenic 10-minute ride, connecting Enoshima's Bentenbashi at the entrance of the island to the Chigogafuchi marine plateau on the west side. Although it's a 30-minute walk between these points, the boat ride provides a convenient alternative, especially for those who may not be confident in their physical stamina.
If, like me, you’ve already visited Enoshima several times, consider seeing it from a different perspective by taking the Benten-maru pleasure boat for a different kind of sightseeing trip on the water. After getting off at Enoshima Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the boarding area, and a one-way ticket costs JPY 400, which is quite affordable. Once the small boat sets off into the sea breeze, you can admire Enoshima’s distinctive landscape and coastal scenery from the water, offering a completely different experience from sightseeing on land. If the weather is clear and the waves are moderate, you can also see plenty of surfers and sailboats out on the water, making the scene lively and energetic. The deep blue sea and relaxed figures on the water create a real vacation atmosphere and offer a fresh perspective on familiar Enoshima.
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Okashigoten “Original Beni-imo Tart”
A tart with a striking swirl of purple beni-imo sweet potato paste. The moist tart crust is topped with a rich, sweet paste made from 100% Okinawan beni-imo sweet potatoes sourced from more than 140 contract farms. No preservatives or artificial coloring are used, allowing the natural color and flavor of the sweet potatoes to shine through.
While shopping along Kokusai Street, I happened to discover Okashigoten’s signature souvenir, the Ganso Beni-imo Tart. Its vivid, bright purple appearance immediately caught my eye, and I couldn’t help stopping to take a closer look. The filling, made with Okinawa’s famous purple sweet potatoes, has a beautiful color and tastes sweet and smooth, with a rich sweet potato aroma. What made it even more tempting was that I happened to find a limited-edition set that came with a cute shopping bag, available in blue or pink! This way of combining something delicious with a practical little gift was just too effective, and I immediately bought it without hesitation so I could keep the cute bag. Of course, there was no way I could finish so many beni-imo tarts by myself, so I decided to bring them back to the office to share with my coworkers and give everyone a taste of Okinawa’s sweetness.
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Taikoubou Kokuryo Store
Using particular ingredients, this restaurant specializes in carefully baked taiyaki. The skin is made from an original mixture that blends wheat flour from Hokkaido, and while leaving behind a springy sensation, it is made as thin as possible to produce a crispy texture.
While passing near Chofu Station, I was suddenly drawn in by the delicious smell of taiyaki. It was just about time for an afternoon snack, so I decided to buy one and try it~ As a devoted red bean fan, I love the smooth, fluffy red bean filling paired with a pastry shell that has just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite felt satisfying, and after finishing it, I still wanted more. When the weather is cold, I’m more likely to order the indulgent custard flavor. The rich, smooth filling with the piping-hot shell is a comforting winter treat.
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