Odawara Hōjō Godai Festival

Overview

The Odawara Hojo Godai Festival is the largest tourist event in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, held annually on May 3rd. The festival is commonly referred to as the "Hojo Godai Festival" and honors the five generations of the Odawara Hojo clan (also known as the Later Hojo clan), who ruled the Kanto region for approximately one hundred years during the Sengoku period. It is positioned as a tourist event rather than a religious ceremony, with a warrior procession and parade as its core attractions. Approximately 1,600 to 1,700 participants take part, marching vigorously through the city center.

This festival was established to commemorate the achievements of the Odawara Hojo clan, who, unlike many other warring states lords, maintained unity among family members and ruled the Kanto region for about a century. The Odawara Hojo clan began with the first generation, Ise Shinkuro (Hojo Soun), and continued through the second generation, Ujitsuna, the third generation, Ujiyasu, the fourth generation, Ujimasa, and the fifth generation, Ujinao. The warrior procession featuring actors portraying the successive lords is the main highlight, alongside colorful parades that include school brass bands, music groups, and local community floats.

History and Origins

The history of the Odawara Hojo clan began with the construction of Odawara Castle by the Omori clan in the mid-15th century. Ise Shinkuro (Hojo Soun), regarded as a pioneer among Sengoku daimyo, is believed to have brought Odawara Castle under his control by around 1500, using Izu-Nirayama as his base. The second generation, Ujitsuna, established Odawara Castle as his headquarters, changed the family name to Hojo, and began using the tiger seal, laying the foundation for the clan's domain governance system.

During the era of the third generation, Ujiyasu, the clan formed the Kai-Sagami-Suruga triple alliance with the Takeda and Imagawa clans, expanding their influence. Ujiyasu also demonstrated administrative skill by reforming the tax system and establishing the post-horse relay system, strengthening the foundation of domain management. In the time of the fourth generation, Ujimasa, the clan repelled invasions by Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen through siege warfare, demonstrating the impregnability of Odawara Castle to the entire nation.

The era of the fifth generation, Ujinao, saw the outbreak of the Odawara Campaign led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The clan constructed the "Sogamae," a total fortification system of moats and earthen ramparts stretching approximately nine kilometers around Odawara Castle and the castle town, to prepare for defense. However, they were surrounded by Hideyoshi's massive army of approximately 180,000 soldiers, who established their headquarters at Ishigakiyama Castle, leading to the surrender of Odawara Castle. This marked the end of the Odawara Hojo clan, which had lasted for approximately one hundred years across five generations.

The governing philosophy of the Hojo clan is symbolized by the phrase "Rokuju Oon," inscribed on the tiger seal, which means "May wealth and life be peaceful." This philosophy was manifested in benevolent policies such as tax reduction, industrial promotion, economic stimulation, and cultural encouragement, and is considered relevant to modern community development. Today, the Hojo Godai Tourism Promotion Council, composed of 14 municipalities associated with the Hojo clan, is conducting a signature drive calling for the production of an NHK taiga drama based on the Hojo five generations.

Highlights

Warrior Procession The warrior procession features participants in full armor and actors portraying the successive lords riding horses, parading along a course of approximately 2.1 kilometers in a living historical tableau. This procession departs from the Umaidomon gate and proceeds through the city streets toward the castle park area. The route becomes lined with spectators, and the event is broadcast on local cable television and YouTube, drawing widespread attention.

Musketry Demonstrations The Odawara Hojo Musketry Preservation Society conducts musketry demonstrations at various points along the parade route. The firing of matchlock muskets recreates the battlefield atmosphere of the Sengoku period with powerful impact. The roar of the muskets and the rising smoke provide spectators with an immersive experience that evokes the intensity of historical warfare.

Fuma Ninja Performances The Fuma ninja group, known as the "Fuma" of Sagami Province, performs ninja demonstrations at various locations along the parade route. The Fuma ninja are believed to have served the Odawara Hojo clan, and their performances are based on this historical connection. Swift movements and techniques such as shuriken throwing captivate audiences of all ages, from children to adults.

Music Band Parade School brass bands from within the city and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force First Music Band participate in the music band parade, enlivening the festival with their performances. The brass bands start from the Daikumachi-dori intersection and march while playing, proceeding to the special stage at the Domon gate square. The cheerful rhythms and melodies provide a contrasting yet complementary element to the solemnity of the warrior procession.

Odawara Essa Hoi Dance The Odawara Essa Hoi dance is performed along the section from Ginza-dori to Nishiki-dori streets. This dance is a participatory program that allows local residents and tourists to join in the festivities. The sight of people dancing with shouts of "Essa Hoi" embodies the vibrancy of the festival and the unity of the local community.

Departure Ceremony Performances The departure ceremony takes place at the special stage at the Domon gate of the castle park, opening with the powerful beats of the Hojo taiko drums. The ceremony includes performances such as dispatch riders, conch shell trumpets, and musketry, recreating the atmosphere of a Sengoku-era military departure. The dramatic start of the ceremony builds anticipation for the climax of the festival.

Event Information and Access

• Event Date: Annually on May 3rd. The event will be held in light rain but canceled in severe weather. Check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of the event.
• Venue: Odawara Castle Park and its surroundings. The departure ceremony is held at the special stage at the Domon gate, and the parade proceeds from the Umaidomon gate through the city streets back toward the castle park.
• Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from the east exit of Odawara Station, served by the JR Tokaido Line, Odakyu Electric Railway, Hakone Tozan Railway, and Izuhakone Railway. Public transportation is strongly recommended due to expected heavy congestion.
• Admission: Free of charge. No paid seating is available. Viewing space for the departure ceremony is limited, and entry restrictions will be enforced once capacity is reached.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are expected to be extremely crowded. It is recommended to use facilities at home or near Odawara Station before heading to the venue. Restrooms are particularly crowded between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
• Traffic Restrictions: Pedestrian restrictions apply to the Umaidomon gate, Domon gate, and Sakuranamiki-dori street within the castle park. Traffic restrictions are also implemented around the parade route during the parade hours.

Surrounding Area Information

Odawara Castle Park is a historic park built on the site of Odawara Castle, the residence of the Hojo five generations. The park contains historical structures such as the keep, the Domon gate, and the Umaidomon gate, which serve as backdrops for the warrior procession and performances during the festival. The park offers panoramic views of Sagami Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji, making it a scenic spot in its own right.

The area around Odawara Station features numerous attractions besides Odawara Castle Park. On the day of the festival, related events such as open markets may be held in the shopping streets near the station. Odawara is also known as the gateway to Hakone, and many visitors extend their trip to the Hakone hot springs after the festival. The journey from Odawara Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station takes approximately 15 minutes on the Hakone Tozan Railway.

Odawara City is located in western Kanagawa Prefecture and has flourished since ancient times as a key post station on the Tokaido Road. The city contains numerous historical sites and temples associated with the Hojo clan, including Odawara Castle Park, the port area of Hayakawa, and the plum groves of Soga. Visiting these sites during the festival provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Hojo clan.

Related Information

• Organizer: The event is organized by the Odawara City Tourism Association (general incorporated association). Inquiries can be directed via the association's official website.
• Official Website: The latest information is available on the official website of the Odawara City Tourism Association at https://www.odawara-kankou.com/.
• Sister City Cooperation: Odawara City, Hachioji City in Tokyo, and Yorii Town in Saitama Prefecture have concluded a sister city alliance based on the connection to the three Hojo brothers (Ujimasa, Ujiteru, and Ujikuni). Based on this cooperation, participants from Hachioji and Yorii can be seen in the festival.
• Warrior Seal Campaign: A campaign may be conducted where visitors who receive a coupon ticket at the temporary information center at Odawara Station or the festival headquarters in the castle park on the day of the festival can later receive a limited-edition warrior seal design at designated locations within the city. Details are available on flyers distributed at the venue.
• Efforts for Taiga Drama Production: The Hojo Godai Tourism Promotion Council is continuously conducting a signature drive calling for the production of an NHK taiga drama based on the Hojo five generations. Online signatures are also accepted, gathering support from Hojo clan fans.
• Related Events: On the day of the festival, an open market featuring food trucks and workshops may be held at the Ninomaru Plaza in the castle park. Additionally, on May 4th and 5th, various floats and portable shrines from local organizations are paraded through the city center.

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