Odawara Hōjō Godai Festival

What Is the Odawara Hōjō Godai Festival?

The Odawara Hōjō Godai Festival is a festival representative of Odawara, held each year on 3 May in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. Recalling the glory of the five generations of the Go-Hōjō clan (the Odawara Hōjō), warlords who ruled the whole Kantō region in the Sengoku period, it unfolds a spirited and resplendent historical pageant, with a gorgeous warrior procession of people dressed as warriors and princesses parading through the castle town of Odawara. It is a popular spring festival that colors Odawara during the Golden Week holidays.

History and Origins

The Odawara Hōjō Godai Festival is a festival that began in 1965, with the aim of honoring the achievements of the Go-Hōjō clan and commemorating their history and culture. The Go-Hōjō clan were warlords who, founded by Hōjō Sōun and across five generations—Ujitsuna, Ujiyasu, Ujimasa, and Ujinao—built a great power in Kantō over about 100 years with Odawara as their base. This festival, which recreates that era centered on the impregnable famous castle of Odawara, has become established as a festival beloved by citizens that conveys the history of Odawara to the present.

Highlights

The greatest attraction is the "warrior procession" by warriors clad in armor and princesses in glamorous costumes. The sight of a grand procession said to number some 1,500 people in total—including representations of the five generations of the Go-Hōjō—parading around Odawara Castle in spirited formation is the very image of a Sengoku pageant. A gunner corps and a music corps also join in, drawing spectators into the Sengoku period. The departure ceremony and the spirited scene against the backdrop of Odawara Castle are full of intensity. It is a gorgeous and rewarding festival that can be enjoyed even by those who are not history fans.

When It Takes Place

The festival is held each year on 3 May during Golden Week at Odawara Castle Park and throughout the city center of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. As a spring festival, its season is spring. Because the route of the warrior procession and the dates of related events vary from year to year, visitors are advised to confirm details in advance through official announcements from Odawara City and the organizers.

Access

Odawara Castle boasts excellent access, within walking distance of Odawara Station on the JR Tōkaidō Main Line, the Odakyū Odawara Line, and the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. As a Shinkansen stop, access from the direction of Tokyo is good, at about 35 minutes. As a gateway to Hakone sightseeing, it is easily reached from all directions. As crowds are expected during the festival, public transport is recommended.

Around the Area

Odawara is a town of history centered on Odawara Castle, a famous castle of the Sengoku period, and is also known as a gateway to hot-spring areas such as Hakone and Yugawara. Odawara Castle Park, with its soaring keep, is also popular as a spot for cherry blossoms and Japanese irises. Facing Sagami Bay, it is also rich in seafood such as Odawara kamaboko fish cakes and dried fish. Tourist destinations such as the hot springs of Hakone, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum are also close, making it an area where, together with the Odawara Hōjō Godai Festival, one can savor the history, nature, and hot springs of western Kanagawa.

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