The Hojo Festival in Odawara celebrates the rich culture and heritage of this famed castle town. Our 61st year of celebration of our history and community. Join in the festivities on May 3rd of 2025, watch 1700 person parade, enjoy the music and performances, and much more.
The purpose of the festival is to introduce and promote Odawara, a castle town steeped in
history and tradition, both within and outside the prefecture, and to attract many tourists to
revitalize the central city area and to promote the city's development. The festival will be
held as an all-citizen festival overflowing with vitality.
The tourism associations of Odawara City, Hachioji City, and Yorii Town, where the three
Hojo brothers, Ujimasa, Ujiteru, and Ujikuni, had their castles, signed the “Hojo Three
Brothers Three Domain Joint Declaration” in 1994.
30 years have passed. Then, in 2008, they concluded a sister city pact, and have been
exchanging in various fields. We will hold a ceremony so that the relationship of trust
among the three Hojo brothers will continue into the future.
(Hayauma - Kachidoki - Shutsujin Taiko and other performances)
Special Guest Talk
“Three Hojo Brothers” promise to the future including the ceremony by
representatives from Odawara City, Hachioji City and Yorii Town
Jinbure (Hayauma - Kachidoki - Shutsujin Taiko and other performances)
Parade 12:20 - 14:20
Parade organization
1) Brass Band
Brass bands from elementary, junior high and high schools in the city
2) Band
GSDF Band, Shonan Bellmare Futsal Club,
3) Samurai Team
Hojo Five Generations Tourism Promotion Council, Fuma Ninja Kotaro Team, Boys and
Girls Samurai Team, Hojo Handmade Armor Team, etc.
4) Machishu Team
Ohayashi, Tobi-shoku Union, Mikoshi
Parade Course
1) Music Team, Samurai Team, Machishu Team: about 2.1 km
2) Brass Band: about 1.0 km
Special Performances
Odawara Castle Umadashi Gates 12:15~12:20 Japan Self Defense Force Band
Aomono Cho Intersection 11:35~12:25 Samurai Ninja Performance + Rifle Brigade
We look forward to welcoming you to Odawara! We encourage you to use the train when you visit.
Please enjoy with us. Enjoy Responsibly, no drones please. Temporary tourist information booths will be set up. Location: Pedestrian deck at the east exit of Odawara Station
A tourist information booth will be set up to provide information
Youth Chamber, Guide Association, Girl Scouts, Odawara Hakone SGG Club
The Hojo Clan and Odawara
The Hojo Clan of Odawara: Guardians of Power and Legacy
Nestled in the fertile lands of Sagami Province, amidst the scenic beauty of Japan's landscape, stood the formidable stronghold of Odawara Castle. Within its walls resided one of the most influential clans of the Sengoku period: the Hojo clan. Renowned for their military prowess, cunning strategies, and unwavering ambition, the Hojo clan left an indelible mark on Japanese history.
Origins and Rise to Power:
It was during the tumultuous era of the Sengoku period that the Hojo clan rose to prominence. Under the leadership of Hojo Soun, they seized control of Odawara Castle in the late 15th century and established themselves as the rulers of the Kanto region. Five generations of ruled until falling to Toyotmi HIdeyoshi in 1590.
Masters of Strategy:
What truly set the Hojo clan apart was their mastery of strategy and governance. Utilizing a network of alliances, political marriages, and military might, they expanded their influence across the Kanto region, cementing their power base and establishing themselves as one of the preeminent clans of the era.
The Role of Odawara Castle:
Odawara Castle served as the epicenter of Hojo power. Strategically located on the Tokaido highway, it served as a key defensive stronghold and a symbol of Hojo dominance. Throughout the Sengoku period, Odawara Castle bore witness to numerous battles and sieges as rival warlords sought to challenge Hojo supremacy.
Battles Fought at Odawara Castle:
One of the most famous battles associated with Odawara Castle was the Siege of Odawara (1590). This conflict, known as the Odawara Campaign, saw the forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (and Tokugawa Ieyasu)lay siege to the castle in a bid to unify Japan under his rule. Despite the Hojo clan's valiant defense, they ultimately succumbed to overwhelming numbers, marking the end of their reign in Odawara.
Legacy and Enduring Influence:
Though the Hojo clan's rule over Odawara came to an end with the fall of Odawara Castle, their legacy endured. Their administrative innovations, military strategies, and cultural patronage left an indelible mark on Japan's history. Today, Odawara Castle stands as a testament to their enduring legacy, reminding us of the once-mighty Hojo clan and their pivotal role in shaping Japan's past.
