<strong>Daimyo for a day: </strong>Odawara is an attractive port town with a rich history that is said to have shaped modern Japan. Today, travelers can experience that past by signing up to live the life of a feudal lord (daimyo) for a day.
Daimyo for a day: Odawara is an attractive port town with a rich history that is said to have shaped modern Japan. Today, travelers can experience that past by signing up to live the life of a feudal lord (daimyo) for a day.
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Odawara Castle: </strong>The experience takes place here, at Odawara Castle.<strong> </strong>The original version was destroyed in 1590. This replica was built in its place in 1960.
Odawara Castle: The experience takes place here, at Odawara Castle. The original version was destroyed in 1590. This replica was built in its place in 1960.
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Dress like a daimyo:</strong> First things firsts, guests must dress the part.
Dress like a daimyo: First things firsts, guests must dress the part.
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Authenticity assured: </strong>Visitors are aided by costume experts who typically clothe actors in period movies and Japanese television dramas,
Authenticity assured: Visitors are aided by costume experts who typically clothe actors in period movies and Japanese television dramas,
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Lording over the land: </strong>Fully dressed, equipped with swords, the foreign lords are greeted by armored warriors as they make their way across the castle grounds.
Lording over the land: Fully dressed, equipped with swords, the foreign lords are greeted by armored warriors as they make their way across the castle grounds.
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Traditional arts: </strong>Greeted by a group of musicians on traditional "taiko" drum, "shamisen" lute and "shinobue" flute," daimyo visitors watch a performance highlighting the skills of Japan's legendary ninja.
Traditional arts: Greeted by a group of musicians on traditional "taiko" drum, "shamisen" lute and "shinobue" flute," daimyo visitors watch a performance highlighting the skills of Japan's legendary ninja.
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Contested lands: </strong>Rival clans fought for control of Odawara until the Hojo family made it the base of domains that covered much of what is today the Kanto region of eastern Japan. The Odawawars Castle was the ultimate symbol of their authority and power through much of the 1500s. <strong> </strong>
Contested lands: Rival clans fought for control of Odawara until the Hojo family made it the base of domains that covered much of what is today the Kanto region of eastern Japan. The Odawawars Castle was the ultimate symbol of their authority and power through much of the 1500s.
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Hojo seal:</strong> At a reception on the fifth floor of the castle, the "daimyo" are presented with scrolls bearing the official seal of the Hojo clan.
Hojo seal: At a reception on the fifth floor of the castle, the "daimyo" are presented with scrolls bearing the official seal of the Hojo clan.
Odawara Tourism Association
<strong>Multi-course meal: </strong>The day ends with a feast fit for a "daimyo" at a nearby restaurant, reached through a traditional garden of moss, manicured trees and stone lanterns.
Multi-course meal: The day ends with a feast fit for a "daimyo" at a nearby restaurant, reached through a traditional garden of moss, manicured trees and stone lanterns.
Odawara Tourism Association