"Kanagawa West: Traditional Culture of Japan" Festival Special (Odawara Edition)

About the "Hokuseki Godai Festival"

--What kind of festival is the Hokuriku Godai Festival, which is celebrating its 53rd anniversary this year?

This is Odawara City's biggest tourist event, held around Odawara Castle on the national holiday of May 3 every year. A parade of warriors begins in front of the Umadashimon earthen bridge, and the Hojo army (first shogun Soun, second shogun Ujitsuna, third shogun Ujiyasu, fourth shogun Ujimasa, fifth shogun Ujinao) appears on horseback. There are also performances by riflemen and brass bands, making it a lively festival with a total of 1,700 participants.

What are the characteristics of this year?

Actor Masanobu Takashima will appear as Hojo Ujiyasu. Takashima appeared as Ujiyasu in last year's NHK Taiga drama "Sanadamaru," so he is sure to attract attention. In addition, actor Masashi Goda, who is an Odawara hometown ambassador, will also appear as the first Soun.

--Any other things you recommend, Mr. Suwama, please tell us some ways to enjoy festivals.

During this period, shrines such as Matsubara, Sanno, Oinari, and Igami Shrine hold their annual festivals, and on the 4th and 5th you can see the "Mikoshi Togyo" parade. Dozens of floats and mikoshi (portable shrines) are displayed, and the Odawara style, where people jump (run) while carrying the mikoshi and singing along with the kiyari chanting, is a unique way of carrying it that you should pay particular attention to. In addition, the "Lantern Summer Festival" is held on the 29th and 30th of July, where you can see different styles of carrying mikoshi, such as Edomae and Dokkoi styles, all in one place, so it would be interesting to compare the different styles.

About "Odawara Castle after renovation"

Sagami Bay as seen from Odawara Castle

--After the renovation, Odawara Castle is expected to soon see over one million visitors. What exactly has changed since then?

First of all, it is earthquake-resistant, so we can say with confidence that it will be fine no matter when a major earthquake occurs. In addition, air conditioning equipment has been added, which was not available before, so you can view the exhibits in a comfortable, safe and secure environment. In addition, the content of the exhibits has changed significantly. There is now a video theater, which was not available before, and the number of graphic explanations has increased significantly, so you can learn about the history of Odawara Castle and the Hojo clan in an easy-to-understand way.

The inside of Odawara Castle now has more graphic explanations (monitor)

--The genre of exhibits varies on each floor, doesn't it?

The first floor is from the Edo period, the second floor is from the Sengoku period, the third and fourth floors are special exhibitions, and the fifth floor is a reproduction of Odawara Castle's castle tower from the Edo period, recreating the space where the statue of Marishiten, who was worshipped as the guardian deity of samurai at the time, was placed. From the observation deck on the top floor of the castle tower, you can get a beautiful view of the sea, mountains, and cityscape. It is probably rare to find a castle with such a good view in Japan.

--If you had to pick one place in particular that you would like people to take the time to see, which one would it be?

The second floor is where you can learn about the history of Odawara Castle and the Odawara Hojo clan during the Sengoku period. The Battle of Odawara, in which Hojo Ujiyasu and his son Ujinao fought against Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is a historical event that marked a major turning point in the history of our country from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. Odawara Castle was the largest castle in the Sengoku period, and Hideyoshi's Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle was the first castle in the Kanto region to be built entirely of stone walls. In the theater, actors Shunsuke Kariya and Masashi Goda play the roles of the fourth lord Ujiyasu and the fifth lord Ujinao, and provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the Odawara Battle with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Also, on the fifth floor, the space where the Marishiten statue, which is said to have been enshrined in the castle tower during the Edo period, is reproduced using wood from Odawara and by Odawara craftsmen. Here too, we would like you to take a look at the video introducing the craftsmen's skills.

The Marishiten statue's resting space

Enjoy Odawara Castle "even more"

--What is the content of the currently running special exhibition "150 Years of Odawara Castle Site: Modern Odawara Castle 1868-2017"?

Odawara Castle did not have a castle tower until it was dismantled in 1870 and rebuilt in 1960. The museum showcases the 150-year history of the Odawara Castle ruins, from the Meiji period to the present day, with around 100 photographs, postcards, tourist brochures and other items from that time on display.

--What other spots would you recommend people should visit if they come to Odawara Castle?

Imitating "My Castle Town"

The railing of Odawara Castle's Tokiwagi Bridge is used on the record jacket of singer Rumiko Koyanagi's debut single "Watashi no Jokamachi." Why not have fun taking a photo of yourself in the same pose? This is a recommended photo spot.
In addition, Kinjiro Cafe, located in the grounds of Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine, and Seikantei, located in the outer earthen wall of Sannomaru, are both wonderful spaces perfect for a stroll or a break over a cup of tea, both of which are definitely worth a visit.

From the Magcal editorial department
After the renovation, the outer walls of Odawara Castle became whiter, and the new greenery in the castle ruins park looked beautiful against them. I saw many foreign tourists gazing intently at the exhibits, mingling with the Japanese tourists, and I sensed their high interest in history and culture. The park also has a "children's amusement park" with playground equipment such as miniature trains and cars, which is sure to delight small children.
Along with the festival, why not enjoy a stroll around the town of Odawara Castle during Golden Week?