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Welcome to Odawara

Posted on by Mariko Green

Odawara is located in Western Kanagawa Prefecture, it is about a 35 minutes train ride from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen (bullet train). The area is surrounded by Mt. Hakone, Sagami Bay of the Pacific Ocean, and it has a mild climate. The city serves a role as the gateway to Mt. Fuji, and Hakone and Izu which are Japan’s leading onsen (hot springs) area.

Odawara prospered as a castle town from Sengoku period to Edo period, and is rich in history and culture. Odawara Castle, a landmark of the city was built in the 15th century, and has a key role in Japan’s history as the home of Hojo clan in the Sengoku period, and as home of the Okubo clan in the Edo period. After 1870, majority of the buildings were dismantled, and the remaining structures were destroyed by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. The current Odawara Castle was rebuilt in 1960 based on its appearance in the Edo period, and the surrounding buildings are gradually being restored to their original appearance.

Odawara is also known as a base for the Fuma Ninja clan, who were active in the Sengoku period. Many Samurai and Ninja legends remain in Odawara. You can experience these cultures at SAMURAI-Kan where Katana, Yoroi (Japanese armor) are exhibited, or at NINJA-Kan you can learn about Ninja culture and experience ninjutsu such as shuriken throwing.

                                           

In Odawara, where the sea, mountains, rivers, and villages are all in one place, you can see traditional Japanese scenery of the four seasons, and enjoy Japanese cuisine in each season. At fishing ports and fish markets, you can enjoy fresh fish. In addition, there are local specialties such as kamaboko (fish cake), himono (dried fish), umeboshi (pickled plum), and Japanese sweets. Odawara’s food culture is very vibrant thanks to the abundance of ingredients and the careful work of craftsmen.

   

Japanese traditional crafts such as Sikki (Lacquerware craft), Yosegi-zaiku (Marquetry craft), Imono (Casting craft) and Chochin (Paper lantern) are produced in Odawara. Their tradition and skills have been passed down to this day.

In Odawara, seasonal festivals and other events are held every month at various locations. We sincerely hope that you will visit Odawara and experience Japanese culture and traditions.

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  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

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  • 2023/2024 CLAIR Forum 

    Theme: Disaster Management and Resilience

    Disaster Management is essential for local governments as it helps save lives, protect properties, build resilience, and ensure the overall well-being and stability of communities in the face of disasters such as natural disasters and epidemic outbreaks. And it has become more important than ever in recent years. In the 2024 CLAIR Forum, presented by CLAIR Sydney and UTS, we  explored the practices of prevention, response, and recovery to disasters in local governments in Australia and Japan. We also reflected on new ways of thinking about and building resilient communities, built and natural environments, economies and governments. 

    Date:  11 March,2024 (Monday)
    Time: 1:00pm to 5:00pm 
    Venue: The Japan Foundation, Sydney – Seminar Room （Hybrid）

    Speakers

    – Tomoyuki Takemura (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

    Provided an overview of recent disaster occurrences in Japan such as the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the role of administrative organisations (national, prefectural, and municipal) during disasters, and the updated information on the status of the support system established by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

    – Reiko Kunisaki (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Fukuoka Prefectural Government)

    Described the recent heavy rain disasters in Fukuoka, efforts in supporting evacuees requiring assistance (including training on municipal guidance, operation of evacuation centres, and creation of individual evacuation plans) in collaboration with local governments and partners.

    – Kana Tsujiwaki (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Wakayama Prefectural Government)

    Touched upon the anecdote of Goryo Hamaguchi, a native of Wakayama, which led to the establishment of “World Tsunami Day.” Also explained distinctive disaster countermeasures in Wakayama, such as setting safety levels for evacuation destinations, the “Dokodemo Stand” mobile gas station, and mobile disaster prevention education.

    – Nicole Parsons (Manager Regional Resilience Programs, Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation)

    The presentation highlighted collaborative efforts with local governments and partners in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region to reduce disaster risks, including enhancing infrastructure resilience, improving access to geographic data, and developing environmental monitoring and early warning systems.

    – Shinnosuke Matsumoto (Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Ichihara city council)

    Discussed disaster response in his city, the response system during disasters, types and conditions for opening evacuation centres, and examples of efforts in adapting to changes in operating the centres during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    – Hideaki Ota(Assistant Director, CLAIR Sydney / Odawara city council)

    Provided an overview of medical services during disasters in Japan, focusing on the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), including the outline, process, and roles of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and disaster base hospitals. Presented examples, including Odawara City Hospital’s dispatch of DMAT to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

    – Tommaso Briscese (General Manager, Burwood Council) & Miriam Wassef（Executive Manager, Place Management and Communications Burwood Council）

    Presented Burwood Council’s response to and recovery efforts for COVID-19, including care for the community, financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises for economic recovery, and events to promote human interaction that were reduced following the outbreak.

     

    The Q&A session allowed for exchanges of many questions and opinions among participants. Carol Mills concluded the forum, reflecting on the discussions.

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  • From the 3rd to the 13th of December, eight selected swimmers from the Fukuoka Swimming Association visited NSW, where they participated in joint training sessions with a local school and competed in the 2024-25 Speedo NSW Senior State Age Championships.

    During the joint training, the athletes deepened their connections, and in the competition, the Fukuoka swimmers achieved remarkable success, earning numerous medals.
     
    The visit is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2023 between the Fukuoka Prefecture, the Fukuoka Swimming Association, and Swimming NSW. CLAIR Sydney received a request from Fukuoka Prefecture to assist them with their activities and accompanied them during some parts of their visit.
     
    We will continue to support and deepen exchanges in the field of sports between Fukuoka Prefecture and NSW.
    To all the athletes, coaches, and accompanying staffs, Otsukaresamadeshita!
     
     
     
     
     
     

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.
    View this Correspondence in PDF.

     

     

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this correspondence in PDF.

     

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.