Written by Jane Pipkin
There is a reason that Odawara is known as a literary city — discover it at the Odawara Museum of Literature.
Several renowned literary figures, including Tokoku Kitamura, Shinichi Makino, and others, came from Odawara. Junichiro Tanizaki, a more familiar name for those versed in Japanese literature, also originated from the city. The museum also highlights the contributions of many women authors.
This museum showcases their works and lives through handwritten manuscripts and other personal belongings. Although all displays are in Japanese, visitors can still gain a sense of the content through the images and published works on display.
In addition to its permanent exhibiton, the museum hosts special exhibitions. The museum charges an admission fee of ¥250 for adults and ¥100 for elementary-school students. You’ll need to pay in cash.
If you visit the museum in spring, you can enjoy strolling down the main road near the museum, which is lined with sakura trees, on a route known as Saikaikoji.
How to get there
The best way to get there is to take the J03 (Hakone-en) bus from Odawara Station (East Exit). Get off at Morohakuko-ji, and it’s a 4-minute walk from there. The entire journey takes 11 minutes and costs ¥210.
Alternatively, you can walk from Odawara Station, which will take approximately 21 minutes.
Elementary School students: ¥100
- 1.3 km from Odawara Station Tokaido Line (JT1)
