Hidden Wonders | Climb Like a Ninja at This Japanese Castle Playground

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A towering “castle” rises against the mountainside — but it’s no fortress. It’s a playground modeled after Odawara Castle, the iconic landmark of Odawara City in Kanagawa Prefecture. Located inside Wanpaku Land, a city park, its size is striking for a piece of play equipment.

Children about to climb an obstacle course.

Conquering the Keep

According to the city’s Parks and Greenery Division, the “Odawara Castle Adventure” stretches about 30 meters (98 ft) wide and deep. It includes three obstacle courses designed for different ages and fitness levels, with names like “Ninja’s Trial” and “Samurai Training.”

The most challenging course is “Ninja’s Trial.”

“Which path should I take to conquer the castle?” I wonder. Watching the kids dart around with ease, I decide to try the beginner course. I climb the 11-meter-high main keep, and I’m soon out of breath.

But at the top, looking out over the city, I feel — just for a moment — like a warlord surveying his domain.

A sign explaining the three courses (left), and one of the information boards about Odawara Castle placed throughout the park.

Author: Kazuya Kamogawa, The Sankei Shimbun

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