For the next three weeks at the bottom of the long slope that runs down from the grounds of Odawara castle, there's an iris and hydrangea festival. Its not a particularly big festival, but pleasant. Located next to the castle, with hydrangeas covering the slope which runs up to the castle grounds and next to the hydrangeas, the irises grow. I went yesterday and the flowers weren't ready yet, but if you try next week or certainly, in two weeks time it will be wonderful.
There were a few stalls there and some seating and people strolling about. A group of taiko drummers were setting up to perform. In good weather, as it was, its a really nice place.
Odawara is my favorite city in Japan, so far. There's so much to see and do and this is one of those nice festivals that dot the calendar in the city.
The festival is free and only a five or ten minute walk from the station, so its convenient, delightful and easy on the pocket.
I really would recommend this festival, and here are a few pictures for you to mull over.
On the way to the festival.
The festival
The irises
and the Hydrangeas
The rest area
Odawara castle