Odawara Castle, Japan. Here's a 2018 throwback to one of our visits to Odawara Castle. We've been here a few times because one visit isn't enough to explore the entire place. Right before you get to the castle, you'll cross a bridge that links the main street to the castle. There are large sections of water that spans a part of the perimeter of the area. The front part is home to a large number of huge koi fishes that gladly swim towards you if you but come near the edge or lean down from the bridge. At the back is a place where they grow water lilies that bloom simultaneously at a certain time during spring. Near that is a huge weeping willow tree too. Unluckily, we have never seen them bloom yet. Once, we were too early; the next (which was the time when these pics were taken), we were a bit late. I was disappointed coz if we were only a week early, we'd have seen the flowers in all their glory. All that we saw were dead blooms as it was getting hotter then. Anyway, this entrance to the castle was intimidating. The giant door was made from metal and wood, and it was quite thick. I could only imagine how daunting it must have been to wait outside these gates during ancient times. This entrance opens to a spacious courtyard where you'll find some centuries old trees. It is still quite a walk to the castle, but worth it. 🏯⛩️💮 #BeautifulPlaces