Odawara Hojo Godai Matsuri Festival is held in Odawara Castle Ruin Park and its vicinity on May 3rd every year. It is the largest sightseeing event in Odawara City, Kanagawa Pref. The festival reminds us of the glory attained by five generations of Hojo family, the castellans of Odawara Castle; Soun Hojo, the founder of Hojo Family, who ruled over Kanto Region and brought prosperity to the town of Odawara, and his successors, Ujitsuna, Ujiyasu, Ujimasa, and Ujinao. An army of 2,000 samurai warriors consisting of warrior troops, cavalry, and gun troops valiantly march through the main streets around Odawara city, followed by the brass bands and baton twirlers from the city's junior high schools and Odawara Lantern Dance as well as several Mikoshi (portable shrines) carried around by the citizens. It is a magnificent historical event that makes spectators feel as if they were brought back to the Warring State period.