Odawara City: 11 Best Things To Do + Ultimate Travel Guide
Planning to visit Odawara Japan? Chalking out an itinerary of best things to do in Odawara City? You have landed at the right place. We have made your task easier in this blog. Scroll down to see the detailed travel guide for Odawara Japan with all interesting activities.
Because of its proximity to Tokyo, Odawara City makes an ideal day trip.
Odawara Castle
Planning your last-minute trip to Odawara City?
Here are a couple of helpful links that will guide you explore the Odawara City.
- Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour – Discover the history, culture, and people of Odawara on this guided walking tour. Explore Odawara Castle, the Samurai Museum, Ninja Museum, and the historic city.
- Guided Ninja & Samurai Tour of Odawara Castle – Understand the mysterious world of the ninja on a guided tour of Odawara Castle Park. See real armor at the Samurai Museum, walk around the historic castle, and train like a ninja at the Ninja Museum.
Our Odawara Travel Story
Looking back, shifting our plans from Kamakura to Odawara turned out to be a wise choice. As the clock ticked past 2:30 PM in Kamakura, we seized the opportunity to visit Odawara Castle, knowing that the last entry was at 4:30 PM. It was a risk we were willing to take. In half a day in Odawara it wasn’t possible to complete all the things to do in Odawara city, nevertheless we set off.
The distance between Ofuna station and Odawara station spanned 41.7 km, covered swiftly in a mere 38 minutes aboard Japan Rail. Our accommodation, the Odawara Terminal Hotel, stood merely 100 meters away, a brisk one-minute walk. We swiftly completed the hotel check-in procedures, securing our belongings before embarking on our journey towards Odawara Castle, a modest 750 meters away. By then, the clock had struck 3:50 PM.
Navigating the not-so-brief stretch along Ohoribata Street, we passed an array of restaurants, a bustling shopping mall, and a local school until we reached the Castle gate. From there, a gradual slope led us upward toward the majestic castle grounds.
Breathless but elated, we finally reached the castle gates! The sight was breath-taking—Odawara Castle stood magnificently, a true symbol of Odawara City’s grandeur.
Sunset in Odawara City as seen from the castle
However, our ascent wasn’t over yet. A flight of steps led us into the castle, where the ticket counter awaited. Little did we know, there were more stairs ahead, winding upwards toward the castle’s peak. From there, an awe-inspiring panorama unfolded—views of the expansive sea and the town below sprawled out before us.
As I caught my breath, a fleeting doubt lingered: was the strenuous climb to Odawara Castle truly worth the effort?
Odawara Castle holds a special place in my heart as the first Japanese castle I ever laid eyes on. Throughout my travels across Japan, I encountered other magnificent castles. Truthfully, if time is scarce, skipping Odawara Castle might be a sensible choice. In the grand spectrum of Japan’s castle wonders, I must confess that Odawara Castle, with its historical significance, could be bypassed if prioritizing.
However, for those with only a brief window to explore a castle in Japan and Tokyo as their base, Odawara stands as the closest castle keep, making it a viable and convenient choice to experience a piece of Japan’s feudal history.
Castles of Japan – Odawara Castle stands 7th in this list
Japanese castles indeed present a distinctive museum-like experience, boasting vast collections of artifacts, antiques, and historical photographs. Some even go the extra mile, showcasing movies that vividly narrate the tales of ancient times.
It’s a stark departure from European castles, where the opulence and stories of monarchs who once inhabited those halls take center stage. In European castles, rooms are meticulously preserved, displaying furnishings and décor as they were during the time of their royal occupants.
My exploration of other Japanese castles too revealed a different approach compared to European castles. I found a noticeable absence of the same comprehensive displays of rooms and their original furnishings. Instead, the focus seemed to be more on the historical artifacts and narratives, painting a broader picture of Japan’s feudal history rather than immersing visitors in the specific lifestyle and interiors of ancient rulers.
It is a pity everything shuts down by 5 PM. Japanese dinner time is 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM. You will see most restaurants shutting down after that. So better be on time for dinner. We retired for the day. Hakone was planned for the next day.
Model of Odawara castle
History of Odawara Castle
During the Sengoku period of Japanese history Odawara castle was owned by the Hojo clan, the samurai family. The Hojo clan governed the Kanto region for about a century from the end of the 15th century. It was the base to control the region around modern-day Tokyo. In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated the Hojo Clan and reunited Japan.
Tragedy struck when the castle succumbed to the devastating earthquake of 1703, leading to its collapse. Swift efforts ensued for its reconstruction, restoring its formidable presence. Yet, another sorrowful chapter unfolded in 1870, witnessing the dismantling and sale of the castle and its accompanying structures.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that the revival of Odawara Castle began, meticulously undertaken by utilizing models and drawings from the Edo Period. This painstaking reconstruction and the restoration of its castle gates have bestowed upon us the opportunity to witness and marvel at the castle in its reimagined form, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
Hojo Clan Odawara
Is it worth visiting Odawara Castle?
With its exterior standing tall at three stories and an intriguing four-story interior, Odawara Castle promises an immersive experience. Inside, exhibitions unravel the castle’s history, showcasing prized artifacts like armor and swords. Here are three compelling reasons to include Odawara Castle in your itinerary:
- Firstly, the vistas and picturesque moments are unparalleled. Witnessing the castle bathed in the golden hues of a setting sun creates a mesmerizing sight, offering ample opportunities for stunning photographs.
- Secondly, delve into a crucial chapter of Japanese history—immerse yourself in the era of feudal clans, where power struggles and rice trade dictated supremacy. To enrich this understanding, a visit to the Ninja Museum proves invaluable. Here, an obstacle course awaits, providing insights into ninja skills and culture. Equally significant is the Samurai Museum, housing a remarkable collection of samurai armor and swords. Regrettably, with a closing time of 5 PM, we missed both.
- Lastly, Odawara Castle caters to the fascination of younger visitors. A mere 30-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, it stands as an excellent day-trip option, promising an enriching experience for the entire family.
A Suit of Armour to Terrify the Enemy
10 Things to Do in Odawara City
Inspired by my visit to Odawara? Planning to make a trip to Odawara from Tokyo? Save this list of the best things to do in Odawara if you plan to be there for a day.
Odawara Castle – Tour time one hour. Tickets – 510 Y. You can get a combo ticket of 610Y if you wish to see the museums along with the castle. They are located close to each other.
Ninja Museum – Tickets – 310 Y.
Samurai Museum – Tickets – 200 Y
Odawara Castle Park – Tour time is half an hour. Free sight. Open till 5 PM.
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine – Visit the castle’s nearby shrine dedicated to Ninomiya Sontoku. You will find his statue in schools too as he is depicted as carrying firewood on his back and reading a book showing he was always in the act of studying. There is a small pond with koi fish. You can buy fish food to feed the carp in the pond.
Address – 8-10 Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan
Nature’s beauty and cultural riches converge in the charming city of Odawara.
Japanese Festivals – Since Odawara has a long association with castle history many of the traditions and cultural practices are still practiced. Away from the rush of modern cities of Japan, Odawara city is a great place to experience the festivals and their traditional activities.
Traditional Craft – With rich traditions and festivals still being observed in Odawara City the practice of producing traditional crafts hasn’t died down. You can indulge yourself in making or seeing metal casting of wind chimes, yosegi woodworking, green tea roasting, and chochin making and maybe bring them back home as souvenirs from Odawara city.
Odawara Ohoribata Manyo no Yu – It is a hot spring resort. The resort provides a satisfying hotel spa experience, with natural active hot spring water and a variety of high-quality spa services.
Try Odawara Food – One of the best things to do in Odawara city is to try the local food. Odawara is located on the Pacific Ocean, so fish has been the staple food in the area for centuries. The Odawara speciality is Kamaboko. Kamaboko is a popular surimi style seafood product that can be steamed, broiled, grilled, or baked. Walk around Kamaboko Road near the castle to relish this dish.
Besides that, you can eat Japanese fried chicken, Soba – original Japanese noodle dish, made from buckwheat flour, tempura, Oden – traditional Japanese dish that has various ingredients like Japanese radish, konbu, kamaboko, and more simmered in a savory broth. Ramen – Odawara ramen is known to be soy sauce based with firm noodles that are not straight.
Walking along the streets and hunting out popular Japanese dishes was difficult. However, we managed to relish them in the restaurants in the stations or in the breakfast buffet of hotels.
Soba noodles with a dollop of raw ginger paste, shrimp and sweet potato tempura and Shushi – I had this in Odawara station
Odawara Nearby Attractions
Lake Ashi Cruise, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, The Hakone Open Air Museum, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani and more. Read up: Memorable and Exciting Things to Do in Hakone Japan.
Where is Odawara City located?
Odawara city is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It’s situated in the southwestern part of the prefecture, along the coast of Sagami Bay. The historical significance of Odawara is well preserved in Odawara Castle, which was a prominent stronghold during the feudal era. Additionally, it’s a popular stop for travelers heading to Hakone due to its proximity and transportation connections.
Is Odawara City worth visiting?
Odawara has a lot to offer for history buffs, nature lovers and for those interested in traditional Japanese culture. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth visiting:
Odawara Castle – the mid-15th century castle is a significant historical site with a rich history. Visitors can explore the castle park, learn about its past, and enjoy beautiful views from the top. For nature lovers the ideal gateway is to the stunning Hakone area. Use Odawara as a starting point for Hakone adventures. On a good clear sunny day one can enjoy scenic landscapes, including views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji. You can also get a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture if your visit coincides with various festivals there.
Man hole cover in Odawara city street, Japan
How to reach Odawara Japan?
Following are some suggestions to reach Odawara from Tokyo and from other cities of Japan.
From Tokyo:
Shinkansen – The fastest way is by taking the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station. The journey takes around 35-40 minutes. If you have the JR Pass opt for this.
JR Line – Alternatively, you can take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station. This route might take a bit longer than the Shinkansen but is definitely cheaper.
From other parts of Japan:
If you’re traveling from other major cities like Osaka or Kyoto, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara Station.
Local Transportation
Bus: Some areas have highway buses that connect Odawara to nearby cities and regions.
Car: Odawara is accessible via the Tomei Expressway and other major highways if you’re driving.
Posing in Odawara Castle tower
Where to stay in Odawara City
Looking for accommodations in Odawara? Consider the Odawara Terminal Hotel. We had a comfortable stay here for one night. Located just a minute’s walk from the east exit of Odawara station, this hotel boasts a prime location and inviting comfort, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.
