Become a Lord of Odawara Castle Private Tour

Odawara , Japan

Become a Lord of Odawara Castle Private Tour

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About this experience

Odawara Castle invites you to an exclusive experience becoming a lord of the castle. Get suited in a samurai armor, walk the castle grounds, be entertained and enjoy ninja experience during your time. This will be a private experience and you will have an exclusive access to the castle main keep and the Ninja Museum after its business hours. This unique experience is specially curated for you. Enjoy this luxurious and special itinerary only in Odawara. Dinner at Seikantei can be arranged with an additional fee if asked ahead of time.

Available options

Become Lord of Odawara Castle

What's included

Private transportation

Welcome drinks at Seikantei.

Entrance tickets to the Ninja Museum and Odawara Castle.

English-speaking guide

Samurai armor and uchikake (traditional garment for women)

Detailed itinerary

2:45pm. In the Odawara Station inside the East exit, there is the Tourist Information Center next to New Days convenience store. This is where you will meet your tour guide.

You will walk from the meeting point to Minaka Odawara with your own personal guide. Travel time is about 10 minutes. From there, you will ride in a traditional Japanese decorated car "Okago" and enjoy an English-guided tour of the city's sights before arriving at Seikantei.

Once you arrive at Seikantei, enjoy a welcome drink and dress up a samurai armor with the assistance of staff. Seikantei is a spectacular piece of Odawara history and the key location for your day. This traditional Japanese house is a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

Private tour begins. You will enter into Odawara Castle Park with your own personal guide. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the history of the castle and the samurai and ninja, making this experience even more memorable.

You will move through the Ninja Museum and show some historical artifacts after hours and also learn and practice some of the fundamental techniques used by the ninja.

Special admission to the castle main keep after its business hours. In the castle you will be guided through the exhibitions to get more in depth stories and color to the history of the area. You will reserve the top floor of the castle and participate in the awarding ceremony to become the lord of Odawara Castle. After the ceremony, enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the observation deck on the top floor. Afterwards, take your time and enjoy your free time at the castle. The tour ends about 6:50pm.

What's not included

Tips

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meeting point is Odawara Tourist Information Center in the station.
It is located on 2F of the station next to the "New Days" convenience store.

About Odawara

Odawara is a historic city in Kanagawa Prefecture, renowned for its well-preserved castle and rich samurai heritage. Situated between Tokyo and Hakone, it offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and easy access to popular tourist destinations.

Top Attractions

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle is a stunning example of Japanese castle architecture, originally built in the 15th century. The castle played a significant role in the Sengoku period and was later used by the Tokugawa shogunate. Today, it houses a museum and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Historical 1 to 2 hours ¥500

Hakone

Hakone is a popular onsen (hot spring) town located near Odawara, known for its scenic beauty and traditional ryokan (inns). The area offers a variety of attractions, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani volcanic valley, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Nature Half day to full day Varies by activity

Junshin Park

Junshin Park is a beautiful park located near Odawara Castle, featuring a variety of plants, trees, and flowers. The park is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and relaxation, and it also offers stunning views of the castle and surrounding mountains.

Nature 1 to 2 hours Free

Nakaizumi Beach

Nakaizumi Beach is a popular beach located near Odawara, known for its clear waters and sandy shores. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and it also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Beach Half day to full day Free (some facilities may require a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Odawara Soba

A local noodle dish made with buckwheat flour and served with a variety of toppings, such as tempura, seafood, or vegetables. The noodles are typically served cold in the summer and hot in the winter.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request.

Kaisendon

A sushi bowl made with fresh seafood, such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, and scallops, served over a bed of rice. The seafood is typically sourced from the nearby coast and is known for its freshness and quality.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and seafood.

Yuba

A tofu skin that is a byproduct of making tofu. Yuba is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is often used in soups, salads, and hot pots. In Odawara, yuba is often served with a sweet soy sauce glaze and grilled over an open flame.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains and forests surrounding Odawara Water sports at Nakaizumi Beach Onsen (hot spring) bathing in Hakone Picnicking and strolling in Junshin Park Visiting Odawara Castle and learning about its history Exploring the traditional shops and cafes in Castle Town Swimming and sunbathing at Nakaizumi Beach Boat rides on Lake Ashi in Hakone

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities. Spring is particularly beautiful with cherry blossoms, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Odawara is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is also uncommon. However, it is always important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist attractions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis and tour operators to avoid overcharging and scams
• Book your accommodation and tours through reputable websites and companies

Getting there

By air

Tokyo Haneda Airport • 60 km
Tokyo Narita Airport • 120 km

By train

Odawara Station

By bus

Odawara Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Odakyu Romancecar is a comfortable and efficient way to travel between Odawara and Tokyo. Trains are frequent and well-maintained.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Castle Town Downtown Odawara Hakone

Day trips

Hakone

10 km • Half day to full day

Hakone is a popular onsen (hot spring) town near Odawara, known for its scenic beauty and traditional ryokan (inns). The area offers a variety of attractions, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani volcanic valley, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Kamakura

50 km • Full day

Kamakura is a historic city located near Tokyo, known for its numerous temples, shrines, and museums. The city was once the political and cultural center of Japan and is home to many important historical sites.

Yokohama

70 km • Full day

Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city and a major port city located near Tokyo. The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and numerous attractions, including the famous Minato Mirai area and the historic Chinatown.

Festivals

Odawara Festival • Mid-April Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu • Early November Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to early April

Pro tips

Purchase a Hakone Free Pass for unlimited access to transportation and discounts on attractions in the Hakone area
Visit Odawara Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views of the city and surrounding mountains
Try a traditional kaiseki meal at a ryokan in Hakone for a complete and authentic experience
Learn some basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and communicate more effectively with locals
Explore the Castle Town area for a mix of historical and cultural experiences, including traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants