ZEN Meditation with a Japanese Monk in Odawara Castle
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A meditation experience with a Japanese monk at the top of Odawara Castle Main Keep. This experience is held outside of business hours, so the venue is reserved for exclusive use. Forget about your daily life as your monk guides you through this special space and activity. Spend some time relaxing and reflecting during the meditational experience. You can also enjoy a spectacular view from the top of the castle. A scenic beauty surrounded by the sea and mountains from the exclusive access to the top floor of Odawara Castle while you discover traditional techniques to find peace and balance in our lives.
5:00pm: Meet at the entrance of Odawara Castle Main Keep
5:15pm: Experience to start
6:45pm: Experience to finish
A person must be 18 years old or above to join this experience.
Available options
ZEN Meditation with a Japanese Monk in Odawara Castle
What's included
Entrance tickets to the Odawara Castle Main Keep are included.
Chairs will be available to make the setting as comfortable as possible.
Detailed itinerary
1
A meditation experience with an English-speaking monk at the top of Odawara Castle Main Keep. This experience is held outside of business hours, so the venue is reserved for exclusive use. Spend some time relaxing and reflecting during the meditational experience. Chairs will be available to make the setting as comfortable as possible. A scenic beauty surrounded by the sea and mountains from the exclusive access to the top floor of Odawara Castle while you discover traditional techniques to find peace and balance in our lives.
The host is Tomomi Iwayama, the priest of Ganshu-ji Temple in Odawara. He shares to the modern world the importance, culture, and techniques of ZEN towards individuals and corporates for many years. Participants in past events are from different backgrounds and have included everyone from curious individuals to team building events with Google Japan.
A person must be 18 years old or above to join this experience.
2
Meeting at the entrance of Odawara Castle Main Keep. This is where the tour will start.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A person must be 18 years old or above to join this experience.
It's helpful to wear comfortable, loose clothing.
Chairs will be available to make the setting as comfortable as possible.
Meeting point
Meeting at the entrance of Odawara Castle Main Keep.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
