Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Hosted by one of Japan's leading ninja experts and a bilingual local guide, this experience lets you meet and learn from a ninja scholar and take a tour of the Odawara Castle grounds and practice some of the fundamental techniques used by the ninja.
The experience will start with a guided walking tour of Odawara Castle by a local bilingual expert, visiting the Samurai Museum and the castle grounds to see some authentic artifacts and learn about their role and culture. You will move through the Ninja Museum and learn and practice some of the techniques together with the ninja expert, such as meditation, movement, real tools and weapons used by ninja. Odawara is your gateway to Hakone and memorable experience in Japan.
3:30pm: Meet at the Ninja Museum in Odawara Castle Park
3:30pm: English guided tour in Odawara Castle Park
5:00pm: Ninja training experience at the Ninja Museum
6:00pm: Experience to finish
Available options
Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience
What's included
Entrance tickets to the Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum, and Odawara Castle are included.
Wooded swords, throwing stars, and ninja attire will be provided for a hands on the ninja experience.
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet at the entrance of the Ninja Museum in Odawara Castle Park. This is where the tour will start.
2
The experience will start with a guided walking in Odawara Castle Park by a local bilingual expert. The grounds of Odawara Castle have been preserved and retain original forms and architecture that give insight into the past history and techniques to castle building.
3
You will stop by the Samurai Museum, which displays a selection of genuine samurai armor and swords within the castle grounds. The collection gives visitors the chance to see and experience craftsmanship and artistry from the past. Feel and learn about the extraordinary part of Japanese history.
4
You will then move through the Ninja Museum and will learn and practice some of the fundamental techniques together with the ninja expert, such as breathing, meditation, movement, real tools and weapons used by ninja, ending with the iconic ninja hand gestures. The experience is held outside of business hours of the Ninja Museum, so the venue is reserved for exclusive use. This is where the tour will end.
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meeting place is the entrance of the Ninja Museum in Odawara Castle Park, which is a short 10 minute walk from the East Gate of Odawara Station.
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
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Free cancellation available
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