Odawara Castle Guided Tour and Japanese Tea Experience

Odawara , Japan

Odawara Castle Guided Tour and Japanese Tea Experience

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About this experience

Uncover the rich history of Odawara Castle on this engaging 3-hour guided tour. After a warm welcome at Odawara Station, meander through the charming streets of the castle town, immersing yourself in its historical ambiance. Spend about 90 minutes exploring the castle’s main keep and turrets, while learning captivating tales from the Sengoku period and the lives of samurai. Capture memorable moments dressed in a traditional samurai jacket and using a fan. Conclude your tour with a delightful Japanese tea experience, where you'll make your own matcha or sencha and savor it with authentic Japanese sweets. Perfect for history buffs and tea enthusiasts alike.

- 3-hour guided tour featuring Odawara Castle and its surroundings
- Explore the castle’s main keep and learn about samurai history
- Enjoy a hands-on Japanese tea-making experience with sweets
- Capture special moments in traditional samurai attire

Available options

Odawara Castle Guided Tour and Japanese Tea Experience

What's included

Including Odawara Castle Admission Fee

Pick-up service from hotels in the Kanagawa area (on foot and by train)

Tour guided by an experienced English-speaking professional

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Odawara Castle is a historic castle located in the center of Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It served as the stronghold of the Hojo clan during the Sengoku and Edo periods. From the castle’s main keep, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and Sagami Bay, with beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year.

Inside the castle, a museum displays artifacts such as armor, weapons, and historical documents, offering insight into the culture and strategies of Japan’s feudal era. The castle grounds, including stone walls and gardens, are perfect for a leisurely walk, allowing visitors to experience both history and nature. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the castle, while in autumn, the colorful foliage creates stunning photo opportunities, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.

Enjoy a hands-on Japanese tea experience on Odawara’s popular Kamaboko Street.
A local instructor will guide you through the characteristics of different tea leaves and how to brew delicious Japanese tea. You’ll also stroll through the charming street lined with historic shops, where you can enjoy photogenic spots and discover the local culture.

We’ll take you to popular local restaurants that don’t appear in typical travel guides—places where residents genuinely love to eat.
Enjoy a special lunch featuring dishes made with carefully selected ingredients, from cozy local diners to seafood spots that showcase the true flavors of Odawara.
Experience the warm hospitality and authentic tastes that you can only find in restaurants cherished by the community.

What's not included

Please note that lunch and drinks are not included in the tour.

Transportation is by public trains and buses, not by private car.

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The Odawara Station East Exit Police Box is a 3-minute walk. Exit the East Exit, turn left on the pedestrian deck, go down to the bus terminal, and walk straight on Oshiro Street—the police box will be on your right.

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