Top Odawara Art & Culture

Discover the history and stories of the samurai and ninja at Odawara Castle on this exploration and experience into Japanese culture and history. Odawara Castle is the centerpiece for this walking tour that will include historic insight, local goods, craft shops, and much more. This castle was the grounds for some of Japan's most famous samurai and ruled over a large part of central Japan during the Sengoku Period of Japanese history. The city of Odawara still has many connections to the traditions and culture of the time of the samurai. Learn about the history of the samurai, architecture of Japanese castle, and all about the mysterious ninja. A short stop by a local shrine is also included as we explore this historic city on foot. Odawara is conveniently located just south of Tokyo, nestled between the shores of the Pacific Ocean and mountains of Hakone.

Embark on a breathtaking journey through Hakone, where nature and serenity converge. With convenient departure options from Shinjuku (Tokyo), Odawara, Gora, or Hakone-Yumoto, your adventure begins with a scenic ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, followed by a cable car and ropeway offering panoramic views of majestic mountains and volcanic landscapes. As you ascend, witness the dramatic sight of steam rising from volcanic vents and immerse yourself in the beauty of Hakone’s mountainous terrain. Upon reaching Lake Ashi, board a tranquil sightseeing boat to glide across the water, soaking in stunning vistas framed by the towering presence of Mt. Fuji. Guided by an expert, this unforgettable experience invites you to explore one of Japan’s most iconic scenic destinations, blending natural beauty with cultural depth—perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Did you know that during Japan’s Warring States period, there was a castle famed as one of the most impregnable in the country? That castle is Odawara Castle, the gateway to Hakone. On this 3.5-hour tour, explore Odawara Castle with a licensed English-speaking guide and learn about samurai culture, Sengoku-era battles, and the secrets behind the castle’s long history of remaining unconquered. Enjoy panoramic views from the castle tower and scenic photo spots along the way. After the castle visit, take a short local train ride to Odawara Fishing Port, offering a glimpse into everyday Japanese life. The tour concludes with a fresh seafood lunch made with locally caught fish from Sagami Bay, choosing between a seafood rice bowl or a grilled fish set meal. A perfect half-day experience combining history, food, and local culture—ideal for travelers looking to enjoy an authentic taste of Japan in a short time, especially between visits to Hakone.

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

Explore the History of Odawara Castle: A 3-Hour Guided Tour Join us for a 3-hour guided tour of Odawara Castle, where history and culture come to life! The tour starts with a warm greeting at Odawara Station, followed by a stroll through the historic castle town. You'll spend about 90 minutes exploring the main keep (Honmaru) and turrets (Yagura), learning about the Sengoku period and the samurai who once lived here. Your guide will share captivating stories of the castle's past and its role in Japanese history. For a fun twist, you'll have the chance to wear traditional samurai jackets and pose for photos with a fan. The tour wraps up with a relaxing visit to a cozy café, where you can enjoy a traditional cup of matcha tea, experiencing a bit of Japanese tea culture. Perfect for history lovers, samurai fans, and anyone curious about Odawara Castle’s unique blend of the past and present!

Engage with the tranquil art of Japanese calligraphy within a historic temple in Odawara, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Guided by a Zen priest, this experience offers a unique opportunity to create your own personalized scroll while immersing yourself in the meditative process of ink grinding and brush strokes. All materials are provided, and you'll don a traditional samue for a complete cultural experience. Choose a kanji character that resonates with you, crafting a lasting keepsake infused with the essence of Zen and Japanese aesthetics.

Kamakura is such a compact city that you can see the whole area within a day. One of the representative sight-seeing spots is Big Image of Buddha in Kotokuin temple. From there, you can travel almost all the famous temples for six hours. Many historical sites are covered in public transportation services. On the way to Hachimangu, we can enjoy shopping on KOMACHI street. While walking through the street, we can feel something different from the western culture. In this area, there are many valuable temples and shrines within a walk. So, we can visit many historical temples and shrines such as so-called hydrangea temple and bamboo grove temple. All these temples are located in calm environment, so you will feel like being in KAMAKURA ZEN Buddhism style. About 1 hour from JR Kita Kamakura station, we will visit the 2nd largest city YOKOHAMA. This time, we will stop over at China town in ISHIKAWA cho in Yokohama. We can enjoy a variety of Chinese cuisines for reasonable prices.

One of the reasons why the Golden Globe-winning "SHOGUN" became a huge hit is its dedication to Japanese beauty and culture, and its uncompromising attitude. Since Washoku (Japanese cuisine) was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 4, 2013, its popularity has skyrocketed. Odawara lacquerware, a traditional craft made in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was designated as a "Traditional Craft" by the Minister of International Trade and Industry (now the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) in May 1984. Create your own unique patterned Japanese tableware and continue to feel the world and culture of Washoku even after returning home!

Explore Odawara Castle, the stronghold of the powerful Hojo clan, with a professional guide and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Sengoku era. Known for its formidable defenses, this castle withstood numerous attacks from famous warlords. From the top of the main keep, enjoy panoramic views of Odawara and, on clear days, see as far as the Boso Peninsula across Tokyo Bay. Experience the ambitions of the Hojo clan and step back in time to the heart of Japan's turbulent history.

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.