Top Odawara Half-day Tours

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!

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.

This is a forest bathing journey. We begin at Odawara Station, traveling by train to the forest area. Here, a 600-year-old temple awaits, surrounded by ancient cedars that have stood for centuries. These towering giants are central to the Shinrin-yoku experience, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and absorb the forest atmosphere. As we practice mindful forest bathing along the temple path, you'll engage all your senses—feeling ancient bark, listening to rustling leaves, and inhaling phytoncides released by the trees, known to boost wellness. After immersing in the healing silence, we'll enjoy lunch at a local temple chaya nestled in the woods. The experience culminates in the ultimate Shinrin-yoku tradition: a therapeutic onsen within the same forest. Let mineral-rich waters melt tension while surrounded by nature. This seamless blend of mindful walking, cultural connection, and thermal healing creates a holistic Shinrin-yoku session you won't find elsewhere.

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.

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.

・We will introduce the charms of Hakone's nature (the formation of volcanoes and the beauty of seasonal plants) through hiking. ・We will use private cars to provide a flexible guided tour throughout the entire trip. ・We will provide careful and courteous support to multiple guests (two couples).