Top Odawara Historical Tours

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.

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.

Hike a section of the ancient forest-clad Tokaido Highway that links Tokyo with former capitals Kyoto and Osaka. Experience Amazake Chaya, one of the few remaining of hundreds of teahouses that lined the old Tokaido, Cedar Avenue with towering 400 year-old Japanese cedar patrolling both sides of the trail, and stunning views of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) from Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and more. Hakone Hachiri has been declared a Japan Heritage Area. Allow our guide to immerse you in the history, culture, and natural heritage of this ancient route.

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.

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!

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.

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.

・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).