All Odawara Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

For those for whom mere sightseeing is not enough... This is the ultimate cultural experience, where you can bathe in waterfalls, purify your mind, and encounter the “real” Japan! Surrounded by the sacred nature of Japan, this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will sharpen your spirit in the silence of . The prayers of local monks, the challenge of performing waterfall rituals in authentic street clothes, and the feeling of refreshment afterwards will be the unforgettable highlights of your trip. For those who seek the “extraordinary” and the “real Japan,” this is a trip that will touch you from the bottom of your heart.

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!

Option1 This program offers a safe introduction to traditional Japanese wadaiko drumming, even for beginners. The session starts with a short explanation of wadaiko history, followed by an instructor demonstration. Participants then learn basic drumming techniques while experiencing Japan’s unique rhythms and vocal calls. The program ends with a simple group performance. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, this hands-on activity is a memorable way to experience Japanese culture through sound and movement. Option2 Enjoy a taiko drumming experience in Odawara, perfect before or after sightseeing in Hakone! Held at Omura Music Store, this 30-minute program offers an easy introduction to traditional Japanese culture. No experience is needed, as instructors carefully teach the basics, making it suitable for both children and adults. Feel the powerful sound of Japanese taiko drums and enjoy playing together in this memorable activity.

This is a forest bathing journey combining a peaceful cedar forest, a historic temple, lunch and an onsen. We meet at Odawara Station and travel by train to the forest area, where a 600-year-old temple stands among centuries-old cedars. Along the temple paths, your Shinrin-yoku facilitator leads slow breathing and sensory invitations: noticing bark textures, rustling leaves, forest aromas and the changing light. The pace is unhurried, with time to pause and take in the surroundings. We then have lunch at a local temple chaya. The day finishes at an onsen in the forest. Train fare, lunch and onsen admission are not included in the Viator price and are paid separately during the tour.

Embark on a flavorful journey through Odawara with a visit to two iconic ramen shops, each offering its own take on the region's distinctive ramen. From thick, frizzy noodles with chashu pork and wontons to rich fish broth reflecting the coastal influence, you'll experience the true essence of Odawara-style ramen. This tour is perfect for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Japan's beloved ramen culture, away from the typical tourist spots.

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

Hakone is a famous hot spring resort and Fuji view spot just an hour away from Tokyo. Let us enjoy varied sceneries made by the active volcano. Please choose one or two destinations besides Lake Ashi and Owakudani Valley: Hakone Open Air museum, Hakone Shrine, Hakone Park, Onsen hot spring bathing, Hakone Checkpoint.

Discover the authentic sounds of the "Koto", Japanese traditional stringed instrument! Come join to my class. Anyone, even a complete beginner, can enjoy playing beautiful sounds. When you join this class, you won't just play the ”Koto"; you'll also feel Japanese history and culture. The outline of this experience is as below -Explanation about "Koto" -Instruction how to play "Koto" by using special attachment nails -Try playing "Koto" -Performance by the instructor -Photo session I am qualified to teach Koto. Odawara, a historic castle town, is my hometown. I created this experience activity because I want to share the joy of experience traditional Japanese music right here in this historic city.

Experience a unique bar hopping tour in the charming town of Odawara, away from the bustling downtown of Tokyo. Explore traditional izakayas near Odawara Station and indulge in a variety of sake paired with local delicacies like oden, ramen, and other popular Japanese dishes. Whether you’re enjoying the tour solo or with a companion, the atmosphere in Odawara offers a taste of authentic Japanese nightlife that you won’t find in the city’s tourist spots. Over the course of 1.5 hours, visit some of the town’s favorite hidden gems and enjoy a one-of-a-kind local experience.

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.

A meditation experience with a Japanese monk at the top of Odawara Castle Main Keep. This experience is held outside of business hours, so the venue is reserved for exclusive use. Forget about your daily life as your monk guides you through this special space and activity. Spend some time relaxing and reflecting during the meditational experience. You can also enjoy a spectacular view from the top of the castle. A scenic beauty surrounded by the sea and mountains from the exclusive access to the top floor of Odawara Castle while you discover traditional techniques to find peace and balance in our lives. 5:00pm: Meet at the entrance of Odawara Castle Main Keep 5:15pm: Experience to start 6:45pm: Experience to finish A person must be 18 years old or above to join this experience.

- The event will take place in a room in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese inn that combines history, charm, and modernity. - You will be able to experience tea preparation by an Urasenke instructor. - You will be able to taste tea prepared by the instructor and traditional Japanese sweets. - You will also be able to experience making tea yourself.

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.

If you are a cyclist, it is natural that you want to conquer the highest mountain in Japan. This is the best tour in Japan for people who love cycling, with the best stage and environment, to climb the highest mountain in Japan. This is a private tour with the highest quality bikes, mechanics, and support cars, so you can fully concentrate on the best cycling. The start is Odawara Station, 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo. From there, you will climb Hakone via the historic Tokaido road. Beginners can stop at the 20km. From there, you will continue climbing Mt. Fuji. When you reach the top of the Fuji Subaru Line, the highest public road in Japan, you will be proud to say that you have "climbed the highest mountain in Japan."

・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).

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!

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.

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.

Rather than struggling to navigate the hot spring resort town of Hakone and the surrounding area, gain access to several transport options and attractions with this multi-day travel voucher. With an included round-trip ticket from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station in Hakone, it couldn’t be easier to get started. Easily explore the region, and benefit from unlimited access to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, the Hakone Ropeway, and the Hakone Tozan Bus.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for the tranquil hot spring town of Hakone on this private day trip. Instead of following a map, explore effortlessly with a guide to show you the highlights, such as views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Ropeway. Soak in a traditional onsen or enjoy the hotel’s onsen facilities before heading back to the city by public transportation.