Duration 90 minutes, starts 5 p.m.
JPY20,000 each (+18, 2 persons minimum)
Entrance of Odawara Castle Tower

An exclusive meditation experience with an English-speaking monk at the top of Odawara Castle tower. This experience is held outside of business hours, so the castle is for the exclusive use of the participants. Forget about your daily life as your host guides you through this unique activity in this special space. Spend some time relaxing and reflecting, to find peace and beauty during this meditational experience. Chairs will be available to make the setting as comfortable as possible. You can also enjoy the spectacular scenic beauty of sea and mountains from the top of the castle.

This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 3 days.

About the host

Tomomi Iwayama is the priest of Ganshu-ji Temple in Odawara. He’s fluent in Japanese, English, and German. Tomomi has been sharing the importance, culture, and techniques of Zen with both individuals and corporates for many years. Participants have ranged from Zen-curious individuals to corporate team building events for the likes of Google Japan.

About Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle was once the home of the Hojo Clan (during the 1500s) who ruled a vast part of central Japan during the Warring States period of Japanese history. This famous castle has been the site of many famous battles in Japanese history. It was renowned for its formidable defenses and never fell in battle until the The Siege of Odawara in 1590. This was a moment when many historical figures gathered here. The castle and the grounds is a faithful reproduction after damage from earthquake, wars, and neglect. It is considered the closest castle to the city of Tokyo and is a popular destination for tourists.

What’s included?

  • Entry or admission fee
  • Exclusive access to the Odawara Castle Main Keep
  • English speaking guide
  • Chairs will be available to make the setting as comfortable as possible.

Not included

Food & drinks

Important notes

  • 2 persons minimum required for booking.
  • A person must be 18 years old or above to join this experience.
  • This experience is booked on request.
  • The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 3 days.

What do I need to bring?

It’s helpful to wear comfortable, loose clothing.

Cancellation policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 3 days or less before the event