Written by Jane Pipkin
Odawara is a coastal town with a castle, just an hour from Tokyo. Known for its samurai history, fresh seafood, and flowers galore, this port in Kanagawa Prefecture is ideal for those wanting to explore Japan’s heritage at a slow pace.
We’ve put together a full-day itinerary based on a trip we took in late March (we went to catch a glimpse of the sakura, something Odawara is famous for). As it happened, it rained all day — but we still had fun. We do recommend aiming for a sunny day, but rest assured there’s plenty to do, no matter the weather.
Pro tip: Learn all about Odawara’s warrior history with a professional guide on this popular walking tour.
9 a.m. Start your journey from Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station (1 hour and 15 minutes)¥1,910 one way
The departure point for your day trip to Odawara is Shinjuku. For the fastest and most comfortable journey, we recommend taking the Odakyu Romance Car (heading to Hakone-Yumoto). To board this train, you need to purchase a Limited Express Ticket — ¥1,000 at the station or ¥950 online. You will also need to pay the regular fare on your Suica or a separate ticket. The entire journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, if you want to save some money, you can just take the Odakyu Line Rapid Express for ¥910. It takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, which can feel longer since it’s a regular commuter train. Another option is to take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line Special Rapid, which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes and costs ¥1,520. For that price, we would recommend taking the Romance Car instead, honestly.
Pro tip: If you have a JR Pass or don’t mind spending extra, you can take the Tōkaidō Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station to Odawara, which only takes around 30 minutes. It costs approximately ¥3,600 without a JR Pass.
10 a.m. Arrive at Odawara Station
Once you arrive at Odawara, head to your first stop of the day: Odawara Castle. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the station. Before you go, you might want to grab a coffee from one of the many chain cafés or convenience stores at the station — you’ll need the energy for the busy day ahead!
10:30 a.m. Explore Odawara Castle
Odawara Station to Odawara Castle (5-minute walk)¥510 for adults, ¥200 for junior high and elementary school students
Odawara Castle, an iconic symbol of the city, is believed to have been first built in the mid-15th century. It later became the residence of the powerful Odawara Hōjō samurai clan and served as a key base for controlling the Kanto region. In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked the castle. It was later destroyed by an earthquake in 1703.
Today, you can explore the reconstructed version of the castle. It was rebuilt in 1960 to resemble how it would have looked during the Edo period. Surrounding the castle are three main gates and a moat. Inside, exhibits provide insights into the castle’s history. You can also enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of Odawara City from the top of the castle.
There is an admission fee of ¥510 for adults and ¥200 for junior high and elementary school students. You can buy tickets online.
Seasonal events at Odawara Castle
In addition to its historical significance, Odawara Castle is also renowned for its seasonal blooms. Many visitors come during sakura season to enjoy the cherry blossoms framing the castle. During this time, the castle becomes a hub for various seasonal events, including the Odawara Kamaboko Cherry Blossom Festival.
11:30 a.m. Delve into the world of samurai and ninja
Tokiwa Kimon Samurai Museum
Odawara Castle to Tokiwa Kimon Samurai Museum (4-minute walk)¥200 for adults and ¥60 for junior high and elementary school students
Make your way to the Samurai Museum. Despite being a small museum, the Tokiwa Kimon Samurai Museum provides a solid insight into samurai culture. Through its collection of armor and weapons, you can see what samurai wore and how they lived. The highlight of the museum is its powerful projection mapping, which brings a suit of samurai armor to life.
Younger children may also want to take to dress up as a samurai (for ¥300) and take photos against a historical backdrop. Adults can join in the fun too, for ¥500.
Pro tip: If you are planning to visit both the castle and samurai museum, get the combined ticket which costs ¥610 for adults and ¥220 for junior high and elementary school students.
Elementary School students: ¥60
Odawara Castle Ninja Museum
Tokiwa Kimon Samurai Museum to Odawara Castle Ninja Museum (3-minute walk)¥310 for adults and ¥100 for junior high and elementary school students
Now you have spent time learning about samurai, learn about another of Japan’s famous figures: ninjas. At the Odawara Castle Ninja Museum, just a 3-minute walk from the Samurai Museum, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure to protect Odawara Castle.
Through digital exhibits and interactive games, both children and adults can learn about the Fūma ninja — a group who supported the Hōjō Clan during the Warring States period.
Just a fun fact, did you know that the anime Naruto was inspired by the Fūma ninja?
Pro tip: Double the fun by booking a combo ninja and samurai experience.
Elementary School students: ¥100
12 p.m. Tea and dessert break at Honmaru Tea House
Odawara Castle Ninja Museum to Honmaru Tea House (5-minute walk)¥400 to ¥3,680
Walk across to Honmaru Tea House for a quick tea break. This casual eatery serves traditional Japanese food such as udon noodles and tempura, as well as Odawara specialities like kamaboko (Japanese fishcake). Should you be feeling peckish, you can eat lunch here. However, we do have a more unique recommendation later on.
Instead, why not embrace the traditonal atmosphere and order a classic Japanese dessert like anmitsu (agar jelly with fruit) or zenzai (sweet azuki bean soup)? Each come with a cup of green tea and cost less than ¥1,000.
On a nice day, you could order one of the takeout items, like a soft serve or miso dengaku (miso konnayaku on a stick), and sit outside. This way, you can sit back and enjoy the view of Odawara Castle.
12:30 p.m. Discover the Local Culture Museum
Honmaru Tea House to Local Culture Museum (4-minute walk)Free
After your coffee break, take a short walk to the Local Culture Museum. Thanks to its geographical location and natural environment, Odawara became a base for several significant figures in Japanese history. As a key transportation hub, the city also fostered a diverse folk culture.
These influences are brought to life at this free museum. You can explore Odawara’s local history, folk traditions, and natural environment through a variety of exhibits and artifacts. Spanning from the Jomon period to Showa era, the displays reveal how this port city evolved over time.
Pro tip: If you are visiting in late spring, walk down to the Wisteria of Your Feeling afterwards. This peaceful spot features a large wisteria trellis, recognized as a natural monument of Odawara City. It’s at its most beautiful from late April to early May, when the wisteria and surrounding azaleas are in full bloom.
1 p.m. Wander through Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine
Local Culture Museum to Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine (4-minute walk)Free
Surrounded by greenery, Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine near the castle. It enshrines the philosopher Ninomiya Sontoku, who is renowned for the “Hotoku method”. This method, which is still used today, promotes social morality, frugality, and self-reliance, aiding communities during famines and natural disasters.
In addition to the main shrine hall, you can appreciate the beauty of the “sacred pond”, filled with colorful koi fish. There are various statues of figures including Kinjiro Ninomiya and Ninomiya Sontoku that you can take a look at as well.
Pro tip: If you don’t end up going to Honmaru Tea House, there’s another chance to grab coffee at Kinjiro Café, an outdoor café on the grounds of the shrine, inspired by Ninomiya Sontoku.
1:30 p.m. Lunch at Vegan Restaurant Aomugi
Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine to Vegan Restaurant Aomugi (4-minute walk)¥400 to ¥1,500
From Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine it’s just a 4-minute walk through a residential neighborhood to our chosen lunch spot. Among the houses hides a gem known as Aomugi. This vegan restaurant with a cause aims to “prevent illness” and “provide food education” to people of all ages.
As well as serving vegan dishes, Aomugi have gluten-free options. To get the most nutrition, we recommend ordering one of the vegetable set meals for ¥1,300. On our visit, we tried the vegan katsu and soy meat fried chicken — each came with soup and an assortment of vegetables.
One thing to keep in mind is that there is only one chef in the kitchen. Due to this, there is only a set number of meals per day. Notably, part of the restaurant’s concept is to encourage a slow dining experience so guests can truly savor their food. All of this means that the food can take a while to arrive so it may not be ideal for those who want to dine quickly before dashing off to the next spot.
2:30 p.m. Stop by the Odawara Museum of Literature
Vegan Restaurant Aomugi to Odawara Museum of Literature (6-minute walk)¥250 for adults and ¥100 for elementary school students
Housed inside a designated cultural property, the Odawara Museum of Literature has exhibitions about Odawara’s most prolific writers. Although all the exhibits are in Japanese, literature lovers will still appreciate seeing old manuscripts and published works.
Those interested in Japanese literature will undoubtedly recognize names like Junichirō Tanizaki. However, the museum also highlights women authors through both its permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The building in and of itself is worth a visit. It features a southern European architectural style and a Western-style garden — distinct from the typical buildings found in Odawara.
Pro tip: Should you vist in spring, take a stroll down Saikaikoji. This nearby street is one of Odawara’s most famous cherry-blossom spots.
Elementary School students: ¥100
Alternative option
If the literature museum doesn’t pique your interest, we recommend checking out Hakoneguchi Garage Hotoku Square, which you’ll pass on the way there. While there isn’t a ton to do in this public square, you can step inside a former streetcar, browse a small bookshop, and pick up some fresh anpan (sweet red-bean bread) from Yanagiya Bakery.
3 p.m. Arrive at Odawara Fish Center
Odawara Museum of Literature to Odawara Fish Center (11-minute walk)Free
Our next stop is the Odawara Fish Center. Part of a lively stretch sometimes known as “Fish Street”, it’s a great spot to sample local seafood — either fresh off the grill or to take home.
As you stroll toward the port, you’ll get closer to the Odawara Fish Market. Every second Saturday of the month, the market bursts into action early in the morning. It draws in crowds from all over, who start lining up from 7 a.m. for the freshest seasonal catch, hauled in just hours before, and other local produce.
Although there is not much else to do in the area beyond eating, walking along the street and port still offers a great glimpse into the local fishing culture — and is worth the wander.
3:30 p.m. Try some local sushi (optional)
Odawara Fish Center to Jizakana Kaiten Sushi (3-minute walk)¥300 to ¥600
In addition to trying and buying some of the local seafood, you may also want to sample some of the local sushi. Just a 3-minute walk from the fish market, Jizakana Kaiten Sushi offers some of the freshest sushi in town, at an affordable price.
Thanks to the local catches that come straight from nearby Sagami Bay, the menu changes on a daily basis. Some of the specialties you’re likely to find include oshitsuke, a white-fleshed fatty fish, as well as horse mackerel. To get a taste of the day’s offerings, we recommend trying one of the three-piece sets for ¥540.
If you’re not feeling adventurous, don’t worry — you can still enjoy familiar favorites like shrimp, tuna, and egg, with prices ranging from ¥300 to ¥600.
4 p.m. Head back to Odawara Station
Odawara Fishing Port to Odawara Station (11-minute bus ride)¥290
From Jizakana Kaiten Sushi, it is a slightly tedious 27-minute walk back to Odawara Station. If possible, we suggest trying to catch the Umemaru sightseeing bus back to the station. Running every hour, the Umemaru bus is just like a local bus, but with a twist. On board is a Japanese-speaking tour guide who talks about the history of each bus stop. Although tourists may not be able to understand everything, it’s a nice way to travel and appreciate the main spots in Odawara.
From the nearest stop to the sushi shop, Odawara Fishing Port, it is a 11-minute bus ride (for ¥290) back to Odawara Station. Should you want unlimited Umemaru bus rides, we suggest getting the one-day free pass, which is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children.
Given that the bus runs at irregular times, there’s a good chance your timings won’t match up. In this case, there’s always the option to take the Hakonetozan Line from Hakoneitabashi Station. It is a 4-minute journey back to Odawara Station (costing ¥160).
Note: As you walk toward Hakoneitabashi Station, you might spot a towering 10-meter Kannon statue in the distance. Part of Tozen-in Temple, this standing Buddha symbolizes safety at sea, bountiful catches, and gratitude for seafood. It’s about a 13-minute walk from the station.
Pro tip: Planning to stay in Odawara for the evening? If so, why not join a local bar-hopping tour?
Heading back to Tokyo
Once you are back to Odawara Station, you can simply follow the reverse route, taking the Romance Car back to Shinjuku Station. Make sure to purchase the separate Limited Express Ticket on the way back too.
To save money, you can always just jump onto the regular Odakyu Line trains back to Shinjuku. However, given that around 5 p.m. is when commuters start traveling again, it may become busy.
After a dose of calm in Odawara, now it’s time for a little chaos. Whether you bar hop through Golden Gai or soak up the neon lights of Shinjuku in your own way, the night is yours. Go all out — or just wind down at your accommodation.
Is a day trip to Odawara worth it?
If you’re a history and museum enthusiast, Odawara is a must-visit. The city beautifully showcases Japan’s heritage and local history, through the iconic Odawara Castle and carefully curated museums. We missed a few of the big-name museums on this trip, including the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History and the Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum — add those to the list if you are interested.
A day trip to Odawara offers a slower pace and a more laid-back atmosphere than many other Tokyo day trips. It remains a great alternative to its neighboring tourist hotspot, Hakone. Additionally, Odawara’s excellent transport links makes it an ideal base for those looking to break up their travels to the Izu Peninsula.
Feeling inspired? Check out some other Day Trips From Tokyo.
Odawara FAQs
What is Odawara famous for?
Odawara is renowned for its rich heritage, including its samurai castle. During the early spring season, many visitors come to attend the famous Odawara Plum Blossom Festival. Many also visit as it is a good access point for Hakone and other places along the Izu Peninsula.
When is the best time to go to Odawara?
Although Odawara is nice to visit year-round, it’s best to go from the end of February to April. Compared to other times of the year it will be busier, but you’ll be able to enjoy the spring sights of plum and cherry blossoms. Plus, you can attend some local sakura festivals. Given its location near the coast, it’s also a great summer day trip — you can relax by Miyuki Beach and check out the “Door to the Sea”.
Can you see Mt. Fuji from Odawara?
Although Odawara is relatively close to Mt. Fuji, the mountain isn’t always visible from the city itself. A train ride to viewpoints like Jukkokutoge Cable Car and Mishima Skywalk will give you unobstructed views of Fuji-san. To see both Mount Fuji and Odawara in one frame, we recommend going to Nishihirabatake (halfway up Mt. Matsuda).
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
