Things To Do
in Odawara
Odawara is a historic city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its iconic Odawara Castle, which dates back to the 15th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The city also boasts beautiful hot springs and traditional ryokan inns where visitors can relax and rejuvenate.
Odawara is a gateway to the nearby Hakone region, famous for its natural beauty and onsens.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Odawara Castle, a historic landmark with stunning views. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the castle gardens and take photos of the impressive architecture.
After lunch, explore the Odawara Castle Park, where you can relax and appreciate the natural beauty. Don’t miss the museum inside the castle for a glimpse into the region's history.
Wrap up your day by visiting the local night market. Sample traditional Japanese street food and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Begin your morning at the Odawara Art Foundation for a dose of local culture. Browse through contemporary artworks and grab a coffee at the on-site café.
Head to the nearby Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you can enjoy art installations amidst beautiful landscapes. The fresh air and creative displays will uplift your spirits.
Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant. Relish the exquisite multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical and cultural heritage, including Odawara Castle.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including mountains and proximity to the sea.
- Good transportation access, especially via the Shinkansen (bullet train) and local rail services.
- Diverse and delicious local cuisine, particularly seafood and traditional Japanese dishes.
- Attractive for tourism, offering various attractions like hot springs and scenic views.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
- Higher cost of living compared to other less touristy areas in Japan.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities like Tokyo or Yokohama.
- Risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons due to geographical location.
- Public transport may be less frequent during off-peak hours.
Best Activities in Odawara
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails and scenic views in the Hakone region, including the famous Hakone Ropeway.
Discover the history and architecture of this well-preserved castle, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring.
Unwind in the natural hot springs while taking in the picturesque mountain scenery.
Stroll through colorful gardens and greenhouses showcasing a variety of plants and flowers.
Tours
Uncover the best of Odawara with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Odawara
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic castle with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes
Beautiful garden with diverse flowers and scenic views for photography
Cable car ride offering stunning views of the Hakone mountains and Lake Ashi
Food in Odawara
Odawara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Saba Misoni, a traditional local dish, consists of simmered mackerel fillets in a savory miso-based sauce. It is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Recommended place: Look for small local restaurants along the coastline for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Hakone Kamaboko, a type of fish cake, is a beloved snack in Odawara. These delicate steamed fish cakes come in various flavors and are perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city. Recommended place: Visit the Hakone Kamaboko Village for a wide selection of this local delicacy.
Shirasudon, a bowl of rice topped with fresh, lightly seasoned whitebait, showcases the region's excellent seafood. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the freshness of local ingredients. Recommended place: Try this dish at traditional local eateries or seafood-focused restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Odawara better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Odawara Fish Market is a bustling hub of activity where visitors can savor an array of freshly caught seafood. Exploring the market offers insight into the local fishing industry and offers the chance to sample seafood snacks and street food delights like grilled squid and seafood skewers.
The area around Odawara Castle is teeming with street food stalls offering an assortment of delectable treats. From yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to imagawayaki (sweet red bean-filled pancakes), there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings while taking in the sights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Odawara, it is customary to bow when greeting someone as a sign of respect. The depth of the bow may vary depending on the formality of the situation.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home, certain traditional accommodations, and some restaurants or temples in Odawara. This shows respect for the cleanliness of the space.
In Japan, including Odawara, there is a strong emphasis on respecting personal space. It's important to be mindful of physical proximity and avoid standing too close when engaging in conversation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Odawara with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Odawara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including in Odawara. It is generally not expected and may even be considered rude in some situations.
In Odawara, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most common form of payment. While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, it's still a good idea to carry cash for smaller establishments and transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms and enjoy mild temperatures.
Warm and humid, great for beach activities and festivals.
Enjoy beautiful fall foliage and pleasant weather.
Cool temperatures, ideal for hot springs and winter illuminations.
Odawara at Night
Hiking in Odawara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast park featuring stunning mountain scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous hiking trails including routes with views of Mount Fuji.
A picturesque hiking trail that offers a scenic route along the Tounosawa River, featuring waterfalls and traditional ryokan.
A trail that leads to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, combining cultural exploration with natural beauty.
A lesser-known trail offering a peaceful environment and opportunities to view local wildlife and foliage, located near the outskirts of Odawara.
A popular ridge hike that provides panoramic views of the Tanzawa Mountains and surrounding areas, accessible from Odawara.
Aiports
How to reach Odawara by plane.
Located approximately 90 km from Odawara, Tokyo Haneda is one of the two primary airports serving Tokyo, Japan's capital city, and is known for its proximity to the city.
Situated around 130 km from Odawara, Narita is the main international airport serving Tokyo and is known for handling a large number of international flights.
Approximately 330 km from Odawara, Kansai International Airport serves the greater Osaka area, and is an important gateway to western Japan.
Located about 290 km from Odawara, this airport serves the Nagoya area and is a significant hub for flights to and from international destinations.
Also known as Itami Airport, it is approximately 350 km from Odawara and mostly serves domestic flights, but it connects to some international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Odawara, consisting of individuals who hold Japanese citizenship.
A diverse group of non-Japanese individuals residing in Odawara, including workers, students, and their families.
Older adults, typically aged 65 and above, reflecting the aging population trend in Japan.
Individuals aged 18 to 34, often consisting of university students and young professionals.
Individuals under the age of 18, including school-age children and teenagers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan and has a significant following in Odawara, with local teams and schools participating in various leagues.
Soccer has gained immense popularity in Odawara, with many youth clubs and local teams competing in regional leagues.
Basketball is widely played among students and local communities in Odawara, with several schools having active teams.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Odawara, with many public courts available and active participation in local tournaments.
Various forms of martial arts, including Judo and Karate, are practiced widely in Odawara, reflecting a deep cultural heritage.
Running is a popular sport for fitness enthusiasts in Odawara, with many scenic routes and local running clubs fostering community participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Odawara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Odawara's traditional cuisine heavily features seafood, there are vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries offering plant-based dishes, such as tempura, tofu-based meals, and vegetable sushi rolls. Look for specialized restaurants or communicate your dietary preferences at local eateries for accommodating options.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can opt for rice-based dishes like sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. Many restaurants are also attentive to dietary needs and can provide gluten-free alternatives upon request. It's advisable to communicate your dietary requirements clearly to ensure a pleasant dining experience.