Things To Do
in Odawara
Odawara is a historic coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture best known for its well-preserved Odawara Castle and role as the gateway to the hot-spring and mountain resorts of Hakone. The city sits on Sagami Bay with a working fishing port, providing excellent seafood and coastal views. Odawara is well connected by train to Tokyo and other parts of the Kanto region, making it a convenient day-trip base.
Its mix of samurai-era history, modern transport links, and proximity to nature gives visitors a compact taste of traditional and outdoor Japan.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Odawara Castle, where you can wander through the well-preserved grounds and admire the stunning cherry blossoms in season. After exploring the castle, stroll through the adjacent Odawara Central Park, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the serene pond. Don’t forget to stop by the local café for a traditional Japanese breakfast of tamagoyaki and rice.
In the afternoon, visit the Odawara Art Foundation to appreciate contemporary art and unique exhibitions that reflect the local culture. Afterward, explore the charming streets of the historic center, where you can browse small shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the Soga Bessho Hot Springs, where you can relax and rejuvenate in the natural mineral waters.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, where you can sample a variety of Japanese dishes alongside fresh seafood. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the coastline, soaking in the beautiful views of the sea under the starry sky. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local bar for a taste of Japanese sake and a chance to mingle with friendly locals.
Head to Odawara's beautiful beach in the morning to enjoy the soft sand and refreshing ocean breeze. You can rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the calm waters and get some exercise while taking in the stunning coastal views. Alternatively, take a relaxing stroll along the shoreline, collecting seashells and enjoying the sound of the waves.
After a morning of beach activities, enjoy a beachside lunch at a local seafood restaurant, where you can taste the day's catch, such as grilled fish or sashimi. Spend your afternoon sunbathing or, if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at surfing with a local instructor. The warm sun and salty air will surely recharge your spirits.
As evening approaches, join a beach bonfire gathering where you can roast marshmallows and enjoy the company of fellow travelers and locals. Watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. To end the night, indulge in a seaside dinner, sampling delicious kaiseki dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🍣Mid-range seafood meal for two | $40-80 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train fare (short trip) | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start (daytime) | $5-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Hakone and Mount Fuji views—excellent base for nature and hot springs.
- Compact historical center with Odawara Castle and fresh seafood from a working port.
- Good train connections to Tokyo and the rest of Kanto make day trips easy.
- Smaller city with limited late-night entertainment compared to Tokyo.
- Some attractions (like Hakone) get crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Fewer vegetarian/vegan-specific dining options in local eateries.
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "これはベジタリアンですか？ (Kore wa bejitarian desu ka?)" - Is this vegetarian?
- "（場所）はどこですか？ (… wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is (place)?
Places to Visit in Odawara
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic castle keep, moats, and seasonal blossoms provide classic shots—good for morning light and late-afternoon golden hour.
Working harbor scenes, boats, and seafood auctions (when open) offer candid maritime photography and sunset silhouettes over Sagami Bay.
Artful terraces and coastal vistas combine architecture and seascape for distinctive, contemplative images—book ahead for timed-entry views.
Rocky coastline, cliffs, and narrow trails create dramatic coastal compositions—excellent for sunrise and long-exposure seascapes.
Mountain ridgelines, autumn foliage, and—on clear days—Mount Fuji glimpses from elevated viewpoints.
Food in Odawara
Odawara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local specialty—bouncy, seasoned fish paste often sold at shops near the station and market; try it grilled or sliced as a snack.
Must-Try!
Fresh shirasu from Sagami Bay served raw over rice (shirasu-don) or lightly boiled; commonly found at local seafood restaurants and markets.
Assorted sashimi or cooked seafood over rice—look for local tuna, squid, and shellfish at the Odawara market eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small fish markets and stalls near the port and station selling fresh catches, sashimi bowls, grilled seafood, and kamaboko—best for morning visits.
Covered arcades around the station where you can find street snacks, bakeries, and small eateries serving local specialties and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep voices low on trains and in public spaces; phone calls on trains are discouraged and often frowned upon.
Remove shoes when entering traditional ryokan, some restaurants, temples, and private homes—follow posted signs and host instructions.
Line up for trains, buses, and services in an orderly fashion and be on time for reservations and transport connections.
Follow simple rituals such as cleansing at chozuya, bowing, and observing signage—photography restrictions may apply in some areas.
Safety
Tipping in Odawara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be refused; exceptional service may be acknowledged with a small gift or a polite verbal thank-you instead.
Cash (yen) is widely used—smaller shops and markets may be cash-only. IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work on trains, buses, and many stores. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels but bring cash for markets, small eateries, and rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms bloom around late March–April in Odawara Castle Park—pleasant temperatures make walking and sightseeing ideal; weekends can be busy.
Warm and humid with higher rainfall in June (tsuyu/monsoon) and typhoon risk late summer; coastal breezes are refreshing, and beaches/sea views are at their best.
Cooler, drier weather with colorful foliage in nearby Hakone from late October to November—great for hiking and clear mountain views.
Mild on the coast but colder in the mountains; occasional snow on Hakone peaks creates scenic contrasts—off-season travel is quieter and often less crowded.
Odawara at Night
Hiking in Odawara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic trail between Odawara/Hakone with stone steps, old checkpoints, and forested stretches—pleasant for a half-day walk and history-focused hiking.
A popular nearby hike offering panoramic views of Hakone and, on clear days, Mount Fuji; moderate difficulty and good for day hikes.
Coastal trail with cliffs, coves, and ocean vistas—relatively easy walking with many photographic vantage points; bring sun protection and water.
Trails around Ashigara offer varied terrain and rural scenery—good for those seeking quieter mountain walks away from the main Hakone crowds.
Airports
How to reach Odawara by plane.
Closest major airport—about 1–1.5 hours to Odawara by train and airport bus via Shinagawa or direct highway bus services to Hakone/Odawara (depending on schedule). Convenient for domestic and many international flights.
Major international gateway—2–3 hours to Odawara by Narita Express to Tokyo then JR Tokaido or Odakyu lines; allow extra time for transfers.
Smaller regional airport to the west—reachable by train/bus plus transfer; may be used for regional access to central Honshu but farther than Haneda for most travelers to Odawara.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents and families who work locally or commute to nearby cities; community-oriented with local festivals and businesses.
Like many regional Japanese cities, Odawara has a significant elderly demographic and community services geared toward seniors.
Daily commuters travel to Tokyo or Yokohama; the city also hosts domestic and international tourists headed to Hakone and the coast.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a major pastime across Japan with local school teams and community clubs active in the Odawara area.
Soccer is also widely played and followed, with youth clubs and regional amateur teams popular among residents.
Given Sagami Bay access, recreational fishing, coastal boating, and occasional surfing/paddle sports are common activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Odawara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited—look for vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and some noodle places that can omit fish-based broths; carry a translation card requesting no dashi (fish stock).
Vegan dining is possible but sparse; convenience stores and larger cafés may offer salads and rice meals—plan ahead and use apps or a phrase card to explain restrictions.
Soy sauce and many Japanese condiments contain wheat—ask for tamari where available and choose simple sashimi or rice-based dishes; cross-contamination can occur in smaller kitchens.
Carry an allergy card in Japanese listing ingredients to avoid (eggs, shellfish, peanuts) and notify staff—medical care is good if needed, but language barriers exist.