The 10 Best Things to Do in Odawara Japan (Why you should visit + Day Trip Itinerary)

Odawara wasn’t even on my radar when I was planning my Japan trip. I was planning to head straight from Tokyo to Hakone for the hot springs and Mount Fuji views, and Odawara was on the way there.

I looked at the train schedule and realized I had hours to kill before my ryokan check-in, and I thought, why not? I’ll store my bags and wander around for a bit.

Turns out, that little “why not” decision ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. Odawara Castle was amazing, the kamaboko museum (a fish cake museum) was than it had any right to be, and the whole town has this relaxed, non-touristy vibe.

And if you are into ninjas or samurai, Odawara is known for it.

So if you’re visiting Japan and doing the Tokyo to Hakone route, seriously consider stopping in Odawara. This guide covers everything I did in Odawara, the things to do in Odawara, what was worth it, what you can skip, what I would love to do if I had more time, and how to make it work as a stopover. I also will add some tours and experiences throughout this post for your consideration.

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Things to do in Odawara : My experience

I spent about 5 to 6 hours in Odawara, which I think is the sweet spot for most people. It’s not a a very big city, and it doesn’t feel like one of those places where you need to check off a million things.

For me, Odawara felt more like a nice, authentic Japanese city where regular people live their lives, and not very touristy.

I explored the Odawara castle, wandered around the grounds, fight off some ninjas, and grabbed lunch, then head off to Hakone after.

My 10 favorite things to do in Odawara

Quick disclaimer: this isn’t a ranking. All of these were fun, and I’d recommend most of them. But I’ll be honest about which ones you can skip if you’re tight on time, and some experiences recommendation should you be interested.

1. Visit Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle is probably the main reason why most people stop in Odawara, and it’s worth it.

The castle was originally built in the mid-1400s and became the base for the Hojo clan, who basically controlled the whole Kanto region for about a century. The castle earned a reputation as being pretty much impossible to attack even famous warlords like Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin couldn’t break through.

Eventually, it fell to Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590 after a massive three-month siege (which is kind of badass when you think about holding out for that long).

The current castle tower was reconstructed in 1960 based on Edo Period designs, so it’s not quite the original, but it looks incredible.

Randomly you find monkeys in a big enclosure on the castle grounds too, it was there when I visited.

Inside the castle, you will find:

• Museum with samurai armor and weapons
• Historical artifacts from the Sengoku Period
• Interactive displays about how the castle was built
• Models showing what it looked like back in the day

If you climb to the top floor observation deck, you find the best view of whole of Odawara. You can see all of Odawara City, Sagami Bay stretching out to the horizon, and on clear days, you might be able to see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Practical info:

• Opening times: 9:00am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm)
• Cost: ¥510 for adults ($3.50 USD)
• How long: I spent about 1.5 hours here
• Getting there: 10-minute walk from Odawara Station

Spring : If you’re there in late March to early April, the castle grounds have about 320 cherry trees. It’s apparently one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and gets absolutely packed (like 300,000 visitors during peak season). I didn’t see it, but from the photos, it looks stunning.

2. Wander around Odawara Castle Park

The castle grounds are just as cool as the castle itself. It’s this huge park built around the castle ruins, and it’s free to enter and open 24/7.

What’s here:

• Tokiwagi Gate (beautifully reconstructed main gate)
• Akagane Gate (copper-roofed gate)
• Ninomaru Square (big open space, perfect for just sitting and hanging out)
• A bunch of historical museums
• Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine (more on that below)

I visited in late autumn, and the ginkgo trees were turning this ridiculous golden color. The whole scene white castle walls, golden leaves, blue sky it was one of those moments where you just have to stop and take it all in.

3. Check out Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine

This shrine is inside the castle park and dedicated to Ninomiya Sontoku, who’s basically a folk hero in Japan for his whole “work hard, help your community, never give up” philosophy.

You’ll recognize him from statues all over Japan this young kid reading a book while carrying firewood. That image is in like every Japanese textbook.

The shrine itself is pretty spacious and even has a cafe where you can rest, which I definitely took advantage of. If you’re visiting the castle anyway, it takes like 10 minutes to walk through, and it’s free, so why not?

4. Try the Kamaboko Workshop at Suzuhiro Museum

Before going to Japan, I had no idea what kamaboko was. It’s a traditional Japanese fish cake made from surimi (minced white fish paste), and it’s been around since like the 12th century. You know that white and pink half-moon which you might see in some ramen dishes and convenience store bentos, that’s kamaboko.

Suzuhiro has been making kamaboko in Odawara since 1865, and they have a museum dedicated to it.

What you’ll see:

• Museum exhibits explaining the history and science of kamaboko
• Factory viewing area where you watch people shape kamaboko by hand through glass windows
• Interactive displays (the “12 Secrets of Kamaboko” was actually pretty interesting)
• Art gallery on the 2nd floor where local artists create art on the wooden boards used for kamaboko

The real highlight is the hands-on workshop. If you have the time and also interested in doing this, then it might be worth your while.

You make your own kamaboko on a wooden board and wrap chikuwa (grilled fish paste) around a stick. It’s harder than it looks getting the fish paste smooth and even requires actual skill. But it’s so fun, and the staff is super patient with you.

Your kamaboko gets steamed (takes about an hour), and the chikuwa is grilled in about 20 minutes. When I tried the freshly grilled chikuwa, I was shocked at how good it was. Crispy on the outside, hot and aromatic on the inside, completely different from the store-bought stuff.

Workshop details:

• Cost: ¥1,760 (about $12 USD) for kamaboko + chikuwa class
• Duration: About 40 minutes hands-on, plus waiting time for your food
• Reservation: HIGHLY RECOMMEND booking ahead, especially weekends (book online or call)
• Closed: Wednesdays

Next door: There’s Suzunari Market with over 200 types of kamaboko, local seafood, crafts, and even beer from local microbreweries. They have a “Kamaboko Bar” where you can taste different varieties. Lots of free samples, which I definitely took advantage of.

Getting there:

• Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Kazamatsuri Station (just one stop from Odawara, like 8 minutes)
• 2-3 minute walk from the station
• Free parking if you’re driving

My tip: Do this on your way to or from Hakone. It’s perfectly located between Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto.

5. Grab lunch at Minaka Odawara

Minaka Odawara is this modern shopping/dining complex right at Odawara Station. It’s designed to look like an Edo Period castle town but with, you know, modern amenities.

What I loved about it:

• Multiple restaurants serving local food
• There’s a FREE foot bath garden
• Rooftop observation deck
• Shops selling Odawara specialties

I had lunch here at one of the seafood restaurants, and it was lovely. The food was good, fresh, and reasonably priced.

Location: Directly connected to Odawara Station east exit (you literally can’t miss it)

6. Tokiwa Kimon Samurai Museum (If you’re into Samurai)

This museum is just a short walk from the castle and gives you a decent overview of samurai culture. It’s pretty small, so don’t expect anything massive, but it has authentic samurai armor, weapons, and artifacts.

The coolest part is this projection mapping show that brings a suit of samurai armor to “life.” It’s surprisingly well done.

Fun activity: You can dress up as a samurai for photos. Kids’ costumes are ¥300, adults ¥500. Is it touristy? Yes. Is it also fun? Also yes.

Money-saving tip: Get the combination ticket for both the castle and samurai museum:

• Adults: ¥610
• Kids: ¥220

Opening times: 10:00am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm)

My honest take: If you’re super into samurai history, you’ll love it. If you’re not, it’s fine to skip and spend more time at the castle or kamaboko museum.

7. Odawara Plum Festival (February only)

If you’re visiting in February, you’re in for something special. The Odawara Plum Festival is apparently one of the biggest events in the region.

Festival dates 2025: February 1 – February 24

The main attraction is Soga Plum Grove with approximately 35,000 plum trees spread across three gardens. White and pink blossoms everywhere, with Mount Fuji in the background. From what I’ve seen in photos, it looks absolutely stunning.

During the festival:

• Food stalls
• Traditional performances (lion dances, lantern dances)
• Horseback archery demonstrations
• Prime photography opportunities

There are also plum trees at Odawara Castle Park (about 250 trees), so you can see blossoms there too. Fortunate to have seen the ones at Odawara castle, but I missed this one at Soga Plum Grove because I didn’t know about it so if you have the opportunity, go for it!

8. Odawara fishing port & beach

Odawara sits right on Sagami Bay, so there’s fresh seafood everywhere.

The fishing port has a market where you can buy fish straight from the boats. There’s also a facility run by the Port Fisheries Association where you can buy and eat fresh “Odawara fish” while looking out at the bay.

Miyuki-no-hama Beach is about a 15-minute walk from the castle. It’s called the “Beach of Fortune” because the Meiji Emperor visited here back in the day. It’s more of a stroll-along-the-coast kind of beach, not really a swimming beach.

My take: If you have extra time or love seafood, check it out. But if you’re short on time, prioritize the castle and kamaboko museum.

9. Historical Villas (For the history enthusiasts)

Odawara was a popular spot for wealthy politicians and businessmen to build summer villas during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Several are now open to visitors:

• Odawara Kokian : Former villa of Yamagata Aritomo (Prime Minister)
• Seifutei : Former villa of Marquis Kuroda
• Matsunaga Memorial : Villa of an industrialist and tea ceremony master

These give you a glimpse into how Japan’s elite lived during the modernization period.

My honest take: I didn’t visit these because I was short on time, and I’m not super into historic villas. But if you’re a history buff or have extra time, they’re apparently worth checking out.

10. Enoura Observatory (For art lovers)

If you’re into contemporary art and architecture, Enoura Observatory is worth the trip.

Created by artist Sugimoto Hiroshi, this observatory combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern art installations. The structures are aligned to capture specific astronomical events and seasonal changes. The views of Sagami Bay are gorgeous.

Note: This is outside the main Odawara area and requires more time to reach. If you’re just doing a quick Odawara stopover, skip it. If you’re staying longer or really love art, go for it.

Where to Eat in Odawara

Odawara has really good food, especially fresh seafood from Sagami Bay.

Local specialties you should try:

Kamaboko (Fish Cake): Obviously. Try it at restaurants around town or buy it fresh at Suzuhiro. It’s way better than the convenience store version.

Fresh Seafood: The fishing port brings in daily catches. Look for sashimi, grilled fish, seafood rice bowls, and tempura.

Umeboshi (Pickled Plums): Odawara has been famous for umeboshi since the Edo Period. You’ll find them in shops all over town.

Himono (Dried Fish): Another local specialty. Sun-dried fish preserved in the traditional way.

Where I ate:

I grabbed lunch at one of the seafood restaurants in Minaka Odawara. It was fresh, and most importantly it was reasonably priced.

There are also multiple restaurants at Suzuhiro Kamaboko Village:

• Erenna Gosso: Buffet-style restaurant with local ingredients
• Erenna Gosso CAFÉ107: Inside a retired train car, which was so cool
• Oshimizu: Fancy kaiseki (multi-course) dining
• Mizo: Soba and wasabi
• Katsuza: Cafe with sweets

My recommendation: Try a seafood restaurant for lunch, then grab kamaboko at Suzuhiro to take home as a souvenir.

Click here to search for Hotel availabilites in Odawara

How long should you stay in Odawara?

3-4 hours (stopover): This is what I did. Visit the castle, grab lunch, maybe do the kamaboko workshop if you have time.

Full day: If you’re visiting during the plum festival or want to see everything at a leisurely pace.

Overnight: Only necessary if you’re using Odawara as a base to explore the region (it’s cheaper than staying in Hakone) or if you’re here during the plum festival and want to experience it properly.

My recommendation: Make Odawara a stopover between Tokyo and Hakone. Store your bags in a locker at the station, explore for 3-4 hours, then continue on your way.

One day itinerary in Odawara

Here’s what I did, and I think it’s a solid itinerary for most people:

9:00am Arrive at Odawara Station Take the shinkansen from Tokyo (30 minutes) or regular JR train (1 hour 20 minutes).

9:15am – Store Your Bags Odawara Station has coin lockers. Drop your stuff and you’re free to explore.

9:30am – Walk to Odawara Castle 10-minute walk from the station.

9:45am – Explore Odawara Castle & Grounds

• Buy your ticket (¥510)
• Climb to the observation deck
• Check out the museum inside
• Walk through the castle grounds
• Visit Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine if you want

Plan 1.5-2 hours here.

11:30am – Tokiwa Kimon Samurai Museum (Optional) If you’re into samurai stuff, stop by. Otherwise, head straight to lunch.

12:30pm – Lunch Grab lunch at Minaka Odawara or a restaurant near the castle. Try fresh seafood.

2:00pm – Relax at Minaka Odawara Foot Bath Your feet will appreciate this.

2:30pm – Either: Option A: Continue to Hakone (take the Hakone Tozan Railway, 15 minutes) Option B: Visit Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum (take the train to Kazamatsuri Station, 8 minutes)

If you choose Option B, do the kamaboko workshop if you booked ahead, explore the museum, and check out Suzunari Market. Then head to Hakone from there.

FAQs about Odawara

Thoughts on Odawara

I’m so glad I stopped in Odawara instead of just passing through. It ended up being one of those little unplanned detours that makes a trip memorable.

The castle is gorgeous, the kamaboko workshop was way more fun than I expected, and the whole town just felt… real. Not overly touristy, not trying too hard, just a nice Japanese city where people live their lives.

If you’re heading to Hakone from Tokyo, seriously consider stopping here for a few hours. It’s so easy store your bags at the station, explore, grab lunch, then keep going. You’ll barely add any time to your journey, but you’ll get to see a side of Japan that most tourists skip.

And if you’re visiting in February? Plan your whole trip around that plum festival. 35,000 blooming trees with Mount Fuji in the background sounds absolutely insane (in the best way).

Have you been to Odawara? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Courtney xx

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