Top 15 Things To Do In Odawara, Japan

1. Enoura Observatory

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Enoura Observatory is a breathtaking museum showcasing Japanese art and culture. Designed by artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, the museum consists of a series of structures built on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The observatory’s main attraction is the “Sun Pillar,” a 13-meter (42.65 foot) tall sculpture made of polished stainless steel that reflects the sun’s movement throughout the day, casting ever-changing shadows and reflections on the surrounding rocks and water. Visitors can also explore the “Sea of Time,” a series of terraced gardens that symbolize the passage of time and the cycle of life.

Enoura Observatory

Address: 362-1 Enoura, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0025, Japan

Website: Enoura Observatory

Opening hours: Thurs - Mon: 10am - 1pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

2. Mine Nature Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Mine Nature Garden is a beautiful natural oasis covering an area of over 500 acres (202.34 hectares). Visitors can explore the garden’s many hiking trails, which wind through lush forests and meadows, over streams and waterfalls, and past tranquil ponds and gardens.

For those interested, there’s a pond where visitors can go rainbow trout fishing. There’s also a BBQ area where you can grill the fish you caught and enjoy a picnic or shaved ice purchased from the reception. You can also buy shiitake mushrooms that are grown in the garden.

Mine Nature Garden

Address: 4600 Kuno, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0055, Japan

Website: Mine Nature Garden

Opening hours: Thurs - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon-Wed)

3. Tour the majestic medieval architecture of Odawara Castle (from USD 184.0)

Officially one of Japan’s finest 100 castles, Odawara Castle boasts a rich history that dates back as far as the mid-1400s. The current building, which is substantially smaller than the original site, was rebuilt during the Edo period of the 1600s and substantially repaired after an earthquake at the start of the 1700s and has been remodelled several times in the centuries that followed. Today it is a popular place to visit in Odawara as it houses a range of attractions that will appeal to all ages - from the architectural marvels of its various buildings to the NINJA Hall history museum and a children’s amusement park (more of which in a moment). The Castle Tower, which was reconstructed in the 1960s, also houses a fine museum full of historic artefacts - from armour and swords to ancient documents.

Odawara Castle

Address: Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan

Website: Odawara Castle

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Adults: 200 - 500 JPY (2 - 5 USD) ; Children: 60 - 220 JPY (1 - 3 USD)

byFood Experience

1) Experience traditional Kaiseki dining with geisha entertainment

Learn about the people who lived and worked at Odawara Castle, from samurai to ninjas, on this historical tour. The guide will take you to several street food stalls around the palace. At Minaka Mall, you can try out traditional food such as kamaboko (fish cake) or umeboshi (pickled plum) from a 300-year-old shop. This will be followed by a tour inside the castle. You can also dress up as a samurai and take photos posing like one. You’ll end the tour with an indulgent traditional kaiseki meal in the company of a geisha!

Odawara Castle Town Food Tour and Geisha Kaiseki Dinner

Duration: 5hours

1 review

from USD

184.0

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4. Admire lush hydrangeas and cherry blossoms in Odawara Castle Amusement Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Odawara Castle sits within the large Odawara Castle Park, which is home to a host of popular attractions in Odawara, including the aforementioned amusement park. It boasts a miniature steam railway - complete with carriages for entertaining children - as well as electric powered bean cars for the little racers in your family. There is also a range of playground equipment to enjoy. And, while the little ones are enjoying themselves, you’ll be able to enjoy the picturesque grounds - which are home to a wide array of beautiful flowers and plants. Time your trip right and the cherry blossom might be in full, spectacular, bloom.

Odawara Castle Amusement Park

Address: 〒250-0014 Kanagawa, Odawara, Japan

Website: Odawara Castle Amusement Park

Opening hours: 9am - 4.30pm (daily)

Price: 1 - 2 USD

5. Pay your respects at the Hōtoku Ninomiya Shrine

Wondering what else to do in Odawara? Visit the Shinto shrine, which honours the memory of a leading 19th-century philosopher and agricultural leader. Born into poverty, as a determined youth Hōtoku Ninomiya transformed an abandoned area into viable farmland, and he’d become a wealthy man by the time he was in his 20s. His ethical nature saw him successfully argue for rice stores to be opened to the general public during a famine, and after his death, he was honoured by the emperor himself for his various achievements in agriculture and economics. This shrine, one of the numerous sites in Japan in his memory, was founded in 1894 and features a number of buildings - including a ceremonial hall, torii gate and even local coffee shops for picking up refreshments during your visit.

Hōtoku Ninomiya Shrine

Address: 8-10 Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan

Website: Hōtoku Ninomiya Shrine

6. Savour traditional fishcakes at the Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One for the food fans among you now. The Kamaboko Museum celebrates the culinary history behind the popular processed seafood dish. A cured surimi dish, Kamaboko’s ingredients, nutritional value and past are all explored at the museum - which is free to visit. What’s more, you can watch Kamaboko being hand-made on the factory floor and even take part in hands-on classes which let you experience the skills involved in producing it. Art fans will also enjoy the upper-floor exhibition space and the site’s Board Painting Museum, which features new exhibits every four months.

Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum

Address: 245 Kazamatsuri, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0032, Japan

Website: Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

7. Feast on fresh fish at the Odawara Port Morning Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Speaking of fishy delights, if you like your seafood fresh then you’ll almost certainly want to make a beeline for Odawara Port and its morning market. Local fishermen bring their catch to dock and sell their wares on the harbour front - so if you fancy whipping up a seafood dish back at your accommodation, and only the freshest of ingredients will do, then you know where to head. The market, which runs on alternate Saturdays, also sells freshly-prepared dried fish, the aforementioned kamaboko and other dishes­ as well as non-fish ingredients like fruit and vegetables. And, even if you don’t want to buy anything, the bustle and sounds of the market will make for a memorable sight during your travels. Just remember to get there early - or you might miss out on the best fish.

Odawara Port Morning Market

Address: Odawara Port, Odawara

Website: Odawara Port Morning Market

Opening hours: 2nd & 4th Sat: 9am onwards; 7am - 10am (products other than fish)

8. Sample rich soy sauce at Uchino House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sticking with the foodie delights, if you’ve picked up some fish at the market then you might want some soy sauce to go with it. But where does this ancient sauce/condiment come from? If you’re keen to learn more than a visit to Uchino House will be right up your street. This house and neighbouring brewery have a long association with its production - dating back as far as the start of the 20th century - and they are open to the public every second and fourth weekend of the month.

Uchino House

Address: Soy brewery, Itabashi 602, Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan

Website: Uchino House

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 3.30pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

9. Peek into a traditional Japanese home at Matsunaga Memorial Hall

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

An attraction which will appeal to fans of traditional design, Matsunaga Memorial Hall in the Itabashi area boasts the classic tatami flooring, paper screens and wooden panelling you’d expect in a classic Japanese home of its type - so if you’ve come to soak up the culture, or to grab some memorable pictures, you’re in luck. Set amid a picturesque garden, complete with bamboo grove, hill, pond and sculptures, nature lovers will also find plenty of traditional outdoor refinement to enjoy. And, if you’re a fan of more modern marvels, the house’s past associations to Yasuzaemon Matsunaga will likely tickle your interest - as he played a key role in the development of Japan’s electrical industry, without which modern Japan would look very different.

Matsunaga Memorial Hall

Address: 941-1 Itabashi, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0034, Japan

Website: Matsunaga Memorial Hall

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free entry

10. Bring your kids to Children's Forest Wanpaku Land

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’ve children with you, then a visit to Wanpaku Lane will surely be on the to-do list. Since opening almost a decade ago its wooded landscape and its various attractions have enchanted countless youngsters. As well as towering adventure playparks - with charming Japanese architectural touches that ape Odawara Castle’s design - the park also plays host to everything from pony rides to lengthy roller slides and even the simple charms of green slopes for racing down on mats. There are even child train rides - as well as road trains to ferry visitors around the park - and water features in which to cool off.

Children's Forest Wanpaku Land

Address: 4377-1 Kuno, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0055, Japan

Website: Children’s Forest Wanpaku Land

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4.30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free entry

11. Stroll amongst splendid blooms at the Odawara Flower Garden

Delighting visitors for almost a quarter of a century, Odawara Flower Garden was set up with the simple goal of providing a venue where people can come and enjoy beautiful petals and lush foliage all year round. Split into a number of unique sections, its gardens are home to everything from the striking architectural charms of its tropical dome greenhouse - complete with some 200 species of plum - to its beautiful rose garden. It is also home to water features complete with delicate Japanese water irises, as well as a dancing fountain (summer only) which is popular with youngsters. Time your visit right and it may also coincide with one of the seasonal events, such as the rose festival.

Odawara Flower Garden

Address: 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0055, Japan

Website: Odawara Flower Garden

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Adult: 200 JPY (2 USD); Children: 100 JPY (1 USD)

12. Visit the legendary Hachiman Shrine

Those seeking a little quiet reflection or wishing to immerse themselves further in Japanese culture may want to seek out the small Shinto shrine to Hachiman in Odawara. Hachiman is considered the divine protector of the country and has also been an important figure in farming communities as the god of agriculture, among other roles - including as the god of warriors. The local area’s historic role as a transport hub - it sits on several key roads - is part of the reason for the shrine’s existence, with worshippers since ancient times seeking to win favour with the guardian god and protect against repeats of past floods and earthquakes. If the visit proves intriguing why not head to Kamakura, where Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, one of the major Hachiman Shrines of Japan, is located.

Hachiman Shrine

Address: 1164 Iizumi, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0863, Japan

Website: [Hachiman Shrine]https://www.kanagawa-jinja.or.jp/search_dtl.php4?jid=926&cd=1210162&scd=&npg=2)

13. Overlook the Odawara cityscape from Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle Historical Park

Whether it’s natural charms, fine city views, or the history that draws you to it, you may wish to stop at the Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle Historical Park at some point during your stay. The park sits atop the remains of Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle, a long-ruined but still nevertheless impressive fortification with a fascinating creation myth. Said to have been thrown up in the 16th century Siege of Odawara in a single night - from which it gets its name, ‘One Night Castle’ - the myth may be fanciful, but the fortress was nevertheless erected in double-quick time. It took just 80 days to complete thanks to the skills of a colossal 40,000-strong workforce. Gazing upon the still impressive stone remains during a park visit will let you marvel at the skill it took to build, while those seeking fine views will enjoy the vista over Sagami Bay.

Ishigakiyama Castle Historical Park

Address: 1383-12 Hayakawa, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0021, Japan

Website: Ishigakiyama Castle Historical Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

14. Fill up on creamy pastries at the Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

After some busy sightseeing in Odawara, specifically at Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle Historical Park, you’ll no doubt be eager to tuck into a tasty treat. Well, how do creamy pastries on the outskirts of the park sound? Even better, you’ll be able to continue to enjoy the sights while tucking into them if you opt for a visit to Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm - for this working farm, shop and restaurant/patisserie boulangerie overlooks Sagami Bay. What’s more, it prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients - including goods produced on the farm - which is sure to appeal to the foodie in you. Delectable treats include everything from gateaux and artisan chocolates to baked pastries and ice creams.

Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm

Address: 1352-110 Hayakawa, Odawara 250-0021, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Website: Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 7pm (closed on Tue)

15. Lounge in comfort at Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another option for those seeking to unwind and forget the cares of daily life, the Hilton Odawara Resort’s spa offers a wide array of treatments to aid your relaxation. Set in an elevated position overlooking Sagami Bay, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views while enjoying a massage or facial. Other amenities include “intensive” aromatherapy and a range of beauty treatments which last up to 100 minutes - for deep cleansing and relaxation. It’s also open from morning until as late as 7 pm at night, giving you an ample window in which to book a slot and pay it a visit. Opt for a stay in the hotel and you’ll also be able to make use of its stone spa as well as a public pool.

Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

Address: 250-0024 Kanagawa, Odawara, Nebukawa 583-1, Japan

Website: Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

Opening hours: 9.30am - 7pm (daily)

Odawara's sights await

From stress-busting massages to fine castles and beautiful views amid evocative ruins, there is plenty to see and do during a visit to Odawara. And, with amusement park facilities also part of the mix, there’ll be something to keep families entertained as well. Where will you head during your visit to this corner of Japan?