Odawara Samurai Heritage and Local Seafood Lunch Tour

Odawara , Japan

Odawara Samurai Heritage and Local Seafood Lunch Tour

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About this experience

Did you know that during Japan’s Warring States period, there was a castle famed as one of the most impregnable in the country?
That castle is Odawara Castle, the gateway to Hakone.

On this 3.5-hour tour, explore Odawara Castle with a licensed English-speaking guide and learn about samurai culture, Sengoku-era battles, and the secrets behind the castle’s long history of remaining unconquered. Enjoy panoramic views from the castle tower and scenic photo spots along the way.

After the castle visit, take a short local train ride to Odawara Fishing Port, offering a glimpse into everyday Japanese life. The tour concludes with a fresh seafood lunch made with locally caught fish from Sagami Bay, choosing between a seafood rice bowl or a grilled fish set meal.

A perfect half-day experience combining history, food, and local culture—ideal for travelers looking to enjoy an authentic taste of Japan in a short time, especially between visits to Hakone.

Available options

Odawara Samurai Heritage and Local Seafood Lunch Tour

What's included

Admission to Odawara Castle

English-speaking guide

Seafood lunch at Totomaru Restaurant (choice of seafood bowl or grilled fish set)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

- Learn about samurai culture, the Sengoku period, and the Hojo clan’s history at Odawara Castle
- Take photos at iconic spots such as the castle tower, the top-floor viewpoint, and with simple samurai props

- Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Odawara Fishing Port
- Gain insight into Sagami Bay’s rich fishing grounds and local food culture

What's not included

Transportation to/from Odawara Station, Local train fare from Odawara Station to Odawara Fishing Port

Personal drinks or additional food orders

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your guide will be waiting at the ticket gates of Odawara Station holding a sign that says “Odawara Heritage Tour.”

About Odawara

Odawara is a historic city in Kanagawa Prefecture, renowned for its well-preserved castle and rich samurai heritage. Situated between Tokyo and Hakone, it offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and easy access to popular tourist destinations.

Top Attractions

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle is a stunning example of Japanese castle architecture, originally built in the 15th century. The castle played a significant role in the Sengoku period and was later used by the Tokugawa shogunate. Today, it houses a museum and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Historical 1 to 2 hours ¥500

Hakone

Hakone is a popular onsen (hot spring) town located near Odawara, known for its scenic beauty and traditional ryokan (inns). The area offers a variety of attractions, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani volcanic valley, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Nature Half day to full day Varies by activity

Junshin Park

Junshin Park is a beautiful park located near Odawara Castle, featuring a variety of plants, trees, and flowers. The park is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and relaxation, and it also offers stunning views of the castle and surrounding mountains.

Nature 1 to 2 hours Free

Nakaizumi Beach

Nakaizumi Beach is a popular beach located near Odawara, known for its clear waters and sandy shores. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and it also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Beach Half day to full day Free (some facilities may require a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Odawara Soba

A local noodle dish made with buckwheat flour and served with a variety of toppings, such as tempura, seafood, or vegetables. The noodles are typically served cold in the summer and hot in the winter.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request.

Kaisendon

A sushi bowl made with fresh seafood, such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, and scallops, served over a bed of rice. The seafood is typically sourced from the nearby coast and is known for its freshness and quality.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and seafood.

Yuba

A tofu skin that is a byproduct of making tofu. Yuba is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is often used in soups, salads, and hot pots. In Odawara, yuba is often served with a sweet soy sauce glaze and grilled over an open flame.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains and forests surrounding Odawara Water sports at Nakaizumi Beach Onsen (hot spring) bathing in Hakone Picnicking and strolling in Junshin Park Visiting Odawara Castle and learning about its history Exploring the traditional shops and cafes in Castle Town Swimming and sunbathing at Nakaizumi Beach Boat rides on Lake Ashi in Hakone

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities. Spring is particularly beautiful with cherry blossoms, while autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Odawara is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is also uncommon. However, it is always important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist attractions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis and tour operators to avoid overcharging and scams
• Book your accommodation and tours through reputable websites and companies

Getting there

By air

Tokyo Haneda Airport • 60 km
Tokyo Narita Airport • 120 km

By train

Odawara Station

By bus

Odawara Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Odakyu Romancecar is a comfortable and efficient way to travel between Odawara and Tokyo. Trains are frequent and well-maintained.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Castle Town Downtown Odawara Hakone

Day trips

Hakone

10 km • Half day to full day

Hakone is a popular onsen (hot spring) town near Odawara, known for its scenic beauty and traditional ryokan (inns). The area offers a variety of attractions, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani volcanic valley, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Kamakura

50 km • Full day

Kamakura is a historic city located near Tokyo, known for its numerous temples, shrines, and museums. The city was once the political and cultural center of Japan and is home to many important historical sites.

Yokohama

70 km • Full day

Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city and a major port city located near Tokyo. The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and numerous attractions, including the famous Minato Mirai area and the historic Chinatown.

Festivals

Odawara Festival • Mid-April Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu • Early November Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to early April

Pro tips

Purchase a Hakone Free Pass for unlimited access to transportation and discounts on attractions in the Hakone area
Visit Odawara Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views of the city and surrounding mountains
Try a traditional kaiseki meal at a ryokan in Hakone for a complete and authentic experience
Learn some basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and communicate more effectively with locals
Explore the Castle Town area for a mix of historical and cultural experiences, including traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants