Tokyo · ODAWARA TOURS
Tokyo fills a calendar faster than you expect. These 7 odawara tours are the ones worth a slot, priced and timed so the choice takes minutes.
Buy admission to Odawara Castle’s main keep and gardens, then explore at your own pace. Inside, you’ll see samurai swords, armor, and artifacts tied to Odawara’s past. Climb five floors of stairs for a view over Sagami Bay. The ticket is provided by the Odawara Tourism Association; no guide is named.
Meet your English-speaking guide at Odawara Castle’s Ninja Centre for a 150-minute walk through the park and Samurai Museum, followed by a hands-on ninja class. Guides such as Jeff and Naoya bring the castle’s Hojo history to life; a ninja trainer leads practice with shuriken, blow darts, breathing, movement, and hand gestures. Ninja attire is included.
“My Girlfriend and I really enjoyed the Tour. The Tour Guide Naoya, or as he liked to be called „Ninja“, was very friendly, knowledgeable and humorous! First we walked outside of the castle area and he informed us about the history of the castle. Then we went up the castle tower and enjoyed the view. After that we took the Ninja course, guided by a reallife Ninja. We wore ninja clothes and did several Ninja related Tests to become Ninjas as well. The Ninja Teacher was also humorous and very energetic! He was also very encouraging. We almost felt like in an Anime. At the end we were nominated Ninjas…”
Meet your nationally certified guide at Odawara Station at 9am for a six-hour outing to Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple. Travel by train and bus, walk beneath cedar and cypress trees more than 500 years old, hear temple folklore, then stop for lunch and an onsen soak. Akihiro-san is one guide associated with the tour; groups are capped at six.
“The day was perfect for a nice walk up towards a very famous temple, forest, bathing, good exercise, beautiful temple shrines and buildings made of Cedar and Cypress wood. Ending with the delicious lunch at a local tea house.”
Meet your bilingual guide at Odawara Station at 10 am for a three-hour walk through town and castle grounds. Visit the Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum, Odawara Castle, and Hotokuninomiya Shrine, with admission included to the three museums. A guide named Jeff has led tours here, sharing local history and practical tips.
“Jeff was an amazing guide with his knowledge of the area, the history and culture. We got into a lot of different conversations and he provided great insights and perspectives on a number of subjects. I especially liked the samurai museum inside the Odawara Castle. I learned about the samurai and the sakura, a great metaphor for living our lives and serving others, even if you are not a warrior.”
Spend a full day with an English-speaking guide visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, eating a Sukiyaki Gozen lunch, cruising Lake Ashi and riding the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway. The return leg is on the Shinkansen. Guide names mentioned by past participants include Mitsi, Mitty and Mitsuko, though your assigned guide may differ.
“Mt Fugi and lunch were great! Traffic was terrible and kept us from the lake cruise and rope way. Felt a little cheated but knew ahead of time traffic could upset the schedule. Guide and driver were awesome, Mitsuko and Harumi. They were full of inspiration and information and worked well together. Thank you. …………..”
Meet an English-speaking local guide at Odawara Station for a three-hour walk through the town and castle grounds. Visit the Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum, castle keep, and Hotokuninomiya Shrine. Guides Jeff and Naoya have led past tours, though your guide may differ.
“We had a wonderful tour in Odawara! Our guide Jeff went above and beyond guiding us through Odawara and the castle complex, and teaching us about Japan in general. He was very nice and knowledgeable, and very helpful with all of our questions. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in Japanese history or culture. It was a great quick trip away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.”
In 90 minutes, an English-speaking guide leads you around Odawara Castle, from the Benzaiten Circle Ruins to the main keep. Hear how the Hojo clan and the castle’s defenses shaped the Sengoku era, see historical exhibits, and take in views that can reach across Tokyo Bay to the Boso Peninsula on a clear day. Admission is included.
“Kai-San was a wonderful guide for the two adults and as well as the two children in the group. Great mix of history and culture.”
Pick a counter, a ring, a temple or a mountain.
