16 Best Tourist spots & Things to Do in Odawara | Jan 2025
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What activities can I do in Odawara?
1. Visit Odawara Castle: Explore the iconic Odawara Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. Climb to the top of the castle tower for panoramic views of the city and learn about the history of the region. 2. Explore Hakone: Odawara is a gateway to the nearby Hakone region, famous for its hot springs, stunning natural landscapes, and the iconic Mount Fuji. Take a scenic train ride or cable car to Hakone and enjoy activities such as visiting the open-air sculpture museum, taking a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, or relaxing in a traditional onsen (hot spring). 3. Enjoy the Odawara Plum Festival: If you visit Odawara in February or March, don't miss the Odawara Plum Festival. This annual event celebrates the blooming of thousands of plum trees in the area, and you can enjoy various activities, food stalls, and traditional performances. 4. Take a stroll in Odawara Flower Garden: Located near Odawara Castle, the Odawara Flower Garden is a beautiful park with a wide variety of flowers, including roses, tulips, and cherry blossoms, depending on the season. Enjoy a leisurely walk or have a picnic surrounded by colorful blooms. 5. Visit Odawara Fishing Port: For seafood lovers, a visit to Odawara Fishing Port is a must. Explore the bustling fish market and try fresh seafood delicacies such as sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish. You can also take a boat tour to see the fishing boats in action. 6. Explore Odawara Plum Orchard: If you're visiting during the plum blooming season (February to March), head to Odawara Plum Orchard to see thousands of plum trees in full blossom. Take a leisurely walk through the orchard, enjoy the fragrance of the flowers, and take stunning photos. 7. Attend Odawara Lantern Festival: Held in October, the Odawara Lantern Festival is a vibrant event where the city streets are illuminated with thousands of lanterns. Enjoy traditional performances, food stalls, and the magical atmosphere created by the lanterns. 8. Try Odawara's Local Cuisine: Odawara is known for its delicious local cuisine. Don't miss trying dishes like Kamaboko (steamed fish cake), Himono (dried fish), and Odawara Gyoza (dumplings). Visit local restaurants or food stalls to savor these unique flavors. 9. Explore Odawara Shopping Streets: Wander through the lively shopping streets of Odawara, such as Ekimae Shopping Street and Suzuhiro Kamaboko Village. Discover local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional snacks to bring back home. 10. Attend Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival: If you visit in spring, make sure to attend the Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom, participate in traditional performances, and savor hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics in the parks.
When is the best time to travel to Odawara?
The best time to travel to Odawara, Japan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) seasons. These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. In spring, you can enjoy the famous cherry blossoms in full bloom, particularly in late March and early April. Odawara Castle and the surrounding parks are popular spots to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms. Autumn is also a great time to visit Odawara, as the weather is generally mild and the landscapes are adorned with vibrant autumn foliage. The Odawara Autumn Festival, held in October, is a major cultural event that showcases traditional music, dance, and parades. Summers in Odawara can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). However, if you don't mind the heat, you can take advantage of the beach season and enjoy the nearby coastal areas. Odawara experiences colder temperatures during winter (December to February), but it can still be a charming time to visit if you enjoy winter activities like hot springs and snow sports in nearby Hakone. Overall, the best time to travel to Odawara depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to do. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and cultural events, while summer is ideal for beach activities and winter for hot springs and snow sports.
Travel culture you should know when traveling to Odawara
Odawara is a charming city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, just a short train ride away from Tokyo. It is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. Here are some highlights of Odawara's travel culture: 1. Odawara Castle: This iconic landmark is the symbol of the city and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The castle dates back to the 15th century and offers a glimpse into the feudal era of Japan. Explore the well-preserved castle grounds, climb to the top of the main keep for panoramic views, and learn about the samurai culture through various exhibits. 2. Hot Springs (Onsen): Odawara is blessed with natural hot springs, making it a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. There are several traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) and public bathhouses where you can experience the therapeutic benefits of soaking in mineral-rich hot water. Hakone, a nearby town famous for its hot springs, is easily accessible from Odawara and is worth a visit as well. 3. Traditional Crafts: Odawara is known for its traditional crafts, particularly lacquerware and woodwork. Take a stroll through the city's shopping streets and you'll find shops selling beautifully crafted lacquerware items like bowls, trays, and chopsticks. You can even try your hand at lacquerware painting at some workshops. 4. Odawara Art Foundation: This cultural facility hosts various art exhibitions and performances throughout the year. It showcases both local and international artists and offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in contemporary art and culture. The foundation is located near Odawara Castle, so you can easily combine a visit to both attractions. 5. Odawara Lantern Festival: Held annually in October, this festival celebrates the city's history and cultural heritage. The streets are adorned with beautifully lit lanterns, and you can enjoy traditional performances, food stalls, and parades. It's a fantastic way to experience the local community spirit and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. 6. Local Cuisine: Odawara is known for its delicious seafood, thanks to its proximity to the ocean. Don't miss the opportunity to savor fresh sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish at local restaurants and seafood markets. Additionally, try the local specialty called ""kamaboko,"" a type of fish cake that comes in various flavors and shapes. Odawara offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture, making it a fantastic destination for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience. Whether you're exploring the castle, relaxing in hot springs, or indulging in local cuisine, you're sure to create unforgettable memories in this charming city.
Shopping list or souvenirs to buy when traveling to Odawara
When visiting Odawara, Japan, there are several shopping items and souvenirs that you can consider bringing back home. Here are some popular options: 1. Kamaboko: Odawara is famous for its kamaboko, a type of steamed fish cake. It comes in various shapes, colors, and flavors, making it a great souvenir to bring back and enjoy as a snack or gift to others. 2. Odawara Castle-themed souvenirs: Odawara Castle is a prominent landmark in the city, and you can find a wide range of souvenirs inspired by it. Look for keychains, fridge magnets, postcards, and mini replicas of the castle. 3. Local Sake: Odawara is located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, which is known for its sake production. Consider buying a bottle of local sake as a gift or to enjoy yourself. Look for varieties like Hakone Yama Sake or Odawara Jinya Sake. 4. Hakone Yosegi-zaiku: Hakone, a nearby town to Odawara, is famous for its traditional woodcraft called Hakone Yosegi-zaiku. These intricate wooden puzzle boxes, coasters, and other decorative items make unique and beautiful souvenirs. 5. Yumomi Kit: Yumomi is a traditional method of cooling down hot spring water in Hakone. You can buy a Yumomi Kit, which includes a wooden paddle and a ceramic pot, to experience this traditional technique at home. 6. Local Snacks: Odawara offers a variety of local snacks that are worth trying and bringing back as souvenirs. Look for specialties like dried seafood, local sweets like ""Odawara no Tamago"" (egg-shaped cookies), or ""Kintsuba"" (a sweet bean paste-filled cake). 7. Hakone Glassware: Hakone is also known for its glassware production. Consider buying beautiful glassware items such as cups, vases, or ornaments made by local artisans. 8. Matcha Products: Japan is famous for its matcha (green tea) products, and Odawara is no exception. Look for matcha-flavored snacks, candies, or even high-quality matcha powder to bring back home. Remember to check the customs regulations of your home country regarding food and alcohol before purchasing these items. Enjoy your shopping experience in Odawara!
Odawara travel review
Odawara: Exploring the Gateway to Japan's History and Nature Located just an hour away from Tokyo, Odawara is a charming city that serves as the gateway to Japan's rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. With its proximity to the iconic Mount Fuji and historical landmarks, Odawara offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions that will captivate any traveler. One of the must-visit attractions in Odawara is the majestic Odawara Castle. Dating back to the 15th century, this historic castle stands proudly on a hill overlooking the city. As you approach the castle, you'll be greeted by the massive stone walls and the imposing main gate. Inside, you can explore the well-preserved castle grounds, visit the museum to learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of the main tower. During cherry blossom season, the castle is surrounded by a sea of pink, creating a truly enchanting sight. For those seeking a deeper insight into Japan's feudal past, a visit to the Hakone Sekisho is a must. This reconstructed checkpoint was once an important part of the Edo period's transportation system, controlling the flow of people and goods. You can step back in time as you walk through the gate and explore the various buildings, including the inspection office and the barracks. The checkpoint also offers a beautiful view of the nearby Hakone mountains, adding to the overall charm of the experience. Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise in Odawara. The city is nestled at the entrance of the Hakone National Park, offering easy access to the stunning natural wonders of the region. One of the most popular destinations is the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a unique outdoor art museum surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views of the mountains. Here, you can admire a vast collection of sculptures and installations by both Japanese and international artists, making it a truly immersive and inspiring experience. Another natural gem near Odawara is the Ashi Lake. Situated in the scenic Hakone area, this picturesque lake offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. You can take a leisurely boat ride across the lake, hike along the surrounding trails, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The lake is also surrounded by hot springs, making it the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. Food lovers will also be delighted by Odawara's culinary scene. The city is known for its fresh seafood, particularly its succulent eel dishes. Be sure to try the local specialty, ""Unadon,"" which is grilled eel served over a bed of rice. The combination of tender eel and flavorful sauce is simply divine. Odawara is also home to numerous traditional Japanese sweets shops, where you can indulge in delicious treats like ""yokan"" (a jelly-like sweet) and ""castella"" (a sponge cake). In conclusion, Odawara offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culinary delights. Whether you're exploring the ancient castle, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Hakone National Park, or savoring the local cuisine, Odawara is a destination that will leave a lasting impression. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey through time and nature in this enchanting city.