11. Experience Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Japanese Inn
· 1 hours- The event will take place in a room in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese inn that combines history, charm, and modernity. - You will be able to experience tea preparation by an Urasenke instructor. - You will be able to taste tea prepared by the instructor and traditional Japanese sweets. - You will also be able to experience making tea yourself.
22. Odawara: Zen Calligraphy Experience at Temple
· 2 hoursEngage with the tranquil art of Japanese calligraphy within a historic temple in Odawara, just a short train ride from Tokyo. Guided by a Zen priest, this experience offers a unique opportunity to create your own personalized scroll while immersing yourself in the meditative process of ink grinding and brush strokes. All materials are provided, and you'll don a traditional samue for a complete cultural experience. Choose a kanji character that resonates with you, crafting a lasting keepsake infused with the essence of Zen and Japanese aesthetics.
33. Odawara Samurai Heritage and Local Seafood Lunch Tour
· 3.5 hoursDid 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.
44. Mount Fuji Japan Cycling Tour
If you are a cyclist, it is natural that you want to conquer the highest mountain in Japan. This is the best tour in Japan for people who love cycling, with the best stage and environment, to climb the highest mountain in Japan. This is a private tour with the highest quality bikes, mechanics, and support cars, so you can fully concentrate on the best cycling. The start is Odawara Station, 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo. From there, you will climb Hakone via the historic Tokaido road. Beginners can stop at the 20km. From there, you will continue climbing Mt. Fuji. When you reach the top of the Fuji Subaru Line, the highest public road in Japan, you will be proud to say that you have "climbed the highest mountain in Japan."
55. Only 1 Group per Day – Odawara Castle Samurai Experience
· 3 hoursExplore the History of Odawara Castle: A 3-Hour Guided Tour Join us for a 3-hour guided tour of Odawara Castle, where history and culture come to life! The tour starts with a warm greeting at Odawara Station, followed by a stroll through the historic castle town. You'll spend about 90 minutes exploring the main keep (Honmaru) and turrets (Yagura), learning about the Sengoku period and the samurai who once lived here. Your guide will share captivating stories of the castle's past and its role in Japanese history. For a fun twist, you'll have the chance to wear traditional samurai jackets and pose for photos with a fan. The tour wraps up with a relaxing visit to a cozy café, where you can enjoy a traditional cup of matcha tea, experiencing a bit of Japanese tea culture. Perfect for history lovers, samurai fans, and anyone curious about Odawara Castle’s unique blend of the past and present!
66. Lacquer Polishing Create Unique Japanese Tableware
· 2 hoursOne of the reasons why the Golden Globe-winning "SHOGUN" became a huge hit is its dedication to Japanese beauty and culture, and its uncompromising attitude. Since Washoku (Japanese cuisine) was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 4, 2013, its popularity has skyrocketed. Odawara lacquerware, a traditional craft made in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was designated as a "Traditional Craft" by the Minister of International Trade and Industry (now the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) in May 1984. Create your own unique patterned Japanese tableware and continue to feel the world and culture of Washoku even after returning home!
77. Hike Hakone Hachiri
5.0· 52 reviews· 9 hoursHike a section of the ancient forest-clad Tokaido Highway that links Tokyo with former capitals Kyoto and Osaka. Experience Amazake Chaya, one of the few remaining of hundreds of teahouses that lined the old Tokaido, Cedar Avenue with towering 400 year-old Japanese cedar patrolling both sides of the trail, and stunning views of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) from Yamanaka Castle Ruins, and more. Hakone Hachiri has been declared a Japan Heritage Area. Allow our guide to immerse you in the history, culture, and natural heritage of this ancient route.
88. Forest Bathing in Temple and Enjoy onsen with healing power
5.0· 20 reviews· 6 hoursThis is a forest bathing journey. We begin at Odawara Station, traveling by train to the forest area. Here, a 600-year-old temple awaits, surrounded by ancient cedars that have stood for centuries. These towering giants are central to the Shinrin-yoku experience, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and absorb the forest atmosphere. As we practice mindful forest bathing along the temple path, you'll engage all your senses—feeling ancient bark, listening to rustling leaves, and inhaling phytoncides released by the trees, known to boost wellness. After immersing in the healing silence, we'll enjoy lunch at a local temple chaya nestled in the woods. The experience culminates in the ultimate Shinrin-yoku tradition: a therapeutic onsen within the same forest. Let mineral-rich waters melt tension while surrounded by nature. This seamless blend of mindful walking, cultural connection, and thermal healing creates a holistic Shinrin-yoku session you won't find elsewhere.
99. Wadaiko Experience in Odawara
5.0· 13 reviews· 1.5 hoursThis program allows even first-time participants to safely experience the traditional Japanese instrument, wadaiko. The session begins with an introduction to the history and role of wadaiko, followed by a demonstration by the instructor. You will then be guided step by step on how to hold the drum and the basic drumming techniques. While playing the drums, you will also experience Japan’s unique rhythms and vocal calls. Finally, everyone will play a simple phrase together in a mini performance. Regardless of age or musical experience, this is a memorable experience where you can feel Japanese culture through sound and movement.
1010. Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience
5.0· 12 reviews· 2.5 hoursHosted by one of Japan's leading ninja experts and a bilingual local guide, this experience lets you meet and learn from a ninja scholar and take a tour of the Odawara Castle grounds and practice some of the fundamental techniques used by the ninja. The experience will start with a guided walking tour of Odawara Castle by a local bilingual expert, visiting the Samurai Museum and the castle grounds to see some authentic artifacts and learn about their role and culture. You will move through the Ninja Museum and learn and practice some of the techniques together with the ninja expert, such as meditation, movement, real tools and weapons used by ninja. Odawara is your gateway to Hakone and memorable experience in Japan. 3:30pm: Meet at the Ninja Museum in Odawara Castle Park 3:30pm: English guided tour in Odawara Castle Park 5:00pm: Ninja training experience at the Ninja Museum 6:00pm: Experience to finish
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