Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the history and stories of the samurai and ninja at Odawara Castle on this exploration and experience into Japanese culture and history. Odawara Castle is the centerpiece for this walking tour that will include historic insight, local goods, craft shops, and much more. This castle was the grounds for some of Japan's most famous samurai and ruled over a large part of central Japan during the Sengoku Period of Japanese history. The city of Odawara still has many connections to the traditions and culture of the time of the samurai.
Learn about the history of the samurai, architecture of Japanese castle, and all about the mysterious ninja. A short stop by a local shrine is also included as we explore this historic city on foot.
Odawara is conveniently located just south of Tokyo, nestled between the shores of the Pacific Ocean and mountains of Hakone.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Entrance tickets to the Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum, and Odawara Castle are included.
We will be walking through the town, please feel free to try the local food, but not included.
What To Expect
Odawara Station Tourist Information Center
In the Odawara Station inside the East exit, there is the Tourist Information Center next to New Days convenience store. This is where the tour will start.
Odawara
From here you will enjoy a city walking tour with a local bilingual guide as you explore this historic city on foot. The city of Odawara still has many connections to the traditions and culture of the time of the samurai. There is lots to see, do, and experience in the seaside city of Odawara.
Options
Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
What a Great Find!!!
33estheri,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great find. Our family had a wonderful time with our tour guide Naoya Asao. He was very knowledgeable and made our tour of the city of Odawara, Ninja and Samurai Museums, Odawara Castle and Hotoku Minomiya Shrine unforgettable. The observation of the city from the roof top was outstanding. What a surprise to have a foot bath. It felt so good. The Ninja and Samurai Museums were so much fun. The grandchildren were able to play out being Ninja warriors. The star throwing against the enemy was a lot of fun. The Odawara Castle was such a beautiful site. It was nice that we were able to go to the 5th floor of the castle and to go out to see the views from the castle. The souvenirs that we received from the city of Odawara and the Ninja museum were unexpected. We learned so much about the city and its history. This was truly a memorable tour for our family. If anyone ask about what tour they should take, I will definitely recommend this one. Thank you!!!
A great experience in Odawara
G8243LKjaneth,
Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can highly recommend this tour and our guide, Jeff! He was a friendly knowledgeable host with a love for Japan. We walked through the town and heard about the history of the city and of Japan in general. We visited the castle, multiple museums and a shrine all in a few hours. He gave us insights and a unique perspective that we would never have known about otherwise. He was able to personalize the tour and found us an excellent traditional noodle restaurant at the end of our tour.
A great tour covering a lot of Hakone
jaysf,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Siego was a wonderful guide. Lots of interest facts and he really took great care of my wife snd I We could never have covered as many sights on our own
Downtown and Castle tour!
Q8267TKjoef,
Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I had a great experience on this tour. We went through Odawara’s downtown with various shops and restaurants, then went through the castle itself. My guide, who asked to be called Ninja, was very knowledgeable. He even helped me take a detour to find a nice gift for my girlfriend back home! He was very kind. It was a very nice tour and a good way to learn the history of Odawara.
Excellent tour with a great guide!
M9119GNmichaelt,
Oct 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent tour with our guide Naoya. We started near Odawara station, including a high view point of the city and a pleasant footbath. We then checked out Odawara castle and various sights on the grounds. We were able to bypass several lines thanks to our guide. Naoya was knowledgeable, giving us historical and cultural insights throughout the tour. He was also very accommodating of us when we needed breaks to rest or feed our baby and was also very flexible, tailoring the tour to our specific interests. During the tour he took great group pictures for us, brought us to try several delicious snacks, and even gave us some small souvenirs at the end! Overall an outstanding tour, and we look forward to visiting Odawara again!
Go to Odawara and sign up for this tour.
Alan T,
Jul 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Jeff 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.
Best tour experience ever!
Deena A,
Jun 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our walking tour to Odawara Castle was truly perfect. It rained cats & dogs but it didn’t dampen our experience a drop. Our experienced guide Jeff was personable, full of interesting, detailed stories and a depth of knowledge that included both an historical and contemporary perspective. It was so much fun for us and our history buff 17 year old son. Our only regret is that he couldn’t be our guide in every city in Japan. Thank you for pairing Jeff with us.
Amazing tour to get to see another side of Japan
jasonpG1494RT,
May 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Naoya was an amazing tour guide for Odawara and Odawara castle! Not only was learning about the castle and all of it’s history amazing, but it was super refreshing to get off the beaten path and see a much quieter place than the busy, tourist filled streets of Tokyo. In addition to the castle, we also got to check out an amazing shrine and got to walk around the town and even see the ocean. The trip to Odawara is also very short and only a half hour ride on the bullet train. Highly recommended if you want to see another side of Japan.
Touring Japan
Alan R,
May 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Jeff was more than the best! Assisted in my wife’s health issue, took us different food and shopping - super!
Amazing tour with a great guide!
Leif D,
Oct 27, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour with a guide deeply rooted to the town with lots of local knowledge. First he lead us to the highest point of the town with a great view to the town and the castle from afar. Then we went to the castle where he told us lots of stories and historical facts. Afterwards we had a exceptional lunch nearby the local fishmarket. No tourist anywhere to be seen except us. It was a great experience. Would do it again anytime! :)
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Operated by Discover Odawara