Explore Odawara Castle Samurai Seaside and Traditional Crafts
- 8h 38m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Please note that this tour does not use a private vehicle and uses public transport. This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors Step out of Tokyo and experience Japan’s Castle and Craft Town, Odawara. A seaside town buzzing with culture, nature and local flare. If you want to get off the beaten tourist path then this tour is for you! On this tour, you will have the opportunity to see one if Japan’s top 10 castles, Odawara castle and park (now the closest castle to Tokyo), learn all about the history of the city and the Samurai, the art of the Ninja, try the freshest Sushi and seafood at Odawara’s harbour, have a go at making two traditional local crafts, and finally pay a visit to a popular observatory with a relaxing foot bath to take in breath taking views of the landscape and surrounding ocean. The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including a historical landmarks, food, nature and craft experiences.
Inclusions
What's included
- Chochin Lantern experience and Wooden Coaster Experience
- Foot Bath experience
- Admission fees for Odawara Castle and park, Samurai Museum and Costume Experience
- Return Train Tickets from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station
- Local English speaking guide
What's not
- Trains and transport before and after the tour
- Food and drink
Itinerary
For our first destination, step back in time and admire the impressive Odawara castle. This iconic landmark is what Odawara is most famous for, and with it now being the closest castle to Tokyo, it is a must to experience during your trip! Your guide will tell you all about the history of Odawara, its castle and how it shaped local history. Climb to the top of the castle tower, and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views from the observation deck!
The Samurai Museum. Learn all about the Samurai who once governed Odawara and their culture. You will see impressive Samurai armour on display and have the opportunity to try armour (and kimono) on as part of your tour where you can take fun photos outside!
Odawara’s port is a great place to try the freshest fish and seafood Odawara has to offer! The fish and seafood available changes throughout the seasons, so it is an exciting chance to see what seasonal produce is on offer. As this is an active port, you are able to get up close to see the local fishermen in action slicing and dicing Sashimi or catching fish! Your guide will show you around the port and harbour where you can sample foods at your leisure. You can also enjoy your lunch break here to rest, eat and have a relaxing drink in any of the nearby restaurants with views of the sea. The views here are lovely, and there is even a Lighthouse here shaped like a giant Lantern!
We will visit a local craft centre where you can try your hand at traditional Odawara Chochin Lantern making and Yosegi wooden coaster making! This unique opportunity will allow you to learn all about the traditional and local art of these crafts which have shaped the culture of both Odawara and Kanagawa prefecture. Assisted by the friendly staff, this is a fantastic way to feel closer to Japanese heritage and culture, all in the cosy and welcoming setting of the centre. The Chochin Lantern and Yosegi coaster wooden experience will last approximately 90 minutes. You will take both items you make home with you as great souvenirs of your time in Odawara. You can choose the design you want for your Lantern, and it is collapsable so will fold away nicely in luggage! The centre also has a cafe where you can enjoy drinks and snacks.
For our final destination, we will explore Odawara Minaka, a newly built shopping and restaurant complex built in the style of the Edo period to evoke nostalgia and to provide a sense of how old Japan once looked! Here, we will enjoy a relaxing foot bath experience at the top of an observatory to relax after our day of exploring. The views from here are spectacular, where you can see all of Odawara, the Castle and sea. Foot baths are a traditional part of Japanese culture, and the water in these foot baths comes from nearby Hakone and its famous hot springs. If you have felt unsure about trying Onsen (Hot Springs) during your trip, then foot baths are a great alternative! This is the perfect way to conclude our day before we head back on the train to Shinjuku.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The tour will begin at 09:00am outside of Shinjuku station where you will meet your tour guide. You will meet outside of Shinjuku station’s SOUTH GATE by the "Green Window" ticket office (midori no madoguchi). Once everybody has arrived, you will officially start the tour!
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 25 travellers
- Operated by
- Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Tokyo
- Its from-price is 34% below the median of the 893 day trips we list in Tokyo.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Tokyo
Neon-lit districts, quiet shrines, superb food and distinct neighbourhoods make up Tokyo, a vast, orderly metropolis linked by punctual trains.
Every district feels like its own city. Shibuya's famous scramble crossing and Shinjuku's towers, bars and Golden Gai alleys pulse with energy, while Harajuku mixes youth fashion with the forested calm of the Meiji Jingu shrine. In Asakusa, the Sensō-ji temple and its market street keep an older Tokyo alive, and Ginza offers polished department stores and galleries.
Top-ranked sights in Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu).
Special offers in Tokyo
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
15% offFree cancellation
