Only about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo,
Odawara is the perfect destination when you want a short getaway that still feels like a real trip.
When I actually visited Odawara on a day trip, I realized how effortlessly everything connects—history, nature, the sea, and food all flow together in one walkable route.
In this guide, based on a real walk starting from Shinjuku, I’ll share a one-day Odawara itinerary that you can truly enjoy without rushing✨
From Shinjuku to Odawara
From Shinjuku Station, it takes around 90 minutes to reach Odawara using the Shonan-Shinjuku Line or the Odakyu Line.
If you leave a bit earlier in the morning, you can enjoy lunch, sightseeing, the seaside, and dinner at a relaxed pace—all in one day.
🚉 Before Leaving Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station has many train lines and exits, which can feel overwhelming at first. However, once you understand its layout, getting to Odawara becomes much smoother.
Odawara Oden
Once you arrive in Odawara, head straight to Minaka Odawara, which is directly connected to the station!
Odawara Oden Honkan (Minaka Odawara) is best choice to go.
Many people line up before opening, and I did the same.
Even so, I was able to enter right when the restaurant opened.
The clear, delicate broth gently soaks into daikon radish, fish cakes, and eggs.
The flavor feels deep yet comforting, warming your body with every bite.
Rather than “tourist food,” this lunch truly reflects Odawara’s local food culture.
📍 Odawara Oden Honkan (Minaka Odawara)
Located inside Minaka Odawara, directly connected to Odawara Station, this restaurant is extremely easy to access and ideal for your first stop after arrival.
Walk to Odawara Castle
After lunch, simply walk toward Odawara Castle.
At first, I planned to head straight to the main tower.
However, the walk itself turned out to be full of highlights.
As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll pass stone walls, gates, and gardens, which clearly show that Odawara once thrived as a true castle town.
Inside the main keep, exhibits resemble a compact museum, making the history approachable even if you’re not a history expert.
🏯 Want to Explore Odawara Castle More Deeply?
Odawara Castle is enjoyable even if you explore on your own. However, if you prefer to understand its history efficiently, a guided tour can be a great option.
* English-guided tour. Ideal if you want to cover the highlights in a short time.
Hydrangea Season Is Extra Special
I visited Odawara during hydrangea season, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
Hydrangeas bloom beautifully throughout the castle grounds, adding seasonal color to the historic scenery.
In fact, Odawara is worth visiting year-round—
cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn leaves later in the year.
📍 Odawara Castle
A symbolic landmark of Odawara, offering far more than just the main keep. As you walk toward the tower, you’ll encounter gates, stone walls, and gardens, making it perfect for a relaxed historical stroll.
Through the Tunnel That Leads to the Sea
After leaving Odawara Castle, continue walking toward the coast.
Soon, you’ll find the “Tunnel Leading to the Sea.”
The moment you exit the tunnel, the view suddenly opens up, revealing the ocean ahead.
This transition feels incredibly refreshing—almost like stepping into an anime scene!
📍 Tunnel Leading to the Sea
An atmospheric tunnel on the way from Odawara Castle to the coast. As soon as you pass through it, the scenery opens up to the sea, making it a refreshing stop during your walk.
Strolling Around Odawara Station
After enjoying the seaside, return to the station area and slow down.
There’s no need to rush.
Inside Minaka Odawara, you can grab ice cream, browse souvenirs, or enjoy casual street food.
The complex itself feels like a mini castle town, which makes wandering around especially fun!
End the Day with Fresh Seafood
For dinner, head to Odawara Minato Shokudo, located near the station.
The sashimi set features fish delivered fresh that day, and the quality truly reflects Odawara’s identity as a port town.
Moreover, the prices feel reasonable, and the atmosphere remains comfortably local—a perfect way to end the day.
📍 Odawara Minato Shokudo
A popular local restaurant within walking distance of Odawara Station. Their sashimi set showcases fresh seafood and captures the true flavor of this port town, making it ideal for the final meal of a day trip.
Final Thoughts
Odawara, where you can enjoy so much in a day trip from Tokyo.
What stood out most during this trip to Odawara was how effortless yet fulfilling it felt.
- Easy access from Tokyo
- Walkable distances
- A perfect balance of history, nature, sea, and food
Altogether, Odawara proves to be an outstanding choice for a Tokyo day trip.
So next time you wonder, “Where should I go this weekend?”
Remember Odawara—a place where a single day truly feels like a journey.
