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Odawara Castle Walking Tour: Exploring Samurai History and Ninja Mysteries
4.9
15 Ratings
Odawara
Uncover the secrets of samurai and ninja at Odawara Castle on a walking tour through Japanese history. Explore the castle, learn about the architecture, and immerse yourself in the traditions of the samurai. Discover the seaside city of Odawara, just a short distance from Tokyo.
Uncover the secrets of samurai and ninja at Odawara Castle on a walking tour through Japanese history. Explore the castle, learn about the architecture, and immerse yourself in the traditions of the samurai. Discover the seaside city of Odawara, just a short distance from Tokyo.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Odawara Station Tourist Information Center - Located inside Odawara Station at the East exit, the Tourist Information Center is situated next to the New Days convenience store. This is the starting point for the tour.
- Odawara - Enjoy a city walking tour led by a local bilingual guide as you explore this historic city on foot. Odawara…
- Odawara Station Tourist Information Center - Located inside Odawara Station at the East exit, the Tourist Information Center is situated next to the New Days convenience store. This is the starting point for the tour.
- Odawara - Enjoy a city walking tour led by a local bilingual guide as you explore this historic city on foot. Odawara maintains strong ties to the traditions and culture from the samurai era. There is plenty to see, do, and experience in this charming seaside city.
- Odawara Castle Park - The grounds of Odawara Castle have been preserved, showcasing original forms and architecture that provide insight into historical castle-building techniques. These sites will be explored during the tour.
- Odawara Castle History Museum, Ninja-kan - Discover the true nature of ninjas. The tour includes a visit to the Ninja Museum, where you can learn about these enigmatic figures, their tools, and the techniques they mastered.
- Tokiwakimon Samurai Museum - Visit the Samurai Museum, which features an impressive collection of authentic samurai armor and swords within the castle grounds. This collection offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of the past, providing a glimpse into a fascinating part of Japanese history.
- Odawara Castle - Stroll around the castle grounds while discussing its history, architecture, and more. Inside the castle, the museum offers deeper insights and stories that bring the area’s history to life. Odawara Castle was the site of many significant conflicts and was frequented by some of Japan’s most notable historical figures.
- Hotokuninomiya Shrine - Situated on the castle grounds, this shrine honors one of Japan’s most renowned scholars and government officials. The tour includes a visit to learn about the shrine and the individual it commemorates. His statue is a common sight at elementary schools throughout Japan.
What's Included
- Entrance tickets to the Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum, and Odawara Castle included.
- Entrance tickets to the Ninja Museum, Samurai Museum, and Odawara Castle included.
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Lunch
Additional Information
Explore the rich history and captivating tales of the samurai and ninja at Odawara Castle, offering a deep dive into Japanese culture and history. This walking tour centers around Odawara Castle, providing historical insights, access to local goods, craft shops, and much more. The castle served as the base for some of Japan’s most renowned samurai and…
Explore the rich history and captivating tales of the samurai and ninja at Odawara Castle, offering a deep dive into Japanese culture and history. This walking tour centers around Odawara Castle, providing historical insights, access to local goods, craft shops, and much more. The castle served as the base for some of Japan’s most renowned samurai and governed a significant portion of central Japan during the Sengoku Period. The city of Odawara maintains strong ties to the traditions and culture from the era of the samurai.
Gain knowledge about the samurai’s history, the architecture of Japanese castles, and the enigmatic ninja. The tour also includes a brief visit to a local shrine as part of the exploration of this historic city on foot.
Odawara is conveniently situated just south of Tokyo, nestled between the Pacific Ocean’s shores and the mountains of Hakone.
Location
Odawara Station Tourist Information
Meet the guide at the Odawara Station Tourist Information Center inside Odawara Station.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(15 Ratings)
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33estheri
Jun 27, 2025
What a Great Find!!! - What 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!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G8243lkjaneth
Jun 23, 2025
A great experience in Odawara - I 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.
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Jaysf
May 28, 2025
A great tour covering a lot of Hakone - Siego 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
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M9119gnmichaelt
Oct 24, 2024
Excellent tour with a great guide! - We 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!
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Alan_t
Jul 12, 2024
Go to Odawara and sign up for this tour. - Jeff 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.
Review provided by Viator
Deena
Jun 22, 2024
Best tour experience ever! - Our 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jasonpg1494rt
May 22, 2024
Amazing tour to get to see another side of Japan - Naoya 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.
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Alan_r
May 21, 2024
Touring Japan - Jeff was more than the best! Assisted in my wife’s health issue, took us different food and shopping - super!
Review provided by Viator
Leif_d
Oct 27, 2023
Amazing tour with a great guide! - Amazing 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! :)
Review provided by Viator
Q8267tkjoef
Apr 18, 2025
Downtown and Castle tour! - I 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor