Discover Odawara as more than a stop on the way to Hakone. This relaxed walking tour brings together samurai history, castle scenery, traditional food culture, and the atmosphere of a historic regional town.

Meet your guide at Odawara Station and begin around Minaka Odawara, where local food shops and souvenir stores provide an easy introduction to the city. Learn about regional specialities such as kamaboko fish cake, traditional sweets, and seasonal snacks before continuing towards Odawara Castle.

Explore the spacious castle grounds while hearing the storey of the powerful Hojo clan, which ruled the region during Japan’s feudal era. Stone walls, gates, seasonal trees, and the white castle tower create memorable scenery throughout the year.

Depending on your interests and available time, you may choose to enter the castle tower at your own expense. Inside are exhibitions related to samurai history and the Hojo clan, while the upper floor offers views across Odawara and towards Sagami Bay on clear days.

Continue to Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine, located beside the castle grounds. Learn about Ninomiya Sontoku, a local historical figure remembered for his ideas about education, responsibility, and community life.

The walk then leads towards Kamaboko Street, a nostalgic area lined with long-established shops connected to Odawara’s fish-cake tradition. Browse traditional shopfronts, learn why seafood processing developed here, and choose whether to purchase local snacks or souvenirs.

Because this is a guided small-group walk, the pace remains relaxed, with time for questions, shopping, and natural travel photos along the way. Finish near Odawara Station with recommendations for additional food, souvenirs, or places to continue exploring.