If you’re planning a relaxing hot spring getaway near Hakone or exploring Kanagawa prefecture, Odawara Station is truly an ideal stop for your trip! This station has convenient train lines to take you to Hakone or Shinjuku and its famous nearby sightseeing spots. Let’s embark on an adventure to explore these remarkable places together!
Odawara Castle
This rebuilt Japanese castle is about a 10-minute walk from the east exit of Odawara Station. Its story goes back to the middle of the 15th century when it was first constructed. It was a fortress for the Hojo clan, a powerful family during Japan’s Warring States era.
Even though this castle has faced many battles and earthquakes over the years, it still stands strong today as a symbol of resilience and history. It’s also one of the 100 great castles in Japan. Visitors can explore three stories on the outside and four on the inside, filled with exhibits showcasing the castle’s history and displays of armor and swords.
The top floor offers breathtaking views of the surrounding park. Surrounding Odawara Castle are beautiful gardens with various flowers, such as cherry blossoms, lotus blossoms, plum blossoms, and wisteria. You can also enjoy numerous activities on the castle grounds, including a visit to the Ninja Museum and the Tokiwagi Samurai Museum.
Chinriu Honten
Chinriu Honten is the flagship store of a famous brand specializing in ume (plum) products. It stemmed from the Chinryutei restaurant, established in 1873 by Monya Komine, the final head chef of Odawara Castle. What makes Chinriu’s products so unique and popular is its ingredients! They carefully handpick only local farmers’ finest fruits and herbs to ensure every bite tastes delicious. Their goodies are suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets.
At Chinriu Honten, an extensive umeboshi collection has existed for 150 years. You can also check out a massive 600kg barrel they used for making umeboshi and some other old things from around 1900. Besides ume, Chinriu Honten also sells many products made from red shiso and sakura. Plus, they have traditional Japanese sweets like ume hard candy, ume yuzu yokan, and yuzu mochi.
Odawara Ohoribata Manyono Yu
Odawara Ohoribata Manyono Yu is a unique hot spring resort just a one-minute walk from Odawara Station. This place is like a magical hideaway, opening 24/7 all year round for you to visit. Here, you can dip yourself into warm, comforting hot springs that bubble up from Yugawara Springs. Furthermore, you can chill out in the open-air baths up on the roof or take it easy in the indoor baths, feeling all your stress disappear.
Moreover, this resort has six floors with space and features to help you unwind completely. On the third floor, you’ll find the restaurant Manyoan, serving delicious Japanese dishes ranging from fresh seafood to mouthwatering desserts. They are all made with seasonal ingredients. In addition, you can also experience additional services on the fourth or fifth floors, such as foot massages, Thai-style, and Korean-style massages.
Odawara Lusca
Odawara Lusca is a fantastic shopping center. When you step out of JR Odawara Station, you’ll spot this shopping mall immediately on your right side. Inside, nearly 100 stores are waiting for you to explore! You’ll surely find all sorts of stuff here, like the latest fashion, makeup, and even Japanese snacks and crafts.
Not to mention, some stores even let you shop without paying taxes! So don’t forget to buy some souvenirs from Odawara at this Lusca to bring home. Moreover, you can also grab a bite to eat at the restaurants here, where they serve tasty Japanese food and yummy ramen.
Shofukuji Temple
Shofukuji Temple in Odawara is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple located in the northeastern part of the city. It was founded in 753 AD, though the main hall was rebuilt in 1706. The temple is the 5th temple in the Bandō Sanjūsankasho, a pilgrimage circuit of 33 Kannon temples in the Kantō region. The temple features a Jūichimen Kannon, an eleven-headed statue of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. While the temple buildings cannot be entered, visitors can walk through the temple grounds and observe the architecture from the outside
Why should I visit these places near Odawara station?
Discovering the hidden gems near Odawara Station is an adventure waiting to happen! From unwinding in a renowned resort’s hot springs to indulging in a fascinating castle’s rich history, there’s plenty to explore. Each destination offers its own memorable experiences you will want to experience. Where will you head first when you stop at this beloved train station? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
