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Odawara Photogenic Instagram-Worthy Tour — A Hidden Gem Near Hakone

Odawara castle

Miyuki no Hama

Hokoku Ninomiya Shrine

Former Matsumoto Gokichi House

Miyuki no Hama

Hotoku Hiroba

Cafe Tojoen

Odawara Photogenic Instagram-Worthy Tour — A Hidden Gem Near Hakone

Off the Beaten Path

Joined 2025

Yumiko O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kanagawa

English, Japanese (Native)

5 hours

Private tour (only you and Yumiko O.)

Up to 6 people

Please note that this tour takes place in Odawara, not Hakone.

Odawara is a relaxed coastal city and a hidden gem with far fewer tourists than Hakone. We will visit 3–4 photogenic spots; the seaside, retro cafés, the old house, etc (varies by day). Historical places like Odawara Castle (outside only) and shrines are also included. This is mainly a walking tour, with some public transport. The meeting point is Odawara Station, with optional Hakone-Yumoto pickup. Custom itineraries are available.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Odawara Station

- In front of the Shinkansen ticket gates at Odawara Station (•Pick-up options are also available from Hakone-Yumoto and Yokohama.)

09:20 AM

Odawara Castle (from outside)

Odawara Castle is a historic Japanese castle that once served as the center of the powerful Hojo Clan during the 15th–16th centuries. It played an important role in regional politics and defense. Today, the castle is beautifully reconstructed and surrounded by a spacious park, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photos.

09:50 AM

Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine

Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine is dedicated to Ninomiya Sontoku, a famous local scholar and agricultural reformer. The shrine honors his teachings of hard work and gratitude. It is a peaceful place with beautiful grounds and a popular spot for visitors to enjoy nature and take photos.

10:10 AM

Miyuki no Hama Beach

10:50 AM

Hakoneguchi Garage Hotoku Hiroba

Hakoneguchi Garage Hotoku Plaza is a charming spot near Odawara Castle. It features a vintage streetcar and a dried-flower shop, along with cafés and seating, making it a fun place to relax and take photos.

12:00 PM

Former Matsumoto-Gokichi’s House

The Former Matsumoto Gokichi Residence was the home of Gokichi Matsumoto, a local politician. Visitors can enjoy the traditional house, its tea room, and the beautiful garden, offering a glimpse of historic Japanese architecture and lifestyle.

12:40 PM

Cafe Tojoen

Tojoen Café in Hakone is a retro-style café with a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy tea, sweets, and take photos.

01:40 PM

Minaka Foot Bath

Odawara Minaka Footbath is a rooftop public hot spring where visitors can relax and enjoy warm water while taking in beautiful views of the city and surrounding area.

Ending Point

Odawara Station

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

•Guide fee

•Guide's expenses

What‘s not included

•Transportation fee (basically all walking, but in case of the itinerary change)

•Entrance fee (basically no entrance fee, in case of the itinerary change)

•Food and drink cost at cafes

Tour Important Information

• This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

• Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

• Transportation costs and café drinks are not included in the tour fee.

• The itinerary may change due to temporary closures or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Pick-up options are available from Hakone-Yumoto and Yokohama.

Not available on Mon/Tue.

Important message from the supplier

There are no particular restrictions on the days of the week.

I’m available for booking on any day when I don’t already have another tour scheduled.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Yumiko O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Yumiko O.

Hello, my name is Yumiko, and I am a licensed tour guide based in Japan.

It is my pleasure to share the beauty of Japan with travelers from all over the world. I have guided many visitors through Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, and other famous destinations, as well as hidden gems that only locals know.

My goal is always to create a tour that is not only informative but also enjoyable and personalized to your interests.

With a warm and flexible guiding style, I love helping guests discover Japan’s traditions, history, and everyday life. Whether you are interested in temples and shrines, delicious local food, or simply strolling through charming streets, I will do my best to make your time in Japan unforgettable.

I am excited to announce that I have started offering tours in Odawara!

Odawara is a historic castle town located just an hour from Tokyo, famous for its impressive Odawara Castle, beautiful views of both the sea and mountains, and its role as the gateway to Hakone. In addition to exploring the castle and tasting local specialties such as fresh seafood and kamaboko (fish cakes), you can also enjoy many Instagram-worthy spots, from the scenic coastline to charming traditional houses that give a glimpse of Japan’s past.

Odawara is still less crowded compared to other popular destinations, so it’s a great time to visit.

I look forward to welcoming you and creating wonderful memories together!