Oi to Odawara

Odawara Travel Guide

Odawara is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is situated on the Sagami Bay and is known for its historic castle, Odawara Castle.

Language

The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, many people in Odawara also speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Currency

The currency used in Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY).

Distance

Odawara is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Odawara from Tokyo:

• By train: The JR Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Odawara from Tokyo. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
• By bus: There are several bus companies that operate buses between Tokyo and Odawara. The journey takes about 2 hours.
• By car: It takes about 1 hour to drive from Tokyo to Odawara by car.

Expenses

The cost of traveling in Odawara will vary depending on your budget and travel style. However, here are some general estimates:

• Accommodation: A night in a budget hotel in Odawara will cost around 5,000 yen (US$45). A night in a mid-range hotel will cost around 10,000 yen (US$90). A night in a luxury hotel will cost around 20,000 yen (US$180).
• Food: A meal at a budget restaurant in Odawara will cost around 1,000 yen (US$9). A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around 2,000 yen (US$18). A meal at a luxury restaurant will cost around 5,000 yen (US$45).
• Transportation: The cost of transportation in Odawara will vary depending on how you get around. If you use public transportation, you can expect to spend around 1,000 yen (US$9) per day. If you rent a car, you can expect to spend around 5,000 yen (US$45) per day.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Odawara is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.

What to Eat

Odawara is famous for its seafood, especially its hokke (flatfish). Other popular dishes include:

• Odawara kamaboko: A type of fish cake made with fresh fish and flour.
• Sardine sushi: A type of sushi made with sardines.
• Shirasu don: A bowl of rice topped with whitebait.
• Odawara ramen: A type of ramen noodle soup with a soy sauce-based broth.

Where to Go

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Odawara include:

• Odawara Castle: A historic castle that was built in the 15th century.
• Hakone Open-Air Museum: An outdoor museum that features works by famous artists from around the world.
• Odawara Art Foundation Sculpture Garden: A sculpture garden that showcases works by contemporary Japanese artists.
• Odawara Suzaki Shrine: A Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the god of the sea.
• Odawara Fish Market: A market that sells a variety of fresh seafood.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Odawara:

• Is Odawara worth visiting? Yes, Odawara is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in Japanese history and culture. The city has a lot to offer, including a historic castle, beautiful gardens, and delicious food.
• How many days do I need to spend in Odawara? Two or three days is a good amount of time to spend in Odawara. This will give you enough time to see the city's main attractions and experience the local culture.
• Is Odawara a good base for exploring the Hakone region? Yes, Odawara is a good base for exploring the Hakone region. The city is well-connected to Hakone by train and bus, and it offers a variety of hotel and restaurant options.