Odawara

The must-see attractions include Odawara Castle, the Hakone area (including the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Lake Ashi), and the Enoura Observatory. The castle offers a rich history and panoramic views, while Hakone provides natural beauty and artistic experiences. The Enoura Observatory is a unique art installation with stunning coastal views.

Odawara is easily accessible by train. The most common route is via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station, which takes approximately 35 minutes. You can also take the slower but more scenic JR Tokaido Line or the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station.

The best time to visit Odawara is during the spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (fall foliage season) for the most beautiful scenery. However, the city is enjoyable year-round, with summer offering opportunities for outdoor activities in Hakone and winter providing views of snow-capped mountains.