Odawara, Kanagawa, is a hidden gem in Japan. It offers beautiful nature trails and stunning parks without breaking the bank. I spent a day exploring its highlights: hiking through blooming mikan trees, enjoying delicious soba, and relaxing in a flower garden filled with roses. Here’s how to make the most of your trip to this lovely area.
Table of contents
- Getting There: The Journey to Odawara
- Hiking the Mikan Trail: A Scenic Adventure
- Lunch Break: Enjoying Soba in Matsuda
- Exploring Odawara Flower Garden
- Fun at the Park: The Roller Slide Experience
- Dining in Odawara: Sushi and Sake Delight
- The Verdict
Getting There: The Journey to Odawara
To reach Odawara, I took the train to Kozu Station. This station is close to Odawara and serves as a great starting point for exploring the area. The train ride was smooth and comfortable, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Once we arrived at Kozu Station, I felt excited about the nice hike ahead.
From Kozu Station, we headed towards the Mikan Hiking Trail. The trail is well-marked and easy to find, although we did get a little lost once, and backtracked for about 10 minutes, not too much of a problem. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists who want to experience nature without venturing too far from the city. Public transport in Japan is efficient, which makes getting around simple and stress-free.
Hiking the Mikan Trail: A Scenic Adventure
The Mikan Hiking Trail was our first stop. This trail is famous for its mikan trees, which were in full bloom during my visit. The warm, sunny weather made hiking even more enjoyable. As I walked along the path, I was surrounded by vibrant orange fruit hanging from the trees. It felt like stepping into a postcard.
The hike took about three hours in total. Along the way, I snapped plenty of photos of the beautiful landscape and blooming mikan trees. The trail offers stunning views of both mountains and valleys, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts like me.
After completing my hike, we arrived at Shimo-soga Station feeling accomplished and ready for lunch.
Lunch Break: Enjoying Soba in Matsuda
After my hike, it was time for a well-deserved lunch break. From Shimo-soga Station, we took a short train ride to Matsuda Station. Once there, we found a local soba restaurant that caught our eye.
Soba noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine, made from buckwheat flour. They are affordable yet delicious—perfect for budget travelers! At the restaurant, I ordered a bowl of cold soba with chiukuwa fry.
The noodles were cheap, only 600 yen and were decent and very welcome after the walking that we did.
Exploring Odawara Flower Garden
After lunch, it was time to explore more of what Odawara has to offer. We hopped back on the Odakyu Line train heading towards Odawara Station again before catching a bus to Odawara Flower Garden.
This garden is known for its stunning rose displays that bloom throughout spring and summer months. When I arrived at the garden, it did not disappoint—the sight of colorful roses and their scents filled the senses.
Walking through beautifully arranged flower beds offered plenty of photo opportunities; each rose seemed more vibrant than the last! The air smelled sweet with floral scents that made wandering through this garden, very nice.
In addition to roses, there were other flowers blooming too—making it an excellent spot for anyone interested in photography or simply enjoying nature's beauty.
Next up was one exciting feature: the long roller slide through part of the park on a hill! But that’s another adventure waiting ahead…
Fun at the Park: The Roller Slide Experience
After exploring the Odawara Flower Garden, We were tired out and needed a rest, so we looked for the long roller slide located in the park on a hill. This slide is a favorite among both kids and adults. it took us a few minutes nearer to the station at the bottom of the hill.
The slide is quite long and offers an exhilarating ride down the hill. As I sat on the mat and pushed off, I felt happy, not having to walk through the park.
Once at the bottom, I couldn’t help but smile. It was quite a nice way to travel! Some families were enjoying the slide too, creating a lively atmosphere in the park. After our ride, I took some time to relax on one of the benches nearby, soaking in the cheerful vibes around me.
If you visit Odawara Flower Garden, be sure to check out this roller slide. It’s perfect for some light-hearted fun.
Dining in Odawara: Sushi and Sake Delight
After all that activity, my stomach started rumbling again. It was time to indulge in some local cuisine back in Odawara. The city is known for its fresh seafood and delicious sushi options.
I wandered around near Odawara Station until I found a small sushi restaurant that looked inviting. The atmosphere was casual yet cozy—just what I wanted after a day of exploring.
I ordered several pieces of sushi along with some sake to wash it down. The sushi was made with fresh fish caught from nearby waters, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. Each piece melted in my mouth; it was clear that quality ingredients were used here.
The sake complemented my meal perfectly. Its smooth taste enhanced the flavors of the sushi without overpowering them. If you’re looking for an authentic dining experience while visiting Odawara, don’t miss out on trying local sushi paired with sake.
As we enjoyed my meal, we started to plan the next weekends trip to Shizuoka City to the Craft Whiskey and Beer festival, but that's a story for another day.
The Verdict
Odawara is truly an excellent destination for budget travelers who love nature and good food. My day began with beautiful hikes and ended with tasty meals—all without spending too much money.
Transport around Odawara is easy thanks to trains and buses connecting various spots seamlessly. You can explore many attractions within just one day if planned well.
Whether you're into hiking or simply want to enjoy scenic parks filled with flowers, Odawara has something special for everyone. Plus, indulging in local cuisine like soba noodles or fresh sushi adds another layer to your adventure here.
I highly recommend visiting if you find yourself near Kanagawa Prefecture! With its charm and affordability combined with stunning sights—it's hard not to fall in love with this delightful town.