Shinkansen Odawara Station is your gateway to Japan's cultural heritage and natural beauty. While often seen as a transfer point to Hakone, Odawara Station also offers access to unique local attractions that many travelers pass by.
This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know—from navigating Shinkansen services and station facilities to exploring lesser-known spots such as traditional craft workshops and local eateries that reflect the area’s character.
Odawara Station is located 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture. This major hub connects Tokyo with Hakone and serves as the gateway to Japan's famous hot spring resorts. Most visitors use it to reach Hakone, but Odawara itself offers authentic experiences including a reconstructed castle, traditional crafts, and fresh seafood from Sagami Bay.
The Tokaido Shinkansen line serves Odawara Station, connecting Tokyo with major cities such as Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka along Japan's Pacific coast. However, only two types of Shinkansen trains stop at Odawara:
Please note that Nozomi trains do not stop at Odawara Station. Nozomi services are the fastest and stop only at major cities like Tokyo, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka, bypassing smaller stations like Odawara entirely.
Shinkansen trains at Odawara use Tracks 13 and 14. Signs and car numbers are clearly marked in Japanese and English.
Wait in the area matching your car number on the platform floor. Doors open automatically when the train stops.
If you’re getting off, prepare early—Shinkansen stops are brief, so have your bags ready.
The JR Pass is valid on all JR-operated services at Odawara Station, including both the Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama and Hikari only) and the conventional JR Tokaido Line to destinations like Atami.
Private lines such as the Hakone Tozan Railway and Odakyu Line are not included in the JR Pass.
For the most convenient Shinkansen booking experience, use Japan Bullet Train's online reservation system. This service specializes in helping foreign visitors and residents book Shinkansen tickets without the hassle of language barriers.
Japan Bullet Train offers multilingual customer support and accepts international payment methods. After booking, you receive a QR code that you can exchange for paper tickets at the station. This eliminates the need to navigate complex ticketing machines or wait in long lines at ticket counters.
The journey from Shinkansen Odawara Station to Hakone-Yumoto takes about 15 minutes via the Hakone Tozan Railway, which also hosts through-service Odakyu trains from Shinjuku. From there, you can travel deeper into the Hakone region—Gora, Lake Ashi, and Owakudani—using a well-connected network of mountain trains, cable cars, ropeways, and sightseeing boats.
The full journey to Lake Ashi, including transfers, takes roughly 90 minutes depending on your final stop.
To make the most of your trip, consider the Hakone Free Pass, which includes round-trip transportation from Odawara and unlimited rides on most Hakone-area transport (buses, trains, ropeways, and boats).
You can buy the pass at Odawara Station from:
The Hakone Tozan Railway provides a scenic 15-minute ride from Odawara through forests and hills. Trains run frequently.
Alternatively, the Odakyu Romancecar is a limited express train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto. Some trains stop at Odawara, offering a comfortable and direct transfer from the Shinkansen (an express ticket is required).
Both options connect smoothly with other Hakone transport systems.
From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station.
At Gora, transfer to the Hakone Ropeway, which takes you to Owakudani (famous for its volcanic steam vents) and then down to Lake Ashi, where you can board the popular pirate ship-style sightseeing boats.
Atami, a seaside hot spring resort, is another attractive destination. Take the JR Tokaido Line from Odawara for about 20 minutes, or use the Kodama Shinkansen for a fast 7–8 minute ride.
Atami offers a different onsen experience from Hakone, featuring ocean views, traditional ryokan inns, and easy access to the Izu Peninsula.
Shinkansen Odawara Station features multilingual signage in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Digital displays throughout the station provide real-time train information and announcements in multiple languages.
Station maps are available at information desks and posted throughout the building. The layout is straightforward, with clear directions to different railway lines, exits, and facilities.
● See More: Guide Maps for Major Stations (Odawara Station) by JR-EAST
Odawara Station has several coin locker areas in both the east and west exits, available in multiple sizes to fit anything from small bags to large suitcases—ideal for travelers heading to Hakone with lighter day packs.
For oversized luggage or longer storage needs, there is also a manned luggage storage office located inside the east exit area, next to the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center. Staff are available to assist, and the service operates during daytime hours.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Odawara Tourist Information Center. For continuous and reliable internet access during your travels, consider pocket Wi-Fi or an eSIM from Japan Wireless.
The Odawara Tourist Information Center offers maps, brochures, and multilingual assistance, making it a helpful stop for international visitors.
ATMs that accept international cards are available both inside the station and in the surrounding area. Currency exchange services for major currencies are also available near the station.
Odawara Station and its surrounding area offer a wide variety of dining options, including Japanese, Western, and fast food. You can choose from quick noodle stands, casual cafes, sushi and tempura restaurants, or even sit-down eateries with views of the mountains.
Two major shopping complexes—Lusca Odawara (inside the station) and Minaka Odawara (just outside the east exit)—feature well-equipped restaurant floors and food courts, making it easy to find a meal no matter your taste or schedule.
Many restaurants provide English and photo menus, ensuring a stress-free dining experience for international visitors. Odawara Station is a convenient and welcoming stop for food lovers.
The station's convenience stores and food shops sell a wide variety of bento lunch boxes perfect for train travel or Hakone sightseeing. Local specialties include kamaboko (fish cake) bento and boxes featuring fresh seafood from Sagami Bay.
You’ll also find stalls and casual eateries offering deep-fried horse mackerel (aji no karaage), locally caught fish prepared in various styles, and the regional favorite Odawara oden, a light broth-based dish with assorted ingredients like daikon, tofu, and fish cakes. These can be enjoyed on the spot or taken away, making them ideal for a quick meal before your journey.
Look for seasonal or limited-edition bento that highlight regional ingredients and traditional flavors—perfect for your Shinkansen ride or a relaxing break during sightseeing.
Station gift shops offer a comprehensive selection of Odawara and Hakone souvenirs. Popular items include beautifully crafted yosegi woodwork, a traditional art form representing the region's craftsmanship.
You’ll also find kamaboko products sold as packaged souvenirs in various flavors and attractive wrapping—great for taking home or gifting. Other options include regional sake, traditional sweets, and handmade local crafts that reflect the area's unique culture.
Odawara Castle stands as the city's most famous landmark, just a short walk from the station. This reconstructed castle offers panoramic views of the mountains and Sagami Bay, with beautiful seasonal gardens.
The castle features interactive exhibits about samurai culture and Japanese history. Visitors can try on traditional armor, participate in ninja experiences, and enjoy hands-on activities about feudal Japan.
Hayakawa Port is about 15–20 minutes on foot or one train stop from Odawara Station. It hosts a small, local fish market offering a glimpse into daily coastal life. Unlike tourist-heavy spots like Tsukiji, this market is quiet and authentic.
In the early morning, fishermen auction off fresh seafood from Sagami Bay. Though small, it reflects Odawara’s strong ties to the sea.
Nearby eateries serve fresh sashimi and grilled fish, making it a great stop for travelers seeking local flavor off the beaten path.
The area around Odawara Station offers numerous dining options that cater to international visitors. Many restaurants serve fresh seafood from nearby Sagami Bay, including sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and deep-fried specialties like aji no karaage (fried horse mackerel), all prepared using traditional Japanese techniques.
Tea houses and cafes near the station provide a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy traditional sweets along with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Odawara offers hands-on cultural experiences that allow visitors to create traditional crafts and foods. Kamaboko-making workshops teach the traditional techniques for creating these decorative fish cakes.
Yosegi woodworking experiences let you create intricate geometric patterns using traditional Japanese joinery techniques. Tea ceremony experiences provide insight into Japanese hospitality and mindfulness practices, often conducted in traditional settings with views of the castle or mountains.
● See More: Odawara Guide by The Odawara Tourism Association (DMO)
Shinkansen Odawara Station serves as your perfect gateway to both traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty. Whether you're transferring to Hakone or exploring Odawara itself, the station's facilities make travel simple and enjoyable.
Remember that only Kodama and Hikari trains stop at Odawara—Nozomi trains bypass the station. The station offers excellent luggage storage options, multilingual signage, and easy access to local attractions like Odawara Castle and cultural workshops.
For the smoothest experience, book your Shinkansen tickets in advance through Japan Bullet Train to ensure confirmed seats and eliminate language barriers.