Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Odawara Station
★4.0(1,917 reviews)Adventure
🕑 30 minutes to 1 hour at the station itself, but plan a full day (6-8 hours) for Hakone railway adventures and mountain exploration👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children are mesmerized by the scenic train rides and mountain views, while older kids and teens enjoy the hiking opportunities and the adventure of exploring multiple stops along the route.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Odawara Station serves as the perfect gateway for families exploring the spectacular Hakone mountain railway, offering breathtaking scenic journeys that captivate children and adults alike. This major transit hub provides easy access to outdoor adventures, including family-friendly hiking trails, hot springs, and stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days, making it an ideal base for memorable day trips.
Highlights
- ✓Scenic Hakone Tozan Railway with switchback tracks that fascinate train-loving kids
- ✓Clear views of Mount Fuji from various platforms on sunny days
- ✓Easy connections to ropeway rides, pirate ships on Lake Ashi, and family-friendly museums
- ✓Modern, clean facilities with English support for international families
- ✓Gateway to outdoor adventures including gentle hiking trails suitable for families
Pro Tips
- 1.Purchase the Hakone Free Pass at Odawara Station for unlimited travel on local transportation, which saves money and simplifies family travel with multiple kids
- 2.Arrive early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays when the railway gets packed with tourists
- 3.Download the Odakyu Line app or grab English maps at the information desk, as signage can be confusing for first-time visitors
- 4.The station has clean, Western-style restrooms and coin lockers perfect for storing luggage while you explore, making day trips much easier with children
- 5.Bring snacks and water from the station's convenience stores (Family Mart inside) as options become limited once you head into the mountains
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 8-9 AM are ideal to catch trains before crowds arrive. Visit during spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October-November) for stunning fall foliage that kids will love photographing.
What to Know
The station has English signage and staff who speak basic English at the tourist information center. Multiple coin lockers are available (300-700 yen), and the station complex includes convenience stores, restrooms, and restaurants perfect for grabbing supplies before heading out.
Seasonal Notes
The railway operates year-round, but winter (December-February) can bring snow delays. Spring cherry blossoms (late March-April) and autumn leaves (November) offer the most spectacular views. Summer (July-August) can be hot and extremely crowded. Book accommodations early during Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon (mid-August).
Nearby Eats
Odawara Station has an excellent food court on the upper floors with kid-friendly options including ramen, tempura, and tonkatsu restaurants. Don't miss the ekiben (station bento boxes) shops on the platform level, where kids can choose colorful boxed meals perfect for eating on the train.
More Activities Near Odawara
Restaurant
Odawara Atsugi Road Station
$$
Odawara Atsugi Road Station offers families a delicious introduction to regional Japanese cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Kids can sample local specialties, watch food preparation, and explore produce shops filled with colorful Japanese snacks and treats. It's an ideal lunch or dinner stop that combines cultural experience with family-friendly dining, allowing children to taste authentic Odawara flavors without the formality of traditional restaurants.
Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
★4.5$❤️409
The Hakone Open-Air Museum offers families a unique blend of art and outdoor exploration in the beautiful Hakone mountains. Kids can run freely among world-class sculptures in stunning natural settings, with interactive art installations and a dedicated play sculpture area where climbing and touching is encouraged. The museum's outdoor layout means children can enjoy art without the typical museum 'don't touch' restrictions.
Activity
Tenzan Onsen
★4.4❤️68
Tenzan Onsen offers families an authentic Japanese hot spring experience in a welcoming environment designed for all ages. This traditional onsen resort features multiple indoor and outdoor baths surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, giving children their first taste of Japan's beloved bathing culture while parents relax in the therapeutic mineral waters.
Nature
Lake Ashi
★4.4Free❤️30
Lake Ashi is a stunning volcanic lake in the Hakone region offering gentle boat cruises with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days, making it perfect for families seeking scenic outdoor experiences. Kids will love riding the colorful pirate ships across the calm waters while taking in spectacular mountain scenery, and the lakeside walking paths are stroller-friendly for younger children.