Tokyo to Odawara train with JR Central

Information about the Tokyo to Odawara train route

The Tokyo to Odawara train route is one of the most convenient and scenic rail connections in the Kantō region, linking Japan's bustling capital with the historic castle town of Odawara in Kanagawa Prefecture. The journey is served by the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Japan's iconic high-speed rail line, making it one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to travel between the two cities.

Departing from Tokyo Station (located at 1-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City), the shinkansen whisks passengers to Odawara Station (1-1-1 Shiroyama, Odawara, Kanagawa) in approximately 35 minutes on the Kodama service — a remarkable feat given the roughly 83 kilometers that separate the two cities. This makes the Tokyo to Odawara shinkansen a popular choice for both day-trippers and travelers heading further into the Hakone region.

Best time of year to visit Odawara

• 🌸 Spring (March–April): Cherry blossom season transforms Odawara Castle Park into one of the most photogenic spots in Kanagawa. Crowds are higher but the atmosphere is magical.
• 🍁 Autumn (October–November): Cooler temperatures and vivid autumn foliage make this an excellent time for exploring the castle grounds and surrounding area.
• ☀️ Summer (July–August): Warm and humid, but ideal if you plan to continue to Hakone for open-air baths and mountain views.
• ❄️ Winter (December–February): Fewer tourists, crisp air, and the chance to spot Mount Fuji with exceptional clarity on clear days.

We recommend using the JR Pass for traveling in trains all around Japan to save more money if you pretend to do many trips. You can check the correct prices for every station or shinkansen connection in Omio's JR Pass information.

Tokyo to Odawara by train: what to expect on board

The Tokyo to Odawara shinkansen experience is smooth, punctual, and distinctly Japanese. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned rail traveler, here is what to expect once you board.

The trains

The Tōkaidō Shinkansen operates several train types on this corridor. The Kodama is the most common choice for Tokyo to Odawara as it stops at every station, while the Hikari also serves Odawara. The Nozomi, Japan's fastest shinkansen service on this line, does not stop at Odawara, so be sure to choose the right service when booking.

Seating tips

• Seats on the right-hand side (D/E window seats, rows heading south): On clear days, traveling from Tokyo toward Odawara, sitting on the right side (seats D or E) gives you the best chance of spotting Mount Fuji as the train passes through Shin-Yokohama and beyond — typically around 25–30 minutes into the journey.
• Unreserved vs. reserved carriages: For a short journey like Tokyo to Odawara, unreserved seating (自由席, jiyūseki) is perfectly fine outside of peak travel periods. During Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holidays, reserved seats are strongly recommended.
• Green Car (first class): Available on all Kodama and Hikari services, the Green Car offers wider seats and a quieter environment — a nice upgrade for the price difference on this relatively short leg.

Onboard experience

The shinkansen is known for its punctuality — delays are measured in seconds, not minutes. Carriages are clean, air-conditioned, and equipped with fold-down tray tables and power outlets (on newer rolling stock). Luggage space is available above the seats and at the ends of carriages. For oversized luggage, a reserved "large luggage area" seat is required when carrying bags over a certain size — a rule enforced since 2020.

🍱 Pro tip: Pick up an ekiben (station bento box) at Tokyo Station before boarding. The shinkansen dining experience is part of the journey, and Tokyo Station's basement concourses offer some of Japan's finest ekiben selections.

Getting to Odawara and beyond

Arriving at Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is one of Japan's most iconic railway hubs, easily accessible by multiple metro and JR lines. The shinkansen platforms (accessible via the Marunouchi Central Gate or through dedicated shinkansen concourses) are clearly signposted in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Allow at least 15–20 minutes before departure to navigate the station, validate your JR Pass or collect your tickets, and find your platform.

• By Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway: The Marunouchi Line stops directly at Tokyo Station.
• By JR lines: Multiple JR lines (Yamanote, Chūō, Keihin-Tōhoku) connect at Tokyo Station.
• By taxi or bus: Drop-off points are located on both the Marunouchi and Yaesu sides of the station.

Beyond Odawara: onward connections

Odawara is not just a destination — it is a gateway. From Odawara Station, a wealth of onward options are available:

• 🚠 Hakone: The Hakone Tozan Railway departs from Odawara Station directly, winding up into the mountains toward Hakone-Yumoto and beyond. The Hakone Free Pass (available for purchase at Odawara Station) covers most transport within the Hakone area and offers discounts at attractions.
• 🚌 Hakone by bus: Odakyu Highway Bus services also run from Odawara to various Hakone destinations, including Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone on Lake Ashi.
• 🚆 Odakyu Romancecar: If you are traveling from Shinjuku rather than Tokyo, the private Odakyu Romancecar is a scenic and comfortable alternative for reaching Odawara, though it is not covered by the JR Pass.
• 🗻 Mount Fuji area: Odawara provides relatively easy access to the Fuji Five Lakes region via connecting bus or rail services.

What to expect when you arrive in Odawara

Odawara Station overview

Odawara Station is a compact but well-organized hub serving both shinkansen and conventional rail lines. Upon arrival, you will find clear English-language signage throughout. The station has two main exits — the East Exit (Sagami Bay side) and the West Exit (Castle side) — with the latter being the most convenient for reaching Odawara Castle and the town center.

Top things to see and do in Odawara

• 🏯 Odawara Castle (Odawara-jō): The city's most iconic landmark, a beautifully restored feudal castle just a short walk from the station's West Exit. The castle keep houses a museum, and the surrounding park is one of Kanagawa's most celebrated cherry blossom spots.
• 🐟 Kamaboko (fish cake) culture: Odawara is nationally famous for its kamaboko and chikuwa fish products. Several producers near the station offer factory tours and tasting experiences.
• 🛍️ Shopping and dining near the station: The streets around Odawara Station are lined with local seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and traditional confectionery stores. Look for Kamadai sweet potatoes and local mikan (mandarin oranges) as regional specialties.
• 🌊 Sagami Bay views: A short bus or taxi ride from the station brings you to the Odawara coastline, where views of Sagami Bay and the Izu Peninsula on clear days are well worth the detour.

Practical tips for arriving travelers

• 💴 Cash: While major shops and restaurants near the station accept cards, smaller establishments and local markets often prefer cash. There are ATMs inside the station (7-Eleven and Japan Post) that accept international cards.
• 🗺️ Tourist information: The Odawara City Tourism Office is located near the East Exit of Odawara Station and provides free maps and English-language guidance.
• 🚶 Walkability: Odawara Castle is approximately a 10-minute walk from the West Exit, making the city center very manageable on foot.
• ⏱️ How long do you need? A half-day is sufficient to visit the castle and explore the town center; a full day allows time for both Odawara and a short excursion into the lower Hakone area.