museum
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Japan's first open-air museum showcasing a stunning collection of sculptures set against the backdrop of the Hakone mountains.
10 km · about 20 min drive
AsiaJapanKanagawa
Odawara
Kanagawa, Japan · Asia
About Odawara
Odawara works well as a base: 10 minutes from Kōzu, 11km from Hakone Turnpike.
Odawara is in Kanagawa, Japan, with about 190,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Kōzu, about 5 km away.
Odawara (小田原市, Odawara-shi) is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 September 2025, the city had an estimated population of 185,027 and a population density of 1,700 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 113.79 square kilometres (43.93 sq mi).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Odawara?
Within an hour or so of Odawara: Hakone Open-Air Museum (10 km), Hakone Turnpike (11 km), Hakone Turnpike Cafe (13 km), Hakone Mount Fuji Viewpoint (13 km).
Are there any good drives near Odawara?
The nearest famous roads are Hakone Turnpike, Yabitsu Pass and Venus Line.
Where is Odawara?
Odawara is in Kanagawa, Japan, about 5 km from Kōzu.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 188,856
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Kanagawa
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 35.2556, 139.1597
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Odawara
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
famous road
Hakone Turnpike
A toll road climbing from Odawara to a Mount Fuji viewpoint, a Japanese car-culture institution.
11 km · about 20 min drive
cafe
Hakone Turnpike Cafe
A car enthusiast gathering point on the Hakone Turnpike toll road, where Japanese car culture comes alive with weekend meetups against volcanic mountain backdrops.
13 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Hakone Mount Fuji Viewpoint
The Hakone region offers some of the best vantage points for viewing Mount Fuji, especially from the Owakudani volcanic valley.
13 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Mount Taikan Viewpoint
The summit lay-by on the Hakone Turnpike, looking across Lake Ashi to Mount Fuji from 1,011 m. A long-standing gathering point for drivers on one of Japan's best-known toll driving roads.
13 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Lake Ashi
A scenic crater lake in Hakone offering stunning views of Mount Fuji with traditional pirate ship cruises across its calm waters.
15 km · about 30 min drive
cafe
Ashigara Service Area
A premium Japanese highway rest stop on the Tomei Expressway with stunning Mount Fuji views, gourmet food courts, and hot spring foot baths.
19 km · about 20 min drive
mountain pass
Yabitsu Pass
A tight, tree-walled climb over the Tanzawa mountains west of Tokyo, long a favourite of motorcyclists and cyclists for its relentless switchbacks. The narrow western descent to Lake Miyagase is single-track in places.
20 km · about 25 min drive
Driving roads near Odawara
- Right hereHakone TurnpikeA toll road climbing from Odawara to a Mount Fuji viewpoint, a Japanese car-culture institution.
- Right hereHakone Mount Fuji ViewpointThe Hakone region offers some of the best vantage points for viewing Mount Fuji, especially from the Owakudani volcanic valley.
- Right hereMount Taikan ViewpointThe summit lay-by on the Hakone Turnpike, looking across Lake Ashi to Mount Fuji from 1,011 m. A long-standing gathering point for drivers on one of Japan's best-known toll driving roads.
- 20 kmYabitsu PassA tight, tree-walled climb over the Tanzawa mountains west of Tokyo, long a favourite of motorcyclists and cyclists for its relentless switchbacks. The narrow western descent to Lake Miyagase is single-track in places.
- 40 kmMount Fuji Fifth StationThe main starting point for summit climbs on Japan's highest and most sacred peak, accessible by bus at 2,300 meters elevation.
- 43 kmChureito PagodaA five-story pagoda offering one of the most iconic and photographed views of Mount Fuji, especially during cherry blossom season.
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