As Japan’s borders remain closed for international travellers, Odawara Tourism Association takes foreign tourists to Japan through virtual experiences. Two live-streamed online experiences called “Japanese Castle and Ninja Culture” and “Mindfulness Meditation with Japanese Monk” will be held from October to March 2021.

These are exclusive live-streamed experiences to share history, culture, and knowledge with special access to the grounds and keep of Odawara Castle. These experiences have been created for individuals and groups and will give viewers access to special places like the Ninja Museum and the top of Odawara Castle. The experiences will be hosted in both Japanese and English.

Japanese Castle and Ninja Experience

Odawara City in Japan is home to the famed Odawara Castle. Guests will first be taken on a walking tour of the Odawara Castle grounds and then have an exclusive experience with one of Japan’s foremost experts on the Ninja. The castle walking portion will give basic historical and cultural insight on the Castle and this time period in Japanese history.

The main portion focused on the Fuma Ninja of Odawara. The program’s total program time will be about one hour and gives participants the opportunity to see and learn about the techniques, weapons, and culture of the ninja from an expert after the castle history walk. The core of the program will be time to learn and use practical techniques used by ninja in breathing, concentration, weapons, and mindset.

Join the experience.

Mindfulness Meditation with Japanese Monk

A meditation experience with a monk at the top of Odawara Castle tower. This experience is held outside of business hours, so the venue is reserved for private use. Forget about your daily life as your monk guides you through this special space and activity. Spend some time relaxing and reflecting during the meditational experience. You can also enjoy a spectacular view from the top of the castle. A scenic beauty surrounded by the sea and mountains from the exclusive access to the top floor of Odawara Castle while we discover traditional techniques to find peace and balance in our lives. The program’s total time will be about 90 minutes.

Join the experience.

Odawara is a city full of tradition and culture located just south of Tokyo. The beautiful city sits on the coast between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of Hakone which also gives it delicious food to enjoy. This once was an influential centre of power for the Hojo clan and became an important commercial stop between Kyoto and Tokyo in the later years. There are still many temples, businesses, and festivals in the city that can trace their roots back to the time of the ninja and samurai. The compact city is easily explored on foot and enjoyed by visitors throughout the year.