Odawara, just a gateway to Hakone, or much more?

Odawara (小田原市) is a coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture and gateway to the famous Hakone onsen town. Sadly, it is often overlooked as a standalone destination.

Though there are many options for accommodation, how could we resist not staying at Hilton Odawara Resport and Spa, a repeat winner for Japan's Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards. Complete with almost every amenity imaginable (natural hot spring, amusement arcade, indoor hydrotheraphy pool, spa, a tennis court and even a bowling alley!) Possible

Credit: Hilton Odawara

There are multiple free shuttle services provided by the property to Nebukawa Station (根府川駅) and Odawara Station (小田原駅) daily. On our way in, we came via Odawara Station to first have lunch at Odawara Kashiden (小田原鱼河岸でん), a Michelin Guide Chirashi place, just right beside the station. Here, you can find value-for-money bowls of Chirashi (approx ~¥1200 – 1900).

Can you spot the Odawara Castle (小田原城, Odawarajō) ?

Don't forget to to top up just ¥100 for a bowl of wholesome Miso soup with generous portions of ingredients and empowering umami

We didn't dare :X

Not even ¥2000!

Just in time for sunset

Magnificent view of Sagami Bay, like when you are in Atami

Well-stocked for the night

Foie Gras is included in the dinner buffet line!

Detoxing

Every amenity imaginable for the whole family!

Post-dinner onsen

Credit Hilton Odawara

We learnt from Hilton that their onsen is a sodium hydrogen carbonate hot spring, with the main anion components being the bicarbonate ion. Sodium Bicarbonate Saline hot springs (Tansan Suiso Ensen-炭酸水素塩泉), are sometimes known as “Spring for beauty” or “spring for the liver” in a nutshell.

Post-dinner onsen

Lounge area at the onsen

On the return, we took the free hotel shuttle from Hilton Odawara to Nebukawa station to grab a train back to Tokyo. Little did we know, there was a tragic story about this station.