Food and Culture Walking Tour near Tokyo

Meet us at Odawara Station, in front of the Shinkansen line. A local guide, will walk with you to the near castle park.

Learn about history of the castle town and about the structures of the different castle gates while walking through the park. Without entering the castle, the local guide will lead you to a small Shinto Shrine on the backside of the castle, where you will learn the rules of visiting a Shinto Shrine. Get to know the difference between temples and shrines in Japan and learn the importance of purification. Meet a real Shinto priest, listen to his stories and learn about way of believing and connection between Japans Religion and mother nature. Practice together with the Shinto priest how to use a sacred branch of tree and join an ancient Shinto ceremony.

After the ceremony you will proceed to a local restaurant, where you get the chance to taste a traditional menu, which was a common lunch during the Edo era. The guide will give you a short break-time to relax and enjoy the view on the surroundings.

We will later lead you to a hidden museum about traditional medicine, where you can learn about the history of the famous family business and get to know more about production of medicine.

Explore other small shops in the area, taste different local food and get the chance to meet and talk with the owners.

Visit an old Japanese villa and learn how to make your own bowl of traditional Matcha Tea.