Hands-On Tours
Looking for something beyond traditional sightseeing? Hakone and Odawara offer a variety of fun, hands-on activities. Our guide can help you choose the right experience, but please note that most require advance booking and may include extra fees or cancellation charges.
Things to Do
Matcha Tasting
Matcha is powdered green tea, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. At the Haku-undo Tea Garden in Gora Park—built about 100 years ago—you can enjoy matcha served with a Japanese sweet in a classic setting. Matcha is also available at several restaurants and cafés around Hakone and Odawara.
Hakone Yosegi-zaiku
Hakone Yosegi-zaiku is a traditional woodcraft passed down since the Edo period (1603–1867). By combining pieces of natural wood in different colors, artisans create intricate patterns such as ichimatsu (checkered). One of the most famous items is the puzzle box, which can only be opened through a series of clever steps. Some shops even offer hands-on workshops where you can try creating your own Yosegi-zaiku item.
Craft Experiences in Hakone
In Hakone, you can enjoy hands-on craft experiences such as glass blowing, ceramics, glass bead making, and sand blasting. For example, Hakone Craft House in Gora Park offers these activities. In many cases, you can take your creation home the same day, or have it shipped to your address afterwards.
Soba Noodle Making and Tasting
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour and slightly thinner than spaghetti, are enjoyed in a variety of hot and cold dishes across Japan. In Hakone and Odawara, soba restaurants are easy to find and very popular with locals and visitors alike. You can also join a workshop to make soba by hand and taste your own freshly prepared noodles afterward.
Kamaboko and Chikuwa
Kamaboko is a steamed fish paste and Chikuwa is a broiled version, both traditional foods widely enjoyed in Japan. At the Suzuhiro Kamaboko Workshop in Odawara, you can try making your own Kamaboko or Chikuwa and enjoy tasting your creation afterwards.
Zazen
Try Zazen in Hakone and experience the essence of Zen meditation. Sitting with legs crossed and focusing on steady breathing, you’ll find your mind naturally becoming calm. The practice is not about controlling thoughts, but gently returning to posture and breath, moment by moment.
