Traditional sake brewing company founded in 1870 (Meiji 3). ※Group tours available. ※Contact in advance required. ※Tours only available in winter (January~March).

Built here in the early 700 A.D., Daijoin is a temple where you can practise waterfall meditation. Waterfall meditation is a way to liberate and regenerate oneself, and gain a sense of unity with the natural world. The monks at Daijoin practise waterfall meditation, and offer guidance to visitors who wish to try it themselves.

※Need to book at least one month in advance by phone or email. Since the establishment in 1789, Inoue sake brewery has made sake for 200 years around this area. Cool, underground water and selected rice ingredients are used to make this.

The Odawara Plum Festival is held from early February through early march each year. The Soga Plum Forest is the primary venue, and that is made up of three areas: Bessho, Hara, and Nakagawara. Each is operated primarily by the farmhouses that are located there. Bessho is the largest of the three, and features a citrus and vegetable stands, souvenirs, eateries, and more.

It is said that the ume (plum) groves were first planted by the Hojo clan during the Warring States period to provide food for the troops (some theories exist). Among the three plum groves: Bessho, Hara and Nakagawara, around 35,000 plum trees are in full bloom during the correct season and are framed by Mt. Fuji and Hakone. During the Ume Festival from early February to early March, events such as Odawara Chochin Odori, a local performing art, and lion dances are held. (Photo by photolibrary)