Odawara Hakone Systematized Goodwill Guide Club

The Odawara Hakone Systematized Goodwill Guide Club (OHSGG) is the second SGG club to be established in Kanagawa prefecture. It was started in September 1996 through the efforts of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Kanagawa SGG club in order to provide guided sightseeing tours of the Odawara and Hakone area. The club works in cooperation with and receives guidance from organizations including JNTO, Kanagawa Prefecture, the city of Odawara, and the town of Hakone. In October 2000, the club created an internet homepage and began accepting requests for guidance services via email from countries across the globe. With tourism exchange as their objective, members research topics related to tourism and diligently perform their volunteer services while enjoying their work and maintaining friendly relations amongst themselves. There are currently a total of thirty-five club members. Along with accompanying guide services, the club also provides services designed for tourists from overseas at the Odawara Hojo Godai Festival, the Odawara Summer Lantern Festival, and the Hakone Daimyo Procession.

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English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean (we can also offer some Italian and French)

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle was the residence and central stronghold of the Hojo Clan, who ruled over the Kanto region during the Warring States period. The castle tower was restored in 1960. From its uppermost point, one is able to see Sagami Bay and the Manazuru Peninsula. At Odawara Castle's Honmaru Square, armor and other costumes can be rented (charges apply).

Hakone

Within the mountains of the international tourism hotspot of Hakone lie seventeen different springs with approximately twenty different varieties of hot water. Hakone is also a region rich with nature. One can enjoy this natural beauty by partaking in such activities as a walk along the old eight “ri" (a traditional unit of measurement) stone road running from Odawara to Mishima. The view of Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashinoko is an especially exquisite sight. In addition, visitors can enjoy art work from all over the world by visiting the museums which dot the area. Sports such as tennis played atop a high plateau can also be enjoyed.

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Odawara Castle Course (4-5 hours)
Odawara Station -> the graves of Ujimasa and Ujiteru -> the remnants of Koda-Guchi Gate and earthwork fortifications from the Hojo Era -> the remnants of Ote Gate -> Umadashi Gate -> Akagane Gate -> Ninomaru Square -> Tokiwa Gate -> Honmaru Square -> Castle Tower -> Ninomiya-jinja Shrine -> the remnants of Hakone-Guchi Gate -> Uiro (Machikado [Street corner] Museum) -> Chinryu Ume (pickled plum) Museum -> Konishi Pharmacy -> Miyuji ga Hamakaigan -> Kamaboko (fish cake) shop -> Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) shop -> Nariwai Rest House -> Odawara Station

Hakone Excursion Course (6-8 hours)
Odawara Station -> Hakone-Yumoto -> Hakone Open-Air Museum -> Gora Park -> Mt. Soun -> Owakudani Valley -> Togendai -> Lake Ashinoko -> Hakone Check Point -> Moto-Hakone -> Hakone-jinja Shrine -> Hakone-Yumoto Station

Inquiries/Official Website
The Odawara Hakone Systematized Goodwill Guide Club (OHSGG)
http://www.ohsgg.com/
E-mail: mail@ohsgg.com
TEL/FAX: 0465-84-1840