Odawara Gourmet: Savor the Best of Odawara’s Culinary Scene
Centered around the historic Odawara Castle, a stronghold from the Sengoku period, Odawara retains the rich atmosphere of a castle town. It offers fresh seafood, stunning views of the Hakone mountain range, and attractions like historical sites and hot springs. More than anything, Odawara flourished as the base of a warlord who once ruled the Kanto region. The town’s unique castle-town cuisine boasts a distinctive richness. Stroll through streets filled with Edo-period charm, experience the fusion of past and present, and indulge in Odawara’s gourmet delights. Here are some must-visit spots!
Enjoy the Rich Flavor of the Rare Soshu Wagyu – Steakhouse Kanai
This steakhouse is built on the concept of “enjoying the finest ingredients in an extraordinary setting.” It serves premium marbled Soshu Wagyu, a rare brand of Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black) raised in the foothills of Minamiashigara, with only two cows shipped per month. The meat is known for its fine texture, rich umami, and delicate fat sweetness. The restaurant also prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, offering organic vegetables and fruits from its own Kanai Farm, as well as fresh seafood directly from Hayakawa Port.
Fresh Seafood Straight From the Port: Odawara Minato Shokudo
Odawara was once one of Japan’s top three yellowtail fishing grounds. Even today, over 500 types of fish are landed at the port. Odawara Minato Shokudo serves fresh seafood straight from Odawara Fishing Port, offering dishes that showcase the skill of both fishermen and chefs. Located in a shopping mall directly connected to the station, this restaurant is a convenient spot to enjoy local seafood rice bowls, giant prawn tempura bowls, and fried local fish.
Find the Perfect Pickled Plums at a Historic Specialty Store: Chinriu Honten
Umeboshi (pickled plums), a traditional Japanese food now recognized internationally as good for health, are the specialty of this shop, founded in 1871. Using only high-quality plums, Chinriu Honten produces premium Odawara-style umeboshi. In addition to its wide selection of umeboshi, the store offers baked goods such as plum galettes and pound cakes made with fully ripened plum pulp. A top-selling item is the Plum Brownie, which blends the elegant sweet-sour taste of ripe plums with roasted walnuts and bitter chocolate, resulting in a truffle-like texture. The store also sells refreshing, not-too-sweet umeshu (plum wine) made from domestic plums and dry Japanese sake.
Ume Brownie – 300 yen per piece
Relax at a Shrine Café Surrounded by Nature: Kinjiro Cafe
Located within the grounds of Hotoku Ninomiya Shrine in Odawara Castle Park, this cafe is dedicated to Ninomiya Kinjiro, a historical figure from Odawara. The cafe offers drinks and sweets inspired by the enshrined deity, as well as dishes like gojiru (a miso-based soybean soup), a meal from the Edo period enjoyed by Kinjiro himself. Visitors can also savor authentic Italian coffee and Odawara craft chuhai. Nestled in the shrine’s Mori no Hiroba (forest paza), the cafe provides a serene open-air terrace where guests can relax. The shop also carries original stationery, snacks, and other exclusive goods.
Enjoy Street Food in a Castle Town Setting: Minaka Odawara
Connected directly to Odawara Station, Minaka Odawara is a shopping mall with a recreated Edo-period townscape at its base. The "Odawara New Castle Town" area offers a theme-park-like atmosphere with traditional architecture and nostalgic streets. Visitors can stroll through Kinjiro Plaza, picking up sweet and savory treats such as wagashi (Japanese sweets), bread, and rice balls, while enjoying the historic ambiance. There is also a food court inside the facility for more dining options.
