Odawara Oden Honten: Regional Oden Specialist

Odawara Oden Honten (小田原おでん本店) has built its reputation on one thing: a profound dedication to oden. The main attraction is a famously clear, layered dashi broth made from kombu and katsuobushi, which serves as the foundation for an encyclopaedic menu of over 50 oden varieties. The restaurant champions local craftsmanship, sourcing its many types of kamaboko (fish cakes) from multiple small producers in the Odawara region.

Guests consistently praise the crystalline, umami-rich dashi and how it elevates even simple ingredients. Favourites include classics like tender daikon radish and beef sinew (gyu-suji), alongside a wide array of fish-paste items such as fluffy white hanpen, squid-ink tsumire, and shiitake mushrooms stuffed with fish paste. The set lunches are particularly popular, especially the ritual of finishing the meal by pouring the special broth over tea-flavoured rice (chahan).

The experience is not without its challenges. Several reviewers, both Japanese and foreign, report brusque or inconsistent service, with some visitors feeling unwelcome or even being refused a seat. The counter seating is narrow, and popular items can sell out towards the end of service. Be prepared for a one-hour time limit during busy lunch periods.

Despite this, most find the quality justifies the price. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥1,580–¥1,680 for the Oden Chahan lunch set and ¥2,650 for the larger Tokusen Oden set. A typical lunch costs ¥1,000–¥1,999, while dinner is usually ¥3,000–¥3,999.

• Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins often face a long wait or may be turned away, especially at peak times.
• Getting There: The restaurant is an 18-minute walk from Odawara Station. Alternatively, take a bus bound for Kozu Station from Odawara Station, get off at the Tojinmachi stop, and walk 3 minutes.
• Payment: Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments (including PayPay) are accepted.
• Seating: The main dining area has 15 counter seats. Private tatami rooms for 6-15 people are available but require advance reservation.
• Children: Children are welcome.
• Language: Service is primarily in Japanese. Some staff may use simple English or translation apps, but the menu is in Japanese.
• Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking inside. A designated smoking area is available in the courtyard.
• Parking: Limited parking is available nearby.