The castle town of Odawara, gateway to Hakone, is one of Japan’s great homes of kamaboko — the springy steamed fish cake refined here over centuries thanks to fresh Sagami Bay catch and clean mountain water. Beyond the famous pink-and-white loaves, Odawara serves up fresh fish, grilled age-kama fritters, and a lively port market. Visitors can tour kamaboko makers, taste the difference between artisan and everyday versions, and even make their own at hands-on workshops. Combined with Odawara Castle, it’s a tasty stop on the way to or from Hakone.

This guide covers kamaboko, hands-on experiences, the fish market, what to eat and how to get there.

🗓️ Quick Reference
Location Odawara, Kanagawa (gateway to Hakone)
Star food Kamaboko (steamed fish cake)
Also try Age-kama fritters, fresh sashimi
Experience Kamaboko-making workshops
Good for Foodies, families, Hakone day trips

Kamaboko & age-kama

  • Kamaboko: firm, springy steamed fish-paste cake, traditionally pink-and-white and sliced for celebrations.
  • Age-kama: deep-fried fish-cake fritters (with cheese, vegetables, etc.) — great hot, eaten on the go.
  • The famous makers' district (around Kazamatsuri) has shops and the Kamaboko Museum/Village.

Hands-on experiences

  • At the Kamaboko Village (Suzuhiro) and other makers, you can shape and steam your own kamaboko and chikuwa — a fun, family-friendly workshop (book ahead).
  • Tastings reveal the difference between premium and everyday fish cake.

Fish market & fresh seafood

  • The Odawara fish port (Odawara Sakana Center) serves fresh sashimi bowls and grilled seafood by the harbour.
  • Combine with Odawara Castle in town — see our Odawara festival guide .

Combine your visit

Odawara is the gateway to the mountains:

How to get there

  • JR/Odakyu/Shinkansen to Odawara Station (~35 min by Shinkansen from Tokyo).
  • Kamaboko makers are a short train hop or taxi from the station, on the Hakone route.