Why Odawara Is Trending Right Now: New Store Openings, Events, Ramen, and a Taste of Early Spring!
I’d been noticing that Odawara felt a bit more lively since last weekend, and it turns out that today, March 12th, Cainz officially opened its new concept store right in front of the station. Plus, we're right in the middle of a special event week covering the Yugawara and Manazuru areas. As a local, it’s honestly great to see Odawara getting so much attention just as spring has sprung.
Is Odawara Station Evolving? Cainz's New Urban Store Format
Odawara Station is the main gateway to the Shonan and Hakone areas, served by the Odakyu Electric Railway and JR lines. Just a few minutes' walk from the station, home improvement giant Cainz has opened a brand new kind of store. It’s what they’re calling an "urban-style format"—more compact than their sprawling suburban locations, with a carefully curated selection of goods.
I popped in for a look, and they’ve got everything from DIY tools to stylish home decor items and even groceries. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to buy things you didn’t know you needed. For anyone staying at the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa, it’s a real game-changer for picking up any last-minute necessities without the hassle.
Odawara, Yugawara & Manazuru Event Week: Not-to-be-Missed Highlights
From March 10th to 16th, the "Odawara, Yugawara & Manazuru Event Week" is taking over the area with a packed schedule of activities. Here are the local favourites getting people talking:
- Odawara Voice Power-Up Workshop: A unique workshop where you can learn public speaking and vocal techniques from voice professionals. It’s been drawing a big crowd, from business folks to seniors.
- Yugawara Onsen's Night Cherry Blossom Illumination: An early spring tradition. An evening stroll here is something truly special.
- Manazuru Fishing Port Morning Market: A bustling early-morning market where you can find the freshest local seafood.
The best part? All these events are super easy to get to from Odawara Station via the Odakyu Electric Railway or local buses.
You Can't Visit Odawara Without Trying "Odawara-Style Ramen"
After exploring the events, you’re bound to work up an appetite—and that’s the perfect excuse to dig into the local specialty, Odawara-style ramen. We're talking a savoury soy-sauce-based broth, medium-thick straight noodles, and the real giveaways: a generous sheet of nori seaweed and a sprinkle of finely chopped onions. Odawara City is packed with ramen shops, from long-established favourites to bold new contenders, all vying for the title of best bowl. The station area has some great spots, but it’s also worth venturing a bit further to discover a hidden gem that the locals love.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend at the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa or hopping between the different events, there’s plenty to do. With the Odakyu Electric Railway making it an easy trip from Shinjuku, Odawara is the perfect little getaway. So why not come and soak up everything spring in Odawara has to offer?