Why Odawara Is the Place to Be Right Now: New Store Openings, Events, and Ramen – Get a Jump on Spring!
I'd been noticing Odawara feeling a bit more lively since last weekend, and it turns out that today, March 12th, Cainz opened its new concept store right in front of the station. Plus, we're right in the middle of a week-long event series covering the Yugawara and Manazuru areas. As a local, it's genuinely exciting to see Odawara getting some well-deserved attention just as we start to feel the first hints of spring.
Is Odawara Station Evolving? Cainz's New Urban Store Format
Odawara Station serves as the gateway to the Shonan area and Hakone, with lines from Odakyu Electric Railway and JR. Now, just a few minutes' walk from the station, home improvement giant Cainz has opened a brand-new style of store. It's what they're calling an "urban new format." Unlike their massive suburban warehouses, this location is compact but packed with a carefully curated selection of goods.
I stopped by to check it out, and it's dangerous – they've got everything from DIY tools to stylish interior accessories and even groceries. You'll find yourself wanting to buy things you never knew you needed. This should be a real lifesaver for tourists staying at the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa who might need to pick up some essentials without going far.
Odawara, Yugawara & Manazuru Event Week: Don't Miss These Highlights
From March 10th to 16th, the "Odawara, Yugawara & Manazuru Event Week" is taking place, featuring a variety of activities across the region. Here are the ones generating the most buzz locally:
- Odawara Voice Power-Up Workshop: A unique workshop where you can learn speaking and vocal techniques from voice professionals. It's reportedly drawing a diverse crowd, from businesspeople to seniors.
- Yugawara Hot Spring Nighttime Cherry Blossom Illumination: An early spring tradition. An evening stroll here is truly special.
- Manazuru Fishing Port Morning Market: A bustling early-morning market attracting crowds eager for fresh seafood.
The best part about all these events? They're easily accessible from Odawara Station via the Odakyu Electric Railway or local buses.
You Can't Visit Odawara Without Trying "Odawara-Style Ramen"
After working up an appetite exploring the events, you absolutely have to try the local specialty: Odawara-style ramen. It features a soy sauce-based broth, medium-thick straight noodles, and its signature toppings: large sheets of nori seaweed and finely chopped onions. Odawara City is home to a fiercely competitive ramen scene, with everything from long-established classics to trendy new shops. The ones near the station are great, but it's also worth venturing a bit further to discover some hidden gems known only to locals.
Whether you choose to unwind at the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa or hop between different events, a weekend here is a fantastic idea. Easily accessible from Shinjuku via the Odakyu Electric Railway, Odawara is the perfect destination for a quick getaway. Why not come and experience everything spring in Odawara has to offer?