This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Odawara's local B-class gourmet food, kamaboko.

Odawara is a city located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture, known for its abundant nature, with clean seas and rivers, and surrounded by mountains.

This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of kamaboko, a local B-class gourmet food from this beautiful city of Odawara!

What about kamaboko?

Kamaboko is made by seasoning and kneading the white flesh of the fish called croaker, then placing the paste on a wooden board and steaming it.

The fish used is mostly black croaker, but other white fish may also be used.

They are white or pink in color and are characterized by being served in a plump fan shape on a plate.

Before the fish is ground into paste, it is washed repeatedly in water to remove impurities and oil, which allows the kamaboko to have a fine, elastic texture.

The History of Odawara Kamaboko

Kamaboko is said to have a very ancient origin, as the character "kamaboko" was written on a picture of a celebratory banquet drawn in the Heian period.

At the time, it was made by grinding up catfish meat and baking it around a bamboo core, and is said to have been similar to chikuwa.

At that time, kamaboko looked like the tip of a cattail or a spear, hence it came to be called "kamaboko."

It is said that modern kamaboko was born in Odawara as early as the Muromachi period, but it was not until the end of the Edo period that kamaboko, made by placing fish paste on a wooden board and grilling it, began to be produced in large quantities.

Odawara kamaboko is said to have originated during the Tenmei era of the Edo period (about 220 years ago).
Coastal fishing has been thriving in Odawara since back then, and there are records that the area developed after kamaboko craftsmen from Nihonbashi, Tokyo moved to Odawara due to the large variety of fish that could be caught there.

During the Edo period, kamaboko was also appreciated by feudal lords who traveled across Hakone on their alternate attendance routes, due to its excellent shelf life, and today kamaboko is a popular Odawara specialty throughout the country.

Currently, there is Odawara Kamaboko Street, which was the busiest street in the area from the Edo period to the Meiji period, and here you can enjoy satsumaage, jinenjobou and other kamaboko dishes at 12 kamaboko shops.

Characteristics of Kamaboko

The distinctive feature of kamaboko is that it is served on a board.

The reason it is placed on a board is to support the fan-shaped kamaboko, which resembles a auspicious sunrise.

It also acts as a preservative, as the board absorbs excess moisture from inside the kamaboko, preventing mold and bacteria from growing.

Dishes using kamaboko

From here, I would like to introduce a dish that uses kamaboko: "Kamaboko and Komatsuna Namul."

First, prepare 50g kamaboko, 100g komatsuna, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic, and 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds.

Cut the kamaboko in half lengthwise and slice thinly, and cut the komatsuna into bite-sized pieces.

Once cut, place the komatsuna and kamaboko in a heat-resistant container, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave at 600W for 2 minutes.

Once it's done heating, remove the plastic wrap and toss with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of grated garlic, and 1 tablespoon of white sesame seeds.

Sightseeing spots in Odawara

From here, I will introduce some tourist spots in Odawara City.

Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle was the headquarters of the Hojo clan and a huge fortress that was known as "impregnable" and "invincible."

During the Edo period, the residential area was renovated into a modern castle, and the castle tower was restored in 1960.

From the Yawatayama Fort near Odawara Castle, you can get a beautiful view of Odawara Castle and Sagami Bay, and in spring you can enjoy the view together with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Odawara Castle Park

When the castle tower was restored in 1960, this park was developed around the main citadel.

Within the park, you can try on armor, and there is also an amusement park with play equipment for small children, so everyone from adults to children can have fun.

In addition, there are over 340 cherry trees planted in the park, and in the spring you can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. If you visit Odawara Castle, be sure to also visit Odawara Castle Ruins Park.

Wanpaku Land

Wanpaku Land is a park with the theme of being "a park of excitement and discovery where you can immerse yourself in play."

Within the park, you can have fun riding kick bikes in the area or ride the "Wakuwaku-go" road train that runs through the park.

It is equipped with facilities where children can play freely, so be sure to check it out if you are visiting Odawara with small children.

Access to Odawara

From here, we will introduce how to access Odawara.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Odawara, we recommend taking the train. From Tokyo Station, take either the Kodama or Hikari Shinkansen and you will arrive in about 30 minutes.

If you are departing from Shinjuku Station, you can get there in about an hour and a half by taking the Odakyu Line's "Romancecar." Please note that you will need to purchase a limited express ticket in advance.

To travel from Osaka to Odawara, take the Nozomi Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the Hikari, which will take you to Odawara in just one stop.

Location of Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced Odawara's local B-class gourmet food, kamaboko.

I learned that kamaboko has a long history and has been a beloved local dish in Odawara since the Muromachi period.

It is now popular throughout the country and has become an indispensable dish during New Year's celebrations.
We also introduced some recommended tourist spots in Odawara City.

Odawara is a city rich in nature, yet close to Tokyo and has convenient transportation. Please do come and visit Odawara.

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