A typical winter scene in Japan is the delicious oden soup served in a hot pot. The ingredients and broth are seasoned with ingredients and flavors that are unique to each region of Japan.

In this article, we will introduce local oden from all over Japan. We will explore the appeal of the specialty oden that each prefecture is proud of.

Types and characteristics of oden from all over Japan

Kyoto-style oden (Kyoto Prefecture)

This oden has a mild flavor, made with a kelp and light soy sauce-based broth and Kyoto vegetables, as well as tofu, hirozu, yuba, and other tofu-based ingredients. The broth is also characterized by its light color.

Here are some restaurants where you can eat Kyoto-style oden

Niigata oden (Niigata Prefecture)

Oden is characterized by its kelp stock, soy sauce-based soup, and the inclusion of wheat gluten and taro.
The soup stock can also be made with ago dashi (stock made from flying fish).

Because the sea is nearby, they often use local ingredients such as kamaboko (fish cake) and tsumire (fish cakes).

Click here for restaurants where you can eat Niigata oden

Kanazawa Oden (Ishikawa Prefecture)

The broth is basically similar to Kyoto-style broth, but what makes it stand out is the soy sauce.

They use a sweet soy sauce called Ohno soy sauce, which, due to its sweetness, is widely used in Kaga for dishes such as noodles and simmered dishes.
Therefore, it has a sweeter and milder taste than other types of oden.

The ingredients often used are Kaga vegetables such as wheel-shaped gluten, plum shells, steamed fish, and Gensuke radish.

Here are restaurants where you can eat Kanazawa oden

Shizuoka Oden (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Compared to other oden, Shizuoka oden is characterized by its pitch black broth. It is seasoned with dark soy sauce and miso, and the broth made from beef tendons and chicken is added over and over, so the color gets darker and darker.

Another major feature is the black fish cake, a fish paste made from mackerel and sardines caught in Suruga Bay. White fish cakes are more common, so black fish cakes are a rare item even across the country.

Here are restaurants where you can eat Shizuoka oden

Aomori Ginger Miso Oden (Aomori Prefecture)

Oden made with grated ginger and miso-based broth.

It was made in the black market after the war with the hope that it would provide some warmth to passengers boarding the Seikan Ferry during the cold winter months.

Its unique ingredients include whelks, bamboo shoots, thin and large fried fish cakes called "Okakuten," and larger-than-usual "Botan-yaki chikuwa," as well as other ingredients you won't find anywhere else.

Here are the restaurants where you can eat Aomori ginger miso oden

Hakata Oden (Fukuoka Prefecture)

Oden is characterized by its broth made from bonito and flying fish stock.
Hakata is known for its food stalls, where you can have a lot of fun.

The most distinctive ingredient is gyoza rolls, which are gyoza dumplings wrapped in minced fish. This dish goes well with both alcohol and rice.

Here are restaurants where you can eat Hakata oden

Okinawa Oden (Okinawa Prefecture)

Oden is enjoyed during the cold season, but it is also loved in warm Okinawa.

Its main feature is that it contains pork and bonito stock, tebichi (pig's trotters), sausage, pork luncheon meat, and green vegetables such as komatsuna.

Here are restaurants where you can eat Okinawan oden

Odawara Oden (Kanagawa Prefecture)

The biggest feature of this dish is the ingredients, which are stocked by a variety of local shops, including Odawara's long-established kamaboko shop, tofu shops, konjac shops, greengrocers, and butchers.

Facing Sagami Bay, kamaboko (fish cake) is often made here, and oden is a dish that allows you to enjoy a variety of fish pastes.

Click here for restaurants where you can eat Odawara oden

Miso oden (Aichi Prefecture)

A rich oden made with Hatcho miso (red miso), an essential ingredient in Aichi Prefecture cuisine.

The flavor is well-absorbed into the daikon radish and konnyaku, and pork offal and belly meat are often added to make a dote-ni (a stew made with miso). The dish is characterized by being dipped in miso sauce after being boiled before eating.

Here are some restaurants where you can eat miso oden

Himeji Oden (Hyogo Prefecture)

Oden is generally eaten with mustard, but the biggest feature of Himeji oden is that it is eaten either with ginger soy sauce or by dipping it in it.

This dish will warm you up even more in the cold winter when served with ginger soy sauce.

Here are restaurants where you can eat Himeji oden

summary

What do you think?

Even though it's the same "Oden," the ingredients and soup used vary widely.

As we approach winter, the number of restaurants offering oden will likely increase, so why not try some different types of oden while traveling?

We are currently listing restaurants where you can eat oden on Tempo Star!

Restaurants in Tokyo where you can eat oden

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/651511b6378ff"]

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/64f95a212f4c7"]

Restaurants in Chiba Prefecture where you can eat oden

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/65112bbd40df2"]

Restaurants in Kanagawa Prefecture where you can eat oden

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/64c8d39a47b8e"]

Restaurants in Osaka where you can eat oden

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/64cb5c12157fa"]

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/64cb5c0a64083"]

Restaurants in Kyoto where you can eat oden

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/64c8d68f2d225"]

Restaurants in Shiga Prefecture where you can eat oden

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/64c8d6bb44669"]

Restaurants in Hokkaido where you can eat oden

[blogcard url="https://www.tenposstar.com/jpn/merchant/64c8d100cd30d"]

\ We are looking for Tempo Star affiliates! /