【Odawara, Kanagawa】Minaka Odawara

Directly connected to Odawara Station, Minaka Odawara is a new city landmark, featuring the ‘Tower Building’ with its scenic footbath garden and ‘Odawara Shin-Jokamachi,’ where visitors can walk around and immerse themselves in the charm of the Edo period.

About: Minaka Odawara

Minaka Odawara is a renowned tourist destination where visitors can fully experience the charm of Odawara. This multi-purpose commercial facility includes the 14-story Tower Building (with one basement level) and the Edo-inspired Odawara Shin-Jokamachi. The name “Minaka” comes from an ancient word meaning “center,” also referenced in the Manyoshu as a symbol for Mount Fuji. It reflects the aspiration for this space to become a vibrant hub where people meet, interact, and form meaningful connections.

At Kinjiro Plaza, a space is dedicated to hosting local events. While the famous statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro typically depicts him reading a book while walking, here, the statue shows him walking with his wife and children.

Inside Minaka Odawara, visitors can enjoy a wide range of local delicacies, sweets, and souvenir shops, making it the perfect destination for food lovers and shoppers alike. This location seamlessly blends history and modernity, drawing both tourists and locals to experience its unique atmosphere.

Manyoshu: Japan’s oldest poetry anthology, featuring over 4,500 poems from the 7th to 8th centuries

Ninomiya Kinjiro(1787–1856): was a Japanese agricultural reformer and philosopher, known for promoting hard work, frugality, and education. Statues of him often depict him reading a book while carrying firewood, symbolizing diligence and lifelong learning

Highlights:

While shopping and dining are essential experiences at Minaka Odawara, the true highlight is the Scenic Footbath Garden.

Since this is one of the few tall buildings around Odawara Station, visitors can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. The observation deck features a free footbath, where you can soak your feet in the natural hot springs of Hakone Yumoto while taking in a view reminiscent of the one from the observation deck of Odawara Castle’s main keep. At night, the footbath area is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

箱根湯本 (Hakone Yumoto): “Hakone Hot Spring Origin” or “Hakone Yumoto Hot Springs.” It refers to the gateway town of Hakone, known for its onsen (hot springs)