A Must-Try in Odawara: The Famous “Half-Raw” Fried Horse Mackerel Lunch (Limited to 40 Portions a Day!)

10/14/2025

Hello, it’s Mari Tabi here! I recently visited Sajirushi Shokudo, a buzzworthy eatery located right by Hayakawa Fishing Port in Odawara, Kanagawa. Their star dish? A very unique “Half-Raw Fried Horse Mackerel” lunch set.

Yes, you read that right—half-raw. The name alone is enough to spark curiosity, and it has already gone viral on social media. In this post, I’ll give you the lowdown on the menu, the actual taste, the queue situation, and tips if you’re planning to stop by while sightseeing around Odawara or Hakone.

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What is Sajirushi Shokudo?

Sajirushi Shokudo is a particularly popular restaurant on Instagram. You’ll find a wide range of customers of all ages inside.

Sajirushi Shokudo is a port-run seafood canteen serving ultra-fresh catches landed right here at Hayakawa Port. Their signature dish, the Half-Raw Fried Horse Mackerel (aji fry in Japanese), is so popular that only 40 portions are served each day.

Since opening in 2020, it has quickly become a must-visit, featured in magazines and on TV, attracting both locals and travelers. Don’t be surprised to see a queue outside—the freshness and craftsmanship are what draw people in.

Practical Info

📍 Address: 1-4-10 Hayakawa, Odawara, Kanagawa
🚉 Access: About 7 minutes on foot from JR Hayakawa Station (just one stop from Odawara Station on the Tokaido Line)
🕒 Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closes once sold out)
📅 Closed: Tuesdays & Thursdays
💺 Seating: Around 50 seats (counter and tables)
📞 Reservations: Not available
🚗 Parking: 4 dedicated spaces nearby, plus coin-operated car parks in the area

For a reliable internet connection through your trip, make sure you’re sorted with mobile data.

Highlight Dishes

The menu page featuring two of their signature dishes.

Half-Raw Fried Horse Mackerel Set (限定40食)

This is the signature dish and the reason most people come here. Think sashimi-level freshness with a crispy fried coating—a combination that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It comes with miso dipping sauce, ponzu (a citrus-based soy sauce), and condiments like wasabi and shiso leaves, so you can enjoy a variety of different flavor combinations as you eat. The set includes sashimi, miso soup, a side dish, and pickles.

Special Sajirushi Seafood Bowl

A generously topped donburi with uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), tuna, and white fish—all directly from Hayakawa Port. It’s especially popular among visitors who appreciate its beautiful presentation and exceptional freshness.

Sajirushi Gozen

Another seafood rice bowl featuring fish marinated in dashi soy. The texture is wonderfully smooth and packed with umami.

Inside the Restaurant

The interior is clean, perhaps because the restaurant only opened five years ago.

As it only opened in 2020, the space feels fresh and welcoming. With about 50 seats spread across counters and tables, it’s comfortable for solo diners as well as groups and families. Locals drop in for lunch just as often as tourists do, so it feels lively but not overly touristy.

Taste Test: The Famous Half-Raw Aji Fry

A great set meal that includes not only a generous portion of deep-fried horse mackerel, but also sashimi, miso soup, and pickles.

When the much-talked-about set arrived, I could tell right away this wasn’t your typical fried fish. Only the skin side is coated in breadcrumbs, while the flesh is left almost raw—giving it the feel of sashimi and fried fish at the same time.

The rich flavor of the fatty horse mackerel shines through beautifully, complemented by the crisp coating. You can pair it with the miso dipping sauce for richness, ponzu for a refreshing touch, or try the condiments for a different kick. Thanks to the variety of flavors, every bite felt fresh and exciting.

Together with the sides, it was a filling and truly memorable lunch.

Souvenirs & Extras

A delicious seafood topping for rice. In Japan, these processed fish products are often eaten with white rice.

By the till you’ll find a small shop corner selling local seafood products. Recommended items include salmon and scallop marinated in koji (rice malt) and squid shiokara (fermented squid)—most under ¥1,000, perfect to take home as a taste of the port.

Spotting the Celebrities

A photo and signatures from a TV show that featured the restaurant are on display. Some people consider a large number of signatures to be a sign of a trustworthy establishment.

Even though the restaurant is still relatively new, the walls are already lined with autographs from TV personalities and celebrities who’ve visited. The buzz is very real.

Queues & Timing

There is a ticket machine next to the entrance. You enter the number of people and get a numbered ticket.

I visited on a weekday around noon and waited about 20 minutes. There’s a self-check-in tablet at the entrance—just register there and wait for your turn. While there’s no roof, chairs are provided outside so you don’t have to stand.

On weekends and holidays, waits are likely much longer. If you want to avoid the crowds, either aim for the 11:00 AM opening or arrive on the earlier side.

Final Thoughts

Sajirushi Shokudo is a real gem in Hayakawa Port, serving seafood at its freshest with an inventive twist. The Half-Raw Fried Horse Mackerel set is something you can only get here—unusual, delicious, and unforgettable.

If you’re visiting Odawara or heading to Hakone, make sure to put this on your food itinerary. One bite, and you’ll see why people queue up every day.

After your seafood lunch, why not stay overnight in a hotel nearby Hakone？