In Japan, oden is so ingrained in everyday life that you can even buy it at convenience stores.
Oden is a traditional Japanese home-cooked dish where various ingredients such as daikon radish, eggs, chikuwa (tube-shaped fish cake), and konnyaku (firm jelly made from konjac yam) are slowly simmered in dashi broth.
Tokyo, where oden culture is deeply rooted, is home to many oden specialty shops. Among them, “Asakusa Oden Otafuku” stands out as a historic establishment that has been in business since 1915.
The restaurant is located near the intersection of Kokusai Street and Kototoi Street, northwest of the famous tourist destination Sensō-ji Temple.
The charming entrance, reminiscent of a small alleyway, leads guests into the cozy shop.
The current building was renovated in 2019 and made wheelchair-accessible. These are the table seats.
There are also counter seats where you can enjoy your meal while watching the kitchen.
An exciting array of ingredients: savor traditional flavors!
Oden prices vary according to season
The shop offers 30 to 40 types of oden year-round, including seasonal items. When ordered at a table, the oden is served in a small pot to keep it warm.
The broth here is made by simmering kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes, then seasoned with light soy sauce. The flavors of the various ingredients are gradually absorbed into the broth, creating a deep and complex taste.
Oden differs in broth style from restaurant to restaurant. At Asakusa Oden Otafuku, a distinctive feature is not only the taste but also the prominent color of the broth.
(from top left) “ちくわ,” chikuwa, “しらたき,” shirataki (konnyaku noodles), “がんもどき,” ganmodoki (fried tofu fritter), “焼き豆腐,” yaki-dofu (grilled tofu) *prices vary by season
These are popular standard oden items.
The chikuwa and grilled tofu are both generously portioned and satisfying.
(left) “玉子,” egg, (center) “たこ足,” octopus leg, (right) “大根,” daikon radish *prices vary by season
The octopus leg is especially popular with international visitors, particularly tourists from China who reportedly almost always order it.
The glistening amber-colored egg and daikon radish are pre-cooked before being simmered with the rest of the oden ingredients, allowing you to enjoy both the natural umami of the ingredients and the savory broth they’ve absorbed.
(top) “はんぺん,” fish cake, (left) “もち袋,” mochibukuro (tofu pouch), (right) “ちくわぶ,” chikuwabu (wheat gluten cake) *prices vary by season
The hanpen, made from fish paste, has a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The mochibukuro, a pouch of deep-fried tofu filled with rice cake, also includes shiitake mushrooms and green onions for added texture.
Chikuwabu, made from wheat flour, absorbs the oden broth thoroughly and becomes packed with umami.
Be sure to pair your oden with your favorite beverage, such as beer or Japanese sake.
A taste of Asakusa history and Japanese culture
Inside the shop, you’ll find old photos of Asakusa and folk crafts on display, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history and culture.
Miniature models near the entrance showcase the restaurant’s building through the years.
With over 110 years of history, the shop has survived major events such as the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II.
The wooden tags decorating the cashier’s window were actually used as bill markers in the past.
Also, the door leading to the counter seats on the second floor is from the old restaurant building. Its retro design is wonderful.
As the restaurant is located in Asakusa, a popular destination for international tourists, they provide menus not only in Japanese but also in English, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, and French.
With a legacy spanning over a century, Asakusa Oden Otafuku has loyal returning customers across three to four generations. It continues to serve the same comforting flavors in the heart of Asakusa.
Since it’s a very popular restaurant, reservations are recommended. While fall and winter tend to be the busiest seasons, summer is relatively easier for booking. If you’re in Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to try the carefully crafted oden at Asakusa Oden Otafuku!
Information
| Store name | 浅草おでん大多福 Asakusa Oden Otafuku |
|---|---|
| Address | NS Kototoi Building 1F, 1-6-2 Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Asakusa Station 5-minute walk from Exit B
Tawaramachi Station 10-minute walk from Exit 3
Iriya Station 10-minute walk from Exit 1
|
| Phone number | 03-3871-2521 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 16:00-22:00（last order 21:00） |
| Closed | Wednesday |
| Seating | 70 seats 44 table seats, 26 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://otafuku.ne.jp/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of May 2025.
