Situated in the southwest of Odawara City along the Old Tokaido Road, Joshun-en is a renovated traditional Japanese house.
While operating tea fields around Odawara, they offer spice curry for lunch.
After passing under the National Route 1 and the Tokaido Main Line, you enter the Old Tokaido Road. This area is lined with traditional houses, and there are also historical residences managed by the city.
Looking over the Old Tokaido Road, you can see a small hill in the distance. It seems to be Fujisan Jinba. Originally a fort to protect the outer walls of the Hojo clan, it was used as a camp during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's siege of Odawara.

In one of these historical corners, Joshun-en, which has been converted from a tofu shop and equipped with a tea processing facility, is located. Entering the shop, you are greeted by seats filled with devoted local fans. The warmth of the old house and the aroma of spices fill the air. Located on the Old Tokaido Road, Joshun-en's charming old house ambiance is filled with jazz and lively conversation.While soaking in the atmosphere, the curry arrives.
The chicken curry, with its fragrant coconut and clove, comes with five types of spiced side dishes. The curry, infused with the savory flavor of chicken, and the firm rice make a perfect combination. Each distinctive side dish enhances the curry's flavor.

For dessert, I had hojicha Basque cheesecake and Koyurugi tea (Koyurugi being the old name for the area around Odawara).
Since I tasted hojicha gelato in Fujinomiya, I've been hooked on sweets made with hojicha. The Basque cheesecake, with its hojicha aroma and cheese sweetness, is a must-try after a meal. And the Koyurugi tea, a classic tea reminiscent of Darjeeling, presents a deep and somewhat exotic aroma with every sip. There's no better end to a meal that starts with curry and continues with Basque cheesecake.Spice curry in a historical area—this gap is what captures and retains the hearts of fans at Joshun-en. I am no exception. I'm already thinking about when to go next, or perhaps making spice curry at home sometimes. Such is the strong influence Joshun-en has on me.