Kawaguchiko Town, nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, is a major hot spring resort with around 700 accommodations, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually. While the town offers a variety of dining options, it’s important to note that restaurants tend to be particularly crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. The town’s center is around Kawaguchiko Station and Fuji-san Station, but these areas can become very busy with tourists arriving by train. As a result, it is often recommended to choose restaurants located further from the stations for a more relaxed dining experience. One of the culinary highlights of the region is Houtou (ほうとう), a traditional noodle soup made with thick, flat noodles in a miso-based broth, accompanied by a variety of seasonal vegetables. This hearty dish is especially popular during the colder months, providing warmth and comfort. Enjoying a bowl of Houtou with a view of the majestic Mt. Fuji offers a memorable experience that beautifully blends the natural beauty of the area with its rich culinary traditions.
- Specialty Dishes
- Houtou
[Dinner Restaurants]Mt.Fuji(Lake Kawaguchiko)-富士山(河口湖) - Google マイマップ
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1. Houtou Fudou Higashi Koiji Ten-ほうとう不動 東恋路店
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161 241 456*52 - Description
Houtou Fudou Higashi Koiji Ten is a popular spot in Yamanashi, known for its distinctive white, gourd-shaped building designed by architect Takeshi Hosaka. The restaurant is famous for serving a single dish: the hearty, traditional Yamanashi noodle soup known as “houtou.” The interior is spacious and has a unique architectural design, but it lacks air conditioning, making it a challenge to enjoy the hot dish during the summer. The houtou is served in a large iron pot, filled with thick, chewy noodles and a variety of vegetables in a slightly sweet miso-based broth. While the dish is filling and delicious, some patrons find the experience of eating it in the hot summer without air conditioning to be less enjoyable. The staff is known for their energetic, almost sports team-like service, adding to the lively atmosphere. However, the restaurant’s acoustics can make it noisy, and the lack of cooling can be uncomfortable. Despite these drawbacks, the unique setting and the comforting, traditional flavor of the houtou make it a memorable stop for those visiting the area.
2. Hoto Tempura Wakana-ほうとう天ぷら 和花
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/iysQUT4MUMinTc7b6 - Parking MAPCODE
161 301 194*57 - Description
Hoto Tempura Wakana is a cozy Houtou specialty restaurant located about a 5-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Station, offering a clean, modern interior with both counter and table seating. The menu features Houtou as the main attraction, but also includes excellent Ten-don (tempura rice bowl) and katsudon. The popular Houtou and small Ten-don set is particularly well-regarded, with freshly fried, crispy tempura, and large, sweet vegetables like shiitake mushrooms that release a flavorful broth when bitten. The thick, chewy Houtou noodles are perfectly paired with a rich, miso-based broth, making for a satisfying meal. Despite the restaurant’s popularity, which often requires a wait for parking and seating, the high quality of the food and the variety of menu options, including dishes like zaru soba and horse sashimi, make it a standout choice. Visitors appreciate the flavorful broth and hearty vegetables in the Houtou, as well as the freshly fried tempura, which add to the overall dining experience. The restaurant is known for its polite and courteous staff, who are attentive to the needs of both local and international customers, making it a must-visit spot in the Kawaguchiko area.
3. Udon noodles Amano-うどんほうとう天野
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161 214 339*36 - Description
Udon Noodles Amano is a popular spot located near Fujikyu Highland, known for its variety of Houtou and Udon dishes. Despite being a weekday evening, the restaurant was busy but service was efficient, allowing for a smooth entry. The menu offers an array of options, including the signature Nabe-style Houtou with various toppings like nori seaweed and vegetables, as well as specialties like meat Houtou, natto tempura, and grilled onigiri. Customers rave about the generous portions and rich flavors, with the nori seaweed Houtou being a standout for its savory, umami-packed broth. The restaurant’s spacious interior, which resembles a family-friendly eatery, is well-suited for larger groups, making it a great choice for families or gatherings. Some diners noted that the restaurant’s noodles are unique, incorporating silk powder for a smooth texture, and that the natto tempura was a delicious and creative side dish. Additionally, the restaurant stays open later than many others in the area, making it a convenient option for those seeking a late dinner. Despite the popularity of Houtou in the region, Udon Noodles Amano stands out for its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere.
4. Sanroku en-山麓園
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/guTqsWQfigHNWKnC8 - Parking MAPCODE
161 242 735*35 - Description
Sanroku-en, located at the base of Mount Fuji, offers a memorable dining experience centered around an irori, or traditional Japanese hearth. The restaurant’s rustic charm is evident in its 150-year-old kominka setting, where guests grill their own selections, including wagyu beef, shrimp, and duck, over glowing charcoal. The meal concludes with a delightful dessert of fresh fruit and traditional Japanese sweets. The ambiance is further enhanced by views of Mount Fuji from the second floor, making Sanroku-en a perfect blend of culinary enjoyment and cultural immersion.
5. Konami-湖波
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/RNyHxQHhZdBUcCyj7 - Parking MAPCODE
161 333 039*14 - Description
Konami, located on the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, is a charming restaurant known for its traditional Koshu cuisine. The interior is spacious and inviting, with high ceilings and well-arranged seating that creates a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features local specialties like horse offal stew, which is mildly sweet and flavorful without being too fatty, making it a lighter option. The wakasagi tempura is crispy and delicious, offering a perfect contrast to the hearty Shingen houtou, a comforting noodle dish filled with tender vegetables and a rich miso broth. The restaurant’s ambiance and well-prepared dishes make it a delightful stop for anyone visiting the area.
6. Grill Akasaka-グリル赤坂
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/P6A6TBJ2F1YsW6kt9 - Parking MAPCODE
161 244 423*77 - Description
Grill Akasaka, located right across from Fuji-Q Highland Station, is a nostalgic eatery run by a friendly couple. The simple, retro interior exudes a Showa-era vibe, complete with handwritten menu boards and an old-school ice cream display. The menu features classic Japanese comfort food like ramen, udon, yakisoba, and various set meals. A standout dish is the hearty minchi katsu set, which includes two juicy, crescent-shaped minced meat cutlets served with rice, tofu, and pickles. The nabeyaki udon is another popular choice, served in a hot pot with an assortment of traditional toppings. Despite the old-fashioned setting, the restaurant also caters to international visitors, making it a welcoming spot for both locals and tourists.
7. Haostay Coffee
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161 272 588*71 - Description
Haostay Coffee, located between Kawaguchiko Station and the lake, is a cozy, modern café that offers a relaxing spot to unwind. The interior has a clean and minimalist design, with large windows that let in plenty of light. The café is known for its milk coffee, a welcome change for those who have had their fill of black coffee. They also serve a variety of sandwiches, like the thick-cut egg and ham sandwich, as well as desserts like their popular Basque cheesecake. The café is equipped with USB charging ports, making it a convenient stop for travelers. Though it can get busy with tourists, especially during peak seasons, it’s a great spot to enjoy a break.
8. Antsu-杏
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXLjf7QFQKY1qYG46 - Parking MAPCODE
161 215 684*01 - Description
Antsu is a cozy tea room located along the main road near Fujisan Station in Fujiyoshida. This charming café has been run by a warm and friendly elderly couple for over 30 years, despite its modern appearance. The interior is welcoming, and the owner is known for engaging in delightful conversations with customers, often sharing stories about the local area and Fuji-related trivia. The menu is simple, offering items like thick-cut toast with eggs and cabbage, and sweet treats like warm shiratama with azuki beans paired with matcha or coffee. The café has a homey, nostalgic vibe, making it a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a quiet moment, especially with a view of Mount Fuji peeking through the windows.