The 10 Best Places to Eat in Hakone, Japan

HAKONE is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Japan, a standout place to go to. We will introduce 10 places where you can enjoy local gourmet foods. There are a lot of gourmet restaurants in HAKONE from hot spring specific specialties to delicious fresh seafood. Please try delicious food when you visit to HAKONE.

1. amago Chaya

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At a shop called “Tamago Chaya” located in OWAKUDANI surrounded by a national park which is famous for its sulfured steam geysers. You can eat the HAKONE specialty, black shelled eggs here.

The eggs are cooked in the hot springs, and geothermal volcanic gases turn the egg shells from white to black. Put in the hot springs the eggs are infused with many healthy materials.

It is said that you can extend your life by 7 years just by eating one black egg. So, why don’t you visit “Tamago Chaya” to get the benefit and visual impact of the black eggs. When you come to HAKONE, it is a must see.

2. Yuba-don Naokichi

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You can try a delicious Yuba at this restaurant called “Yuba-don Naokichi”, using a special spring water of HAKONE OHIRADAI called the “princess of waters”. This Yuba is characterized by its gently melting flavor said to be the taste of HAKONE.

The most recommended item in this restaurant is called “Yuba-don”. Since this “Yuba-don” is served in a small earthen pot which keeps the dish at a constant temperature.

Also, at the entrance of the restaurant is a free foot-bath where you can relax your legs before and after your meal.

3. Gora Kadan

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“Gora Kadan” is one of Japan’s leading hotels chosen as one of the best 3 in Japan. Located in “FUJI-HAKONE IZU National Park” in a historical Ryokan (=Japanese style hotel) which is called “KANIN NOMIYA BETTEI ATOCHI”.

The restaurant serves “Kaiseki”(= traditional Japanese cuisine) which uses the three principles of Kaiseki. They are, “Using seasonal ingredients” “Tasting their natural flavor” and “Prepared with extreme care for the customers.”

This restaurant was selected by US FOODIE in autumn 2013 as one of the TOP 100 restaurants in the world.

4. Shigajaya

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A specialty restaurant which is famous for its Tofu and yam’s cuisine made with HAKONE’s pure water. As you go through the entrance of the restaurant you will experience a quaint atmosphere as if you have slipped into the past.

There are many culinary specialties ranging from the famous “Soun tofu”. It is like a cotton tofu warmed in a seaweed soup topped with Japanese miso base grated yam, captivating; also “Yuba Tofu” a popular deep soy milk taste item and “Sashimi of Yuba” (= fresh Yuba, not with fish Sashimi).

To truly enjoy the taste of Yuba. One of HAKONE’s famous restaurants, it’s here!

5. HAKONE Suishoen

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Situated in the “HAKONE Suishoen” an old Mitsui Family Villa built in the Taisho period (= in 1925). It is one of the registered cultural assets of Japan. You can enjoy colorful dishes served in private spaces or at the counter in the restaurant.

If you stay at their accommodation, Kaiseki cuisine is served in your own room as well. You can enjoy memorable meals in an atmosphere that is a perfect experience with your family and friends.

Enjoy the exquisite Kaiseki and Teppanyaki (=grilled foods on a hot plate) using selected seasonal ingredients. To enjoy luxurious moments that you can only taste here which go to your heart.

 
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6. Sushi Miyafuji

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This restaurant “Sushi Miyafuji” looks like an old fashioned hotel. You cannot make advanced reservations, so many people are waiting before the restaurant opens. Their horse mackerel has no fish odor.

It is premium and melts in your mouth like butter. The “Aji-don” is extremely popular. When you visit there, please try the “Aji-don”. Also “Sushi Miyafuji” is considered to be the originator of “Aji-don”. The wait is worth your while you can have the most delicious dish!

7. Kikkaso

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Situated in an annex of the “Fujiya Hotel” built in the Meiji period (=in 1878) and famous for Charles Chaplin, Helen Keller and others having stayed here.

You can enjoy Japanese cuisine surrounded by the pure Japanese architecture and garden, built as a royal house for the Japanese Imperial family. You can access the restaurant without staying in the hotel.

One of the dishes called “HAKONE yosegi zen” is served to look like “HAKONE traditional wood craft”, so your palate and sights can be pleasured at the same time. If you want to enjoy Japanese food which truly represents the dishes historical people loved, and a special experience.

8. Takeyabu HAKONE

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Imagine sitting by a beautiful stream in HAKONE. What food would you like to have? Please enjoy “Soba”(=buckwheat noodles) this time. “Takeyabu HAKONE” is set in a mountain area.

The decor is chosen from specially selected wooden material. This restaurant has a ONE STAR MICHELIN rating.

Incorporating a modern and retro style with particular attention to the tableware. The Soba has an excellent aroma and the soup is excellent. Their Tempura is perfectly crisp.

So, you can easily understand why they have a Michelin rating. Please visit this exquisite restaurant in a beautiful mountain setting.

9. Hatsu Hana Soba

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It is a long established Soba restaurant. The Soba is made only using buckwheat flour, Jinenjo (=Japanese yam) and eggs. This popular restaurant uses original carefully selected ingredients.

Everything is grown naturally and it is excellent for your health. They also sell their Soba as a popular souvenir gift.

Also “Hatsu Hana Soba” is considered to be the originator of “Yamakake-Soba”(=Soba noodles topped with grated yam). If you want to eat perfect Soba, this is the place!

10. Gin no Ho

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“Gin no Ho” is located in “SENGOKUBARA no SUSUKI NOHARA”(= Japanese silver grass field in SENGOKUBARA) which is one of the famous sightseeing spots in Hakone.

It is popular every day because you can sit down at a Japanese traditional table on the second floor looking at brilliant scenery surrounded by beautiful “Susuki” (= Japanese silver grass) while having a meal.

The recommended menu is pork from the foot of Mt. FUJI, horse mackerel from ODAWARA and “Wappa-meshi”. “Wappa-meshi” is rice with topping of Yuba and locally selected ingredients which is cooked in a round wooden container.

The pork has a lovely sweet taste smoked by the “Susuki” and “Sakura” wood. You can only enjoy that at this restaurant. Also, the daily special “Kama-meshi” which is a traditional Japanese rice dish cooked in an iron pot called a “kama”) is popular.

This daily special is limited to only 10 dishes every day. This luxurious experience is complemented by the amazing natural view.

What do you think about HAKONE’s gourmet?

Since ancient times people have visited HAKONE for sightseeing. That’s why there are a lot of excellent place to go especially the gourmet restaurants. Every meal is exquisite. It’s hard to choose which restaurant to go to. Before you visit HAKONE, please check the dining information!