Top 4 Places to Eat in Fuji Five Lakes

A woman captures the scenic beauty of Mount Fuji reflecting on a lake at sunset.
Casia Charlie, Pexels

The Fuji Five Lakes region, especially around Lake Kawaguchiko, provides a diverse culinary experience focusing on regional Japanese dishes and local ingredients, often complemented by views of Mount Fuji.

1. Hoto Fudou

Cuisine: Local Hoto Noodles

One experiences the heart of Yamanashi cuisine with a steaming bowl of Hoto, a robust miso-based soup filled with thick, flat udon-like noodles and an abundance of seasonal vegetables, notably pumpkin. Several branches exist, including one with a distinctive cloud-like building design that creates an atmospheric setting. It is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect after exploring the area.

Price: JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,500 per person

Getting There: The Higashikoiji branch is known for its unique architecture and is located near Lake Kawaguchiko. Other branches are accessible via local bus routes around Lake Kawaguchiko, or a short taxi ride depending on your starting point.

2. Fuji Tempura Idaten

Cuisine: Tempura

Here, one can savor freshly prepared tempura, offering a delightful crispness with each bite. The menu features a variety of options, including shrimp, eel, and an assortment of seasonal vegetables sourced from local farmers. The Fujisan Tendon, a signature dish, arranges tempura to resemble Mount Fuji itself, providing a visually appealing and delicious meal.

Price: JPY 1,500 - JPY 3,000 per person

Getting There: Conveniently located just a four-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

3. Yakiniku Izakaya 871

Cuisine: Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)

Diners can grill high-quality local ingredients, including Koshu beef and Fuji Sakura Pork, at their semi-private tables, some offering views of Mount Fuji. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it suitable for families and groups. It is an engaging dining experience where one can appreciate the rich flavors of Yamanashi's meats.

Price: JPY 3,000 - JPY 6,000 per person

Getting There: Located a 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, or a 5-minute drive from the Chuo Expressway Kawaguchiko Interchange.

4. Sanrokuen

Cuisine: Traditional Japanese BBQ / Hoto Hotpot

Stepping into Sanrokuen feels like a journey back in time, as one dines within a 150-year-old building featuring a traditional thatched roof. Here, guests cook their own selection of meats, seafood, tofu, and vegetables on skewers over a charcoal grill set into the table, culminating in a warming hoto noodle hotpot. The immersive, rustic atmosphere provides a memorable cultural and culinary experience.

Price: JPY 4,000 - JPY 8,000 per person (set courses)

Getting There: This establishment is best reached by a short taxi ride from central Kawaguchiko or a local bus, as it is situated away from the immediate station area.