Source: Yusuke Kawasaki
Hakone is one of the most beautiful towns in Japan. It has a rich tradition and cultural heritage, not to mention an impressive view of Mount Fuji. It boasts of onsen hot springs and it’s still close to the greater Tokyo metropolis. Hakone is also home to countless restaurants and food serving establishments. Hundreds of cooking styles call Hakone their home, so choosing a restaurant is not always an easy choice. Here’s a list of 10 must-visit restaurants in Hakone, Japan.
1. Fukuman’en
Yes, Hakone is in Japan, but Chinese restaurants also flourish in such a diverse area. Fukuman’en is a prime example of must-visit Chinese restaurants in Japan. The rich szechwan cuisine is the specialty at Fukuman’en so make sure you get a taste of their spicy cuisine. It’s still very affordable, lunch costing about 1,000 yen and dinner starting at 3,000.
Information
- Address: 138, Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0522
- Average Cost Per Meal: 3,000 – 3,500 Yen
- Style: Chinese Cuisine
- Opening Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 – 19:00
- Opening hours Saturday, Sunday & Holiday: 11:00 – 21:00
- Staff & menu: English speaking staff
2. Kadan
Kadan is not only one of the best restaurants in Hakone, but they also offer accommodation for singles and couples in luxury rooms. The restaurant alone is one of the best in the entire region. Kadan specializes in traditional Japanese meals known as a kaiseki, or traditional multi-course meals. Spectacular service and impressive architecture add the finishing touches to the fantastic menu.
Information
- Address: 1300, Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0408
- Average Cost Per Meal: 8,000 Yen
- Style: Traditional Kaiseki Japanese Cuisine
- Opening hour Lunch: Monday to Sunday 11:00 – 15:30
- Opening hour dinner: Monday to Sunday 17:30 – 21:00
- Staff & menu: English speaking staff & menu
3. Yoshiike
Yoshiike is another traditional Japanese restaurants, but it specializes in grilled meat and vegetables served on a skewer. They also prepare amazing meat-based dishes cooked on a large iron grill known as Teppanyaki. The restaurant is located just a short 8 minute walk away from the Hakone Tozan Train Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Information
- Address: 597, Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0311
- Average Cost Per Meal: 5,000 Yen
- Style: Yakitori (grilled meat and vegetables) & Teppanyaki (iron grill)
- Staff & menu: English menu
4. Sky lounge in Hotel Okada
For those missing Western, European and Mediterranean cuisines you can always plan a meal at Skylounge. Skylounge is one of the best non-traditional restaurants in all of Hakone. Their varied menu includes western-style meals, Mediterranean cuisine and all types of sausages. And that’s not even the half of it.
Information
- Address: 191, Yumotochaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0312
- Average Cost Per Meal: 4,500 – 5,000 Yen
- Style: Western & European Cuisine
- Opening hour Lunch: 11:30 – 14:00
- Opening hour dinner: 18:00 – 21:00
- Staff & menu: English speaking staff & menu
5. Tsutsuji no Chaya
If you want a smart and classy restaurant meal option you can always go for Tsutsuji no Chaya. It boasts of extreme elegance and traditional & alternative dishes cooked to perfection. Perfect for a night out with friends or a corporate event as it features private rooms for large groups to dine peacefully.
Information
- Address: 80, Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0522
- Average Cost Per Meal: 4,000 Yen
- Style: Traditional Kaiseki Japanese Cuisine
- Opening hour breakfast: 07:30 – 09:30
- Opening hour Lunch: 11:30 – 14:00
- Opening hour dinner: 17:30 – 20:30
- Staff & menu: English speaking staff
6. Kyombokkun
Kyombokkun is a great combination of a traditional Japanese restaurant with a modern taste and cooking style. Hakone residents and tourists enjoy a splendid menu that specializes in yakiniku or BBQ style and horumon. This is a good choice for exotic food lovers as you will have the chance to eat offal and other traditional Japanese ingredients.
Information
- Address: 74-1, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0631
- Average Cost Per Meal: 4,000 Yen
- Style: Yakiniku BBQ & Horumon Cuisine
- Opening hour Lunch: 11:30 – 14:00
- Opening hour dinner: 17:30 – 22:00
- Closed on Thursdays
- Staff & menu: English Menu
7. Shikajaya
Shikajaya is another great restaurant where you can enjoy a high-class meal without it costing you a small fortune. They actually specialize in ryotei style meals, which are considered high-class dining. Although the meals have more than one course, it’s only going to cost you 3,000 yen per meal.
Information
- Address: 640, Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0311
- Average Cost Per Meal: 3,000 Yen
- Style: Traditional Japanese High-Class Cuisine
- Opening hour Lunch: 11:00 – 15:00
- Opening hour dinner: 16:30 – 19:30
- Closed on Thursdays
- Staff & menu: English menu
8. Taigen
Taigen specializes in Chinese cuisine, and offer an incredible view of Hakone. It’s located on the mountain-side next to the city. Nevertheless, the 25 minute bus rides are worth it. It’s pretty affordable as the average cost of a meal is only 2,500.
Information
- Address: 1181-145, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0631
- Average Cost Per Meal: 2,500 Yen
- Style: Chinese Cuisine
- Opening hour Lunch: 11:00 – 14:00
- Opening hour dinner: 17:00 – 20:30
- Closed on Thursdays
- Staff & menu: English menu
9. Chikura
Chikura is a small, beautifully designed restaurant that offers kaiseki meals, or traditional multi-course meals. They are great for large groups as they can host up to 26 people. It’s big enough to celebrate and it’s also cozy so your celebration will not be lost in a crowded room.
Information
- Address: Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa palace 9-1, 250-0522
- Average Cost Per Meal: 2,400 Yen
- Style: Traditional Kaiseki Japanese Cuisine
- Opening hour Lunch: 11:30 – 14:00
- Opening hour dinner: 16:00 – 20:00
- Closed on Mondays
- Staff & menu: English speaking staff & menu
10. Yamahico Sushi
Yamabico Sushi is one of the most interesting restaurants in Hakone because it offers food endemic to the Hakone area. Besides offering Japanese traditional meals, Yamabiko also offers the most popular Hakone-area meals. Not only is the food amazing but the service and experience will leave you with a great impression of Hakone and its restaurants.
Information
- Address: Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture Hakone-machi Miyagino 635-1
- Average Cost Per Meal: 1,000 to 3,500 Yen
- Style: Traditional Japanese Cuisine
- Opening hours Thursday to Tuesday (Wednesday off): Lunch 11: 30 – 14: 00 / Dinner: 17: 00 – 21: 0
Hakone is an amazing destination with hundreds of attractions and quality restaurants. Traveling to Hakone is assuring your quest through Japan will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Beautiful settings and awesome cuisine are just the beginning of the most exciting adventure you ever had. Stay tuned for more insight about Hakone and hundreds of other destinations around Japan.
Have a good trip and travel!
