West Of Tokyo Japan Travel Guide
Japanese cuisine highlights harmony, balance, and based on the seasonity. The Fuji region's food reflects its geography, using components from volcanic soil, clear lakes, and surrounding forests. Historically, the area's food nourished pilgrims and travelers.
Staple ingredients include rice, various noodles (udon, soba), and an abundance of fresh produce. Freshwater fish (trout) feature prominently. Wild vegetables (sansai) and local mushrooms appear seasonally. Flavor bases use miso, a salty, and dashi (savory broth).
Signature dish is Hoto Noodles (thick udon-like noodles in miso soup containing pumpkin/vegetables). Yamanashi is Japan's premier wine-producing region with local vineyards.
Major green tea producer known for high-quality teas. Also known for fresh wasabi, cultivated in clear mountain streams.
A blend of traditional Japanese cuisine in its many ryokan. Local specialties use ingredients from the nearby sea (via Odawara) or surrounding mountains.
A warming dish, popular around Kawaguchiko. Find it at many specialized Hoto restaurants with traditional interiors.
A hearty, warming peasant dish.
Enjoy grilled (shioyaki) or as sashimi, especially trout or char from the lochs. Look for restaurants near Lake Kawaguchiko or Lake Ashi.
A local delicacy from the clear waters.
Eggs boiled in the sulphurous hot springs of Owakudani, Hakone. Purchase them at Owakudani.
Locals say eating one adds seven years to your life.
A delicate specialty in some classic areas. Usually included in a multi-course meal, with subtle flavor and unique texture.
Ask locally about ingredients in season or special festival foods, like chestnuts in autumn. Local markets might offer seasonal delights.
High-end ryokan often offer exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) dinners. These are culinary experiences demonstrating seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation.
Plentiful in Kawaguchiko and Hakone. These establishments serve various Japanese cuisines, including sushi, tempura, ramen, udon, and soba.
Less prominent street food than in major cities, but vendors offer local snacks. Convenience stores offer affordable, ready-to-eat meals.
Limited options outside major tourist hubs. Some Western-style cafes or restaurants cater to overseas visitors in Kawaguchiko or Hakone.
Expect mainly Japanese food.
Not as prominent as in larger cities. Some local markets might exist, mainly selling fresh produce and local specialties.
Concentrate on fresh, local goods.
Rice balls
Fresh and quick
Lunch sets
Sweet and savory
Use a vegetarian/vegan phrasebook or translation app to clearly convey your needs.
Clear communication is .
Carry an allergen card translated into Japanese. Stick to naturally gluten-free foods like sashimi (without soy sauce).
Useful for dietary safety.
A buddhist place of worship cuisine is inherently vegan and a safe choice for those avoiding items of animal origin.
If dietary requirements are strict, consider self-catering accommodation. Purchase elements from local supermarkets.
Some local guesthouses or specialized operators in Kawaguchiko or Hakone offer cooking classes. Learn to make Hoto noodles or other local dishes.
Opportunities exist to visit tea plantations in Shizuoka or fruit farms in Yamanashi during harvest seasons.
Check local tourism calendars for seasonal food events. These might celebrate local produce, traditional dishes, or specific harvests.
Food tours are less common specifically in this part of the country compared to Tokyo or Kyoto. However, local guides might customize one for you.
Personalized experiences may be possible.
Local guides can offer insights into the regional cuisine and take you to hidden culinary gems.
A deep look at the local culinary culture.
Many onsen towns offer unique dining experiences where you can experience local delicacies after a relaxing bath.
Some ryokan present classic shows, like geisha dances or shamisen music, during dinner.
Small local marketplaces are a spot to sample fresh produce and unique regional snacks from vendors.
Do not hesitate to try small, local eateries. Seek out places with handwritten menus or a few plastic food models outside.
