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Food & Dining

Food & Dining

West Of Tokyo, Japan

Culinary Overview

Cultural & Historical Context

Hakone’s cuisine draws on its mountainous terrain, Lake Ashi, and its past as a resting spot. Seasonal ingredients from mountains and lake are central.

Onsen ryokan traditionally serve elaborate multi-course meals known as kaiseki, a culinary art with emphasis on balance, seasonality, and visual presentation.

Dining Customs & Etiquette

  • Remove shoes before entering traditional Japanese restaurants or ryokan dining areas.
  • Chopsticks: Avoid sticking them vertically in rice. Do not pass food directly. Place them on a rest when not eating.
  • Drinking: Wait for all drinks to be served before saying "Kanpai!" (Cheers!). Pour for others, not yourself.
  • Saying "Oishii!" (Delicious!) expresses appreciation. Tipping is not customary; service charges may be included.

Ingredients & Flavors

Subtle Yet Complex

Flavors highlight natural tastes. Staples include soy sauce, dashi (savory broth), miso, and mirin. Freshwater fish like trout are prominent.

Regional Variations

Hakone's cuisine generally matches Kanto traditions with slightly saltier, stronger flavors. Hot spring culture and mountain environment create a distinct identity.

Meal Times

Breakfast (7-9 AM), Lunch (11:30 AM-2 PM - set menus common), Dinner (5-9 PM - ryokan dinners can be elaborate fixed-time affairs).

Traditional Beverages

  • Sake: Japanese rice wine; explore local varieties.
  • Matcha: Powdered green tea; enjoy at traditional tea houses.
  • Ramune: Traditional Japanese carbonated soft drink.
  • Japanese Beer: Popular brands like Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin are widely available.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes & Where to Find Them

Black Eggs Kuro Tamago

Eggs boiled in Owakudani's sulfurous waters, shells turn black. Legends say one egg adds seven years to life.

Available at shops in Owakudani.

Hakone Soba/Udon

Hand-pulled buckwheat (soba) or wheat (udon) noodles, served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce.

Many local restaurants, especially around Hakone-Yumoto.

Freshwater Fish Ayu

Grilled or fried local fish, specifically ayu (sweetfish), a seasonal delicacy.

Served in ryokan or specialty restaurants near Lake Ashi.

Iconic Snacks & Desserts

  • Onsen Manju: Steamed buns, often with sweet red bean paste; popular souvenirs.
  • Wagashi: Traditional Japanese sweets, artfully crafted, pair with green tea.
  • Mochi and Dango: Various forms of sweet rice cakes, found at snack stalls.
  • Yosegi Zaiku sweets: Sweets sold in beautiful boxes with Hakone's marquetry patterns.

Street Food & Seasonal Foods

Street Food

Kuro Tamago is the most famous "street food" experience. Fewer widespread stalls than in major cities, but small shops sell local treats.

Seasonal & Festival Foods

Local cuisine often reflects the harvest. Chestnuts and mushrooms may be prominent in autumn dishes. Check local calendars for food-related festivals.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Many luxury ryokan present exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) dinners. These meals are prepared with attention to detail and seasonal ingredients. Reservations are usual.

  • Meticulous preparation.
  • Focus on presentation.
  • Advance booking is common.

Mid-Range Restaurants

Numerous choices around Hakone-Yumoto and Gora. These establishments offer various Japanese comfort foods like soba, udon, tempura, and tonkatsu.

  • Good balance of quality and cost.
  • Set meals (teishoku) are common.
  • Mainly near transport hubs.

Budget Eateries & Street Food

Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) offer fresh, affordable, high-quality meals like bento, onigiri, and hot snacks.

  • Excellent for quick breakfasts or lunches.
  • Local shops sell specific items like Kuro Tamago in Owakudani.
  • Fewer widespread street food stalls compared to major cities.

International Cuisine

Limited Options

International cuisine is not widespread in Hakone. Most restaurants focus on Japanese cuisine.

Major hotels might offer Western dining for guests.

For Wider Selection

For a broader selection of international foods, Tokyo presents more choices.

Consider dining in Tokyo before or after your Hakone trip.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian/Vegan

May be difficult due to dashi (fish broth). Inquire in advance, especially at ryokan.

Gluten-Free/Allergens

Challenging with soy sauce. Carry translated allergen cards. Smaller restaurants may struggle.

Halal/Kosher

Very limited options. Plan to prepare meals or bring certified foods.

Resources

Use apps like "HappyCow". A Japanese phrasebook with dietary phrases is useful.

Culinary Experiences

Unique Dining Concepts

  • Kaiseki Dining at a Ryokan: A multi-course meal, often served in your room, for an immersive experience.
  • Eating Kuro Tamago at Owakudani: A unique experience with eggs cooked in volcanic hot springs.
  • Traditional Tea Ceremony: Some ryokan or tea houses may offer tea ceremony experiences.
  • Limited Cooking Classes: Not as common as in major cities, but private arrangements may be possible.

Local Interactions

Farm Visits

Direct tourist access to farms or food producers is limited. Local dishes feature seasonal produce.

Focus on tasting local ingredients.

Food Festivals

Local festivals often feature food stalls. Check Hakone tourism calendars for seasonal events.

Excellent for sampling regional specialties.

Other Culinary Highlights

Culinary Workshops Limited
Yosegi Zaiku (Marquetry) sweets.
Local craft workshops.
Tea blending.
Fruit picking (seasonal).
Japanese baking.
Sake tasting.
Ryokan Meal Experience

The ryokan meal is a deeply cultural experience, often served with incredible attention to detail.

  • Traditional Japanese breakfast.
  • Dinner served in room or private dining.
  • Focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
Street Food & Snacks

Grab a quick bite from local vendors, especially for snacks while sightseeing.

Look for local rice crackers and steamed buns.

Meal Planning Tips

Flexible Options
  • Utilize convenience stores for budget-friendly meals.
  • Consider bento boxes for picnics by the lake.
Local Specialties
  • Do not miss Kuro Tamago.
  • Taste fresh lake fish if in season.

Dining Highlights

Popular Dining Areas

Hakone-Yumoto Station Area

Many restaurants catering to tourists and locals.

Soba, Udon, local snacks. Souvenir shops with food items.
Lake Ashi Lakeside Eateries

Restaurants near Moto-Hakone and Togendai offer scenic views.

Focus on lake fish and cafes.
Sengokuhara Quiet Retreats

Fewer options, but some charming cafes and restaurants, often part of museums or hotels.

Peaceful dining experience.

Seasonal Delights & Special Occasions

  • Spring: Fresh mountain vegetables, light seafood.
  • Summer: Cooler noodle dishes, refreshing desserts.
  • Autumn: Chestnuts, mushrooms, root vegetables.
  • Winter: Hearty hot pots, warm sake.

Meal Planning & Reservations

Ryokan Dinners

Usually fixed-time and part of your accommodation plan. Inquire about meal times upon check-in.

Arrive on time to enjoy the full multi-course experience.

External Reservations

For fine dining outside your ryokan, reservations are strongly suggested.

Many restaurants may have limited English support for reservations; ask your hotel for assistance.

Dining Experiences to Savor

Kaiseki Artistry

Experience the culinary performance of a traditional multi-course ryokan dinner.

Volcanic Delicacy

Taste the unique Kuro Tamago cooked in Owakudani's hot springs.

Fresh Lake Fare

Enjoy seasonal freshwater fish caught from Lake Ashi.

Dining Tip

Consider bringing a Japanese phrasebook or using translation apps for smooth ordering, especially with dietary needs.

  • "Kore wa nan desu ka?" (What is this?)
  • "Oishii desu!" (It's delicious!)
  • "Gochisousama deshita." (Thank you for the meal - after eating)
  • "Sumimasen." (Excuse me / Sorry)
  • "Arigatou gozaimasu." (Thank you very much)