Must-Try Foods In Hakone OpenAir Museum (Hakone) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Hakone OpenAir Museum, Hakoshima, Japan

The Hakone Open-Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館, Hakone Chōkoku no Mori Bijutsukan) is renowned for its impressive collection of artworks displayed in harmony with nature, featuring sculptures by both Japanese and international artists. While the museum itself does not have a specific food history, the Hakone region is known for its local cuisine that has been savored by travelers for centuries, particularly those visiting the region's hot springs (onsen). The surrounding areas are also famous for incorporating fresh local ingredients, including Hakone's tofu, produced with the mineral-rich water from the hot springs, and regional specialties like yuba (tofu skin) and soba noodles.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hakone for Tourists

1. Hakone Tofu (Veg): Fresh tofu made with local spring water, known for its soft texture and pure flavor.
2. Yuba Dishes (Veg): Delicate tofu skin often served in various preparations – as sashimi, in hot pots, or dried and seasoned.
3. Soba Noodles (Veg): Buckwheat noodles that can be enjoyed hot in a broth or cold with a dipping sauce.
4. Onsen Tamago (Non-Veg): Eggs slow-cooked in the hot springs, resulting in a silky texture where the white is just set and the yolk remains runny.
5. Kamaboko (Non-Veg): A type of cured surimi, a processed seafood product common in the region.
6. Odawara Kamaboko (Non-Veg): Steamed fish cake, often enjoyed as a snack or an appetizer.
7. Tempura (Veg/Non-Veg): Battered and deep-fried vegetables and seafood, light and crispy.
8. Manju (Veg): Sweet buns typically filled with red bean paste, a popular teatime snack.
9. Matcha Desserts (Veg): Various sweets such as ice cream or cakes infused with green tea from the nearby plantations.
10. Owakudani Black Eggs (Non-Veg): These eggs are boiled in the sulfurous waters of the Owakudani hot springs, said to extend one's life by seven years.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hakone OpenAir Museum, Hakone, Japan

The Pampas Grill
Address: Within the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Famous Food: Hakone Veggie Burger (Veg) – A hearty and flavorful burger made with local vegetables.

The Modern Tea Room
Address: Near the Picasso Exhibition Hall, Hakone Open-Air Museum
Famous Food: Assorted Japanese Tea and Sweets Set (Veg) – A curated selection of fine Japanese teas with traditional confectioneries.

Udon House
Address: Near Hakone Open-Air Museum
Famous Food: Mushroom Udon (Veg) – A warm noodle soup dish with a variety of local mushrooms.

Amazake Chaya Tea House
Address: Near the Hakone Checkpoint, a short trip from the museum
Friendly for both veg and non-veg

Tamasudare
Address: Near Hakone-Yumoto Station, a gateway to the museum
Famous Food: Kaiseki Meals (Veg/Non-Veg options) – A traditional Japanese multi-course meal, often featuring the season's best ingredients.

While these restaurants represent a range of options, visitors to the Hakone Open-Air Museum will find the region rich in culinary tradition offering a taste of Japan's diverse and seasonally fresh palate.