Hakone Shrine, Hakone, Japan: A Culinary Journey

Food History of Hakone Shrine

The Hakone Shrine, nestled in the serene setting of Hakone near the shores of Lake Ashi, is not only a spiritual site but also a place where visitors can experience the rich and varied culinary traditions of the region. While Hakone does not have its own unique food history directly tied to the shrine itself, the area surrounding it is part of Kanagawa Prefecture, which boasts a diverse food culture influenced heavily by its proximity to the sea and the mountains. Historically, travelers and pilgrims visiting Hakone Shrine would have enjoyed regional specialties en route to the sacred site.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hakone

1. Onsen Tamago (Non-Veg): Soft-boiled eggs cooked in the hot springs, with a silky custard-like texture.
2. Kaiseki Ryori (Non-Veg & Veg Options): A traditional multi-course meal that can be enjoyed at many ryokans, with each dish crafted to highlight seasonal and regional ingredients.
3. Yuba (Veg): Delicate tofu skin that’s a specialty in many Japanese regions, including Hakone, often served with soy sauce and wasabi.
4. Amazake (Veg): A sweet, low-alcohol drink made from fermented rice, often consumed at shrines and temples.
5. Oden (Non-Veg & Veg Options): A comforting hot pot dish with various ingredients like daikon, eggs, and fish cakes, simmered in a savory broth.
6. Soba (Veg Options Available): Buckwheat noodles that can be enjoyed hot or cold, often accompanied by tempura or mountain vegetables.
7. Tofu (Veg): Fresh tofu is a staple in the region, with various preparations ranging from silken to firm styles.
8. Houtou (Veg Options Available): A regional noodle dish made with flat udon-like noodles stewed in a miso-based pumpkin soup.
9. Manju (Veg): A popular steamed bun filled with red bean paste, perfect for a sweet treat while exploring the area.
10. Matcha (Veg): High-quality green tea that's often served in traditional tea ceremonies, representing a deep part of Japanese culture.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hakone

Itoh Dining by NOBU

1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Wagyu Beef (Non-Veg)

Hakone Tent

1320 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Ramen (Non-Veg)

Tamura Ginkatsu-tei

1300-64 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Ginkatsu, Pork Katsu (Non-Veg)

Restaurant Le Trianon (Hakone Hotel Kowakien)

1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: French Japanese fusion cuisine (Non-Veg & Veg Options)

Hatsuhana Soba House

817-211 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Soba (Veg Options Available)

Amazake Chaya

817-253 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Amazake (Veg)

Steak House Yoshiike

597 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Japanese steak (Non-Veg)

808 Monsmare

808 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Italian cuisine with local ingredients (Veg Options Available)

The Fujiya

1 Miyanoshita, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Historic Western-style cuisine (Veg Options Available)

Tenseien Restaurant

682 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture

Famous Food: Buffet with Japanese and Western dishes (Non-Veg & Veg Options)