Food In Hakone

Hakone, Japan: Food History

Hakone's culinary history is deeply intertwined with its status as a historical travel post along the Tokaido route, which connected Tokyo with Kyoto during the Edo Period. Travelers would stop in Hakone to rest and enjoy the local hot springs. With its location near the sea and mountains, Hakone developed a unique food culture that adopted elements from both land and sea.

Many of the traditional foods in Hakone have their roots in "onsen ryori" or hot spring cuisine, which focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. Meals are often designed to be nutritious and rejuvenating, complementing the health benefits of the onsen (hot springs).

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Hakone

1. Kaiseki Ryori (Non-Veg) - A traditional Japanese multi-course meal emphasizing seasonal ingredients, presented in an artful way.
2. Yuba (Veg) - Delicate tofu skin which is a by-product of tofu production, often served in soups or as sashimi.
3. Onsen Tamago (Veg) - Eggs slow-cooked in the hot spring waters, resulting in a custard-like texture.
4. Soba (Veg/Non-Veg Options) - Buckwheat noodles, often served chilled with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth with various toppings.
5. Odawara Kamaboko (Non-Veg) - A type of fish cake known for its firm texture and mild flavor, originating from the nearby city of Odawara.
6. Tofu Cuisine (Veg) - A variety of dishes prepared with fresh, locally-produced tofu which is a staple in Hakone's vegetarian offerings.
7. Sansai Ryori (Veg) - Dishes featuring wild mountain vegetables and herbs, showcasing the local foraging culture.
8. Amazake (Veg) - A traditional sweet and low-alcohol drink made from fermented rice, often enjoyed at hot springs.
9. Manju (Veg) - Steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste, a popular snack often sold at train stations and tourist spots.
10. Hakone Beer (Veg) - Locally produced craft beers, a nod to the recent popularity of microbrewing in the region.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hakone

1. Restaurant Name: Hakone Ginyu
   Address: 100-1 Miyanoshita, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0404, Japan
   Famous Food: Traditional Kaiseke Ryori (Non-Veg)
2. Restaurant Name: Irori Dining Tsutaya
   Address: 817-211 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
   Famous Food: Grilled Fish and Soba Noodles (Veg/Non-Veg Options)
3. Restaurant Name: Hatsuhana Soba Honten
   Address: 817-250 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-05, Japan
   Famous Food: Soba (Veg/Non-Veg Options)
4. Restaurant Name: Tenseien Restaurant
   Address: 682 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan
   Famous Food: Onsen Tamago (Veg)
5. Restaurant Name: The Fujiya
   Address: 359 Miyanoshita, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0404, Japan
   Famous Food: Western-inspired Japanese Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg Options)