10 Best Local Restaurants in Hakone

Hatsuhana Soba Honten was renovated in the Heisei era, but the atmosphere of the Showa era remains intact, and the river stream you see from the window only adds to the calming, old-fashioned vibe. The soba noodles here are made with Japanese yam, combining deliciously with the dipping sauce, and the thick soba-yu (hot water used for boiled buckwheat noodles) is also a delight.

With its Japanese style perfectly in sync with the Hakone atmosphere, it’s no surprise that this restaurant is always crowded with tourists both from Japan and abroad. You can order the famous tororo (grated yam) separately, and many other snacks are available too. The tempura is another great option.

Mami Kitchen is a casual restaurant with some charming retro touches. Though it offers a wide variety of typical Japanese dishes of Hakone such as tempura, set menus with seafood, soba noodles and yuba (dried tofu skin) rice bowls, the menu also features homemade Japanese-style Western dishes such as ginger pork and beef stew, which are equally popular. Don't forget to try the Sri Lankan curry, which really packs a punch with its unique blend of spices.

Accessible for families with children. This is a secret spot for those in the know.

Takeyabu Hakoneten is the Hakone branch of a soba restaurant from Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. Like the main restaurant, you can taste excellent soba either individually or as a multi-course meal in an artistic space that’s similar to a gallery or museum. Here you can enjoy the aromatic and authentic soba noodles made from buckwheat seeds grown on the Korohime Highland.

Takeyabu Hakoneten is also popular for its open-air terrace seating. Relax in the gentle breeze as you sample exquisite soba and sweets.

Yuzen was opened in Hakone by a young chef from Kanagawa Prefecture. This cosy hideaway restaurant serves dishes and drinks made with local ingredients. It’s a special place where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner, with main courses and side dishes that go well with drinks.

Families with children are welcome, and there's a great atmosphere here with an understated interior. You'll love every bite of the elegantly presented seafood and meat dishes.

The popular Hakone Karaage KARATTO is a pet-friendly restaurant along Lake Ashi, run by the couple who own the restaurant. The herb-marinated and deep-fried chicken is served on a plated lunch along with salad, soup, bread, and fruits.

This is a great place for lovers of fried chicken. You can enjoy craft beer, Guinness, or wine with your choice. And there’s a takeaway option too.

Sushi Miyafuji is famous for its unique aji-don (horse mackerel rice bowl) and torotaku rolls (tuna and pickled radish hand-rolled sushi). If this is your first visit, the Miyafuji Gozen meal, which includes these items, is the one to order. The simple dishes prepared by the head chef are created with great skill. The restaurant has been featured on many TV shows and you can understand why celebrities come here.

It’s also popular for its nigiri (hand-shaped sushi), maki (sushi rolls) and a variety of other tasty morsels. These tasty treats are designed to complement the excellent drinks menu.

Yamahiko Zushi offers sushi with fresh seafood carefully selected by the experts of the Yamahiko fresh fish shop. They select local fish from Sagami Bay every morning, so the freshness and quality is outstanding. Try the nigiri (hand-shaped sushi) and omakase (chef's choice) menus featuring local fish to get a real taste of Hakone's seasonal flavours.

It’s also known for its popular lunchtime-only kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl). Full of local seafood, including fresh shirasu (baby sardines), this dish is great value for money. In the evening, you can enjoy excellent sashimi (sliced raw fish) and grilled fish with some well-matched drinks.

Taigen Chinese Restaurant is a rare "Machi Chuka" (local Chinese eatery) in the tourist resort of Hakone. It’s long been popular with local regulars. The restaurant is on a hill with excellent views. There’s a shuttle bus, too, so no need for designated drivers here.

Besides the famous unpairoo (spicy boiled pork), the restaurant is also popular for its traditional stir-fried liver, mabo tofu (Sichuan-style bean curd) and kani tama (crab meat omelette). You’ll also find authentic Chinese dishes such as abalone stewed with soy sauce and braised shark fins. The restaurant's mascot is an owl that’s very popular with younger diners.

Yumoto Haikara Chinese Nisshintei serves various ramen dishes using handmade noodles, as well as side dishes like delicious fried wontons. Set menus are also available, which include your choice of ramen and dim sum or rice bowl. The kakuni (braised pork) ramen, available only in limited quantities, is a must-try for its tender meat.

With a relaxed atmosphere that only local restaurants can offer, this is a space where you can relax and feel right at home even though you’re in a tourist area. Kick back and enjoy a cold beer along with some local delicacies.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of the Showa period, try Hatsuhana Soba Shinkan. It's well known for its Hatsuhana soba, which is made with Japanese yam, and was born in this restaurant. The soba dipping sauce is also very tasty and adds a nice flavour to the simple soba noodles.

Try the hot yamakake soba (with grated yam) in winter and the cold teijo soba (with grated yam) in summer. Don't miss the hearty tempura. The atmosphere is welcoming and children-friendly, and along with the main restaurant, this is one of Hakone's major soba restaurants.