Discover Mt. Fuji's Local Restaurant Tsuruya Shokudō: Yoshida Udon Famous Yamanashi's Soul Food
Mt. Fuji is Japan's symbol and the country's highest mountain (approximately 3,776m) with unparalleled recognition. The area surrounding Mt. Fuji is blessed with magnificent natural landscapes unique to the mountain, including multiple caldera lakes formed by Mt. Fuji's eruptions and Oshino Hakkai, spring waters filtered through snowmelt.
Additionally, the Mt. Fuji area features many quintessentially Japanese viewpoints, such as Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can view Mt. Fuji through a Five-Storied Pagoda.
Today, we'll introduce Tsuruya Shokudō, a popular udon restaurant serving Yoshida Udon, a local specialty of Fujiyoshida, an area known for its beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.
Tsuruya Shokudō: An Udon Restaurant Serving Fujiyoshida City's Soul Food, "Yoshida Udon"
Tsuruya Shokudō is a long-established restaurant serving Yoshida Udon, a specialty dish of Fujiyoshida at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Beyond its longtime local patronage, Tsuruya Shokudō has become popular among domestic and international tourists visiting Mt. Fuji.
One of Tsuruya Shokudō's appealing points is its convenient location - about 15 minutes on foot from Arakurayama Sengen Park, which offers beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, and within walking distance of Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park featuring multiple thrilling attractions.
What is Yoshida Udon?
Yoshida Udon is one of the local specialties commonly eaten in Fujiyoshida City.
Located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Fujiyoshida City's cool climate and volcanic ash-laden soil make it unsuitable for rice cultivation. However, the area became prolific in growing other grains like wheat, leading to the development of a food culture centered around udon, which is made from wheat flour.
The most distinctive feature of Yoshida Udon is its surprisingly firm and chewy noodles that might surprise first-time eaters. The noodles are served in a soup made from traditional Japanese broth using dried sardines and bonito flakes, mixed with soy sauce or miso.
Another characteristic of Yoshida Udon is its toppings of boiled cabbage and sweet and savory simmered horse meat.
Loved by Locals for Over 60 Years
With more than 60 years of history since its establishment, Tsuruya Shokudō has been cherished by local customers for generations. The current owner is the third generation, carrying on the traditional taste.
Tsuruya Shokudō is said to be the first restaurant to add horse meat as a topping to Yoshida Udon, making it a legendary establishment that has shaped the history of this local dish.
Their thoughtful service, including English translations on the menu for foreign tourists, is one of the reasons why Tsuruya Shokudō has maintained its popularity for so long.
What Makes Tsuruya Shokudō Special? An Udon Expert Explains Its Appeal
Characteristic Firm Noodles True to Yoshida Udon Style
Source:Fuji Yoshida City Guide
Tsuruya Shokudō's noodles feature the firm, chewy texture that symbolizes "Yoshida Udon."
While firm udon typically requires large amounts of salt to tighten the wheat flour components, Tsuruya Shokudō uses only about half the salt content of regular "Yoshida Udon." Additionally, they use mineral-rich sea salt, making Tsuruya Shokudō a place where you can enjoy a healthier version of "Yoshida Udon."
At Tsuruya Shokudō, they serve the noodles freshly boiled - the perfect way to enjoy udon. Be sure to eat them while they're still warm for the best experience.
Light Soy Sauce-Based Soup with Rich Seafood Broth
Source:Fuji Yoshida City Guide
Tsuruya Shokudō's soup features a light taste made from sardine and bonito broth, combined with soy sauce and miso as a secret ingredient.
The simple noodles perfectly complement the light soup, creating an exceptional dish where you can taste the umami of the broth.
This light soup pairs wonderfully with "suridane," the standard condiment for "Yoshida Udon." Suridane is a traditional condiment originating from Fujiyoshida City, mixing sesame with spices like chili pepper.
After enjoying the broth's umami, try adding some suridane to experience how it enriches the soup's aroma.
Generous and Satisfying Toppings
Source:Fuji Yoshida City Guide
Tsuruya Shokudō's udon is also appealing for its substantial toppings.
The simple noodles are dramatically topped with options like tempura, horse meat, and egg. While the udon itself is excellent, trying different toppings allows you to enjoy "Yoshida Udon" in various ways.
The "Tempura Udon" is particularly popular, featuring tempura so large it extends beyond the bowl. Tsuruya Shokudō serves "kakiage" tempura - thinly sliced carrots and onions fried together. Don't miss trying the rich flavor created when the tempura oil melds with the soup.
Traditional Public Restaurant Atmosphere with Local Charm
Source:Fuji Yoshida City Guide
Operating for over 60 years, Tsuruya Shokudō's interior reflects the charm of a traditional Japanese public restaurant.
While maintaining its historical character, the clean and simple interior with chairs and tables makes it easily accessible for foreign tourists.
With many local regular customers, it's also recommended for those who want to experience the relaxed atmosphere of a typical Japanese public restaurant.
While many udon restaurants have tatami seats requiring shoe removal, Tsuruya Shokudō mainly offers table and counter seating, making it comfortable for foreign visitors unfamiliar with traditional Japanese seating.
Diverse Menu Offering Reasonable Prices and Wide-Ranging Options
Source:Fuji Yoshida City Guide
Tsuruya Shokudō's popularity stems from its satisfying portions and the ability to enjoy delicious udon at reasonable prices. For instance, at Tsuruya Shokudō, all menu items are priced between around 500 to 1,000 yen.
Moreover, despite the reasonable pricing, another attractive point is the wide variety of menu options. You can choose between hot or cold udon, and select from various toppings including tempura, horse meat, and egg according to your preference.
The menu features photos and English descriptions, making it easy for foreign tourists trying udon for the first time to imagine the flavors while making their selection.
Author's 3 Favorite Udon Dishes at Tsuruya Shokudō
All-Included Udon
Source:Tabelog
All-included Udon [700 yen] is a luxurious dish topped with tempura, horse meat, and egg. This menu item is recommended for those who want to fully experience the appeal of "Yoshida Udon," as it features both the classic udon topping of tempura (kakiage) and the essential horse meat that characterizes Yoshida Udon.
The All-included Udon uses Tsuruya Shokudō's signature clear soup, so first try to appreciate the simple umami of the broth.
Additionally, because you're enjoying it with a light soup, the more you chew the noodles, the more you can taste the natural wheat flour aroma. Why not take your time to savor Tsuruya Shokudō's carefully crafted soup and noodles along with the variety of toppings?
Source:Tabelog
Meat and Egg Udon [600 yen] is a popular dish topped with horse meat and soft-boiled egg.
Typical Japanese Meat Udon uses a sweet, strong broth that sets it apart from the light soup used in regular udon. The sweet broth enhances the natural sweetness of the fat from beef or pork typically used in meat udon toppings.
At Tsuruya Shokudō, the Meat and Egg Udon uses sweet and savory simmered horse meat. When combined with Tsuruya Shokudō's specially fragrant broth, the sweet and savory sauce from the horse meat creates a rich, deep, and complex flavor.
Furthermore, the soft-boiled egg yolk adds a creamy texture to the light soup. This dish is perfect for those who want to experience various flavors in a single bowl.
Nabeyaki Udon
Source:Tabelog
Nabeyaki Udon [¥800] is a popular menu item at Tsuruya Shokudō where individual portions of udon are served in small pots.
Nabeyaki Udon is not just limited to "Yoshida Udon" but is a type of udon dish loved throughout Japan, where meat and vegetables are simmered together with the noodles. As it's eaten directly from the pot, the dish stays piping hot, making it particularly popular during Japan's cold seasons.
At Tsuruya Shokudō, the Nabeyaki Udon comes topped with tempura (kakiage), horse meat, and egg, making it one of the most filling dishes among Tsuruya Shokudō's already substantial menu offerings.
Fujiyoshida City, where Tsuruya Shokudō is located, has a high elevation due to its proximity to Mt. Fuji, and winters can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping below freezing. After enjoying sightseeing in the cold weather, this steaming hot Nabeyaki Udon is perfect for warming up your body.
Access to Tsuruya Shokudō
Address: 2-12-9 Asahi, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes walk from Tsukidera Station on the Fuji Sanroku Electric Railway
Official Website: https://tsuruya.client.jp/
The "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" by Magical Trip allows you to enjoy various spots including Tsuruya Shokudō with a local guide
The "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" is a private tour that offers a complete experience of Mt. Fuji's attractions, including Japan's most famous Mt. Fuji viewing spot "Shin-Kuratama Asama Park" and "Oshino Hakkai," a famous spring water site where you can see the bottom of the water due to its crystal clarity.
In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, another attractive point is the opportunity to taste iconic Japanese dishes representing the Mt. Fuji area for lunch.
Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest peak, has not only been admired for its magnificent nature but has also been worshipped as a sacred mountain by Japanese people since ancient times. The area around Mt. Fuji is home to many cultural landmarks, including historic shrines.
By joining this tour, you can efficiently visit must-see spots around Mt. Fuji while gaining a deeper understanding of Mt. Fuji's history and culture through the guide's explanations.
The tour lunch can accommodate vegan and gluten-free requirements. However, please make sure to request these dietary requirements in advance.
- Meeting point: Tiffany Shinjuku Store (near Shinjuku-sanchome Station) or your hotel
- Tour area: Central Tokyo ~ Mt. Fuji area ~ Central Tokyo
- Start time: 8:00~
