Experience Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA: Vegan-Friendly Café and Historic Coworking Space Near Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, is beloved worldwide for its beauty as Japan's iconic landscape. The area around Mt. Fuji offers not just mountain views but also lakes and shrines, making it a nature-rich tourist destination showcasing quintessential Japanese scenery. The volcanic ash from Mt. Fuji has created fertile soil at its base, making the area famous for delicious local vegetables.
Today, we introduce "Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA," a café that caters to vegans and international visitors exploring the Mt. Fuji area.
Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA: A Foreign-Friendly Café with Vegan Options
Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA welcomes international guests in a 150-year-old renovated Japanese house. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese aesthetics and stunning views of Mt. Fuji while dining. The café's popular vegan menu features delicious vegetables grown in the fertile soil of Mt. Fuji's base. As a tax-free shop, it's perfect for tourists.
More Than a Café: Shop and Coworking Space
Source:Google Maps
The first floor houses the café and gift shop, while the second floor offers a coworking space. Both floors feature warm wooden interiors that evoke nostalgia, complemented by the pleasant natural breeze. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals, read books, shop for traditional Japanese crafts as souvenirs, or simply relax in this peaceful setting.
Concept: "A Traveler's Haven in a Quiet Village Where Nature and Culture Intersect at the Foot of Mt. Fuji"
Source:Google Maps
While Mt. Fuji is now globally recognized for its beauty, it has traditionally been worshipped as a deity in Japan. NAKAMURAYA originally served as a lodging house for religious pilgrims. Though religious pilgrimages have decreased, tourism has flourished. NAKAMURAYA has evolved to become a modern haven for travelers, maintaining its concept as "A Traveler's Haven in a Quiet Village Where Nature and Culture Intersect at the Foot of Mt. Fuji," offering visitors a unique experience.
What Makes Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA Special? A 5-Year Café Worker's Guide to Its Highlights
A Café Space & Menu Embodying Traditional Japanese Atmosphere
Source:Tabelog
The primary attraction is the café space and menu that exude traditional Japanese aesthetics. Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA opened in a renovated historic house, with the first-floor café maintaining most of its original features with minimal repairs. The aged walls, tatami mats, and staircase evoke a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere, creating a peaceful and content feeling.
The cuisine also reflects Japanese sensibilities. The culinary concept is "inherited home-style Japanese flavors," featuring traditional Japanese dishes that emphasize natural ingredients' flavors. Like all traditional Japanese cuisine, these dishes are not only delicious but visually stunning.
A Shop Filled with Masterpieces That Touched the Owner's Heart
Source:Google Maps
The gift shop is a must-visit at NAKAMURA. It showcases traditional crafts and products connected to Yamanashi Prefecture and Mount Fuji. Each item is personally selected by the manager, displaying delicate beauty and craftsman's warmth.
You're sure to find something special to take home. Perfect for both travel memories and souvenirs. NAKAMURA is a tax-free shop, offering savings for tourists. (Tax-free service preparation ongoing as of January 2025)
A Coworking Space with Retro Japanese Interior
Source:Google Maps
My highest recommendation is the second-floor coworking space. Climbing the stepped tansu (traditional chest), you'll find a warm wooden space. The view is spectacular, offering glimpses of Mount Fuji through the windows. With both shared and private spaces, it's ideal for both social and solitary visitors.
The traditional house's excellent ventilation is another appealing feature. Why not spend a relaxing time enjoying the natural breeze carrying Mount Fuji's scents?
Two Recommended Vegan Menus at Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA
Traditional House Special Jubako (Vegan Version)
Source:Google Maps
Japan inherited "Shojin Ryori" culture from China long ago. This cuisine excludes animal products, and eating it was considered a form of meditation to clear the mind.
This Traditional House Special Jubako is Shojin Ryori, using abundant local vegetables instead of animal ingredients. The foot of Mount Fuji is famous for producing flavorful vegetables, thanks to spring water and volcanic ash deposits. Why not try this traditional "Shojin Ryori" culture with Mount Fuji's delicious vegetables?
As Shojin Ryori uses no animal products, it's perfectly suitable for vegans.
The Traditional House Special Jubako is priced at 3,500 yen. As it's a popular menu item, please make a reservation before visiting.
[VEGAN] Chocolate Cake at Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA
Source:Google Maps
![[VEGAN] Chocolate Cake at Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA](https://res-3.cloudinary.com/dbm1qiew0/image/upload/q_auto/v1/blog-images/-VEGAN--Chocolate-Cake-at-Traditional-Japanese-House-NAKAMURA.png)
The chocolate cake is NAKAMURA's new menu item launched in October 2024. It features an intense chocolate sweetness, filling your mouth with rich chocolate aroma with every bite. The presentation is delightfully cute, creating excitement before you even taste it.
The chocolate cake is priced at 800 yen and is vegan-friendly. After enjoying the traditional Japanese hospitality course, make sure to treat yourself to this dessert. The chocolate cake tastes even better when enjoyed in NAKAMURA's beautiful interior and scenic surroundings.
Access to Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA
Address: 1045 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
Transportation:
By Train:
- Take JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station
- Transfer to Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station, then take a taxi (about 10 minutes)
By Bus:
1. From Kawaguchiko Station:
- Take "Red Line" sightseeing bus (19 min)
- Get off at "Museum of Music Forest/Hotori no Hotel Ban" stop
- 12-min walk
2. Alternative route:
- Take Fujikyu Bus toward Kofu (10 min)
- Get off at "Kawaguchi Post Office"
- 2-min walk
Official Website: https://kawaguchiko-nakamura.com/#concept
Magical Trip's "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car"
This day tour from Tokyo includes Traditional Japanese House NAKAMURA and other local attractions guided by local experts.
Kikuchi Wasabi Farm
- 100+ years of traditional wasabi cultivation
- Chemical-free farming
- Fresh wasabi harvesting experience
- Wasabi grinding demonstrations available
Address: 1803 Natsukari, Tsuru City
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/%E8%8F%8A%E5%9C%B0%E3%82%8F%E3%81%95%E3%81%B3%E5%9C%92/100090921146969/
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is famous as a spectacular viewing spot for Mount Fuji. It's particularly popular for the collaboration between the five-story pagoda (a traditional Japanese house NAKAMURA-style architectural structure with protruding roofs at each level) and Mount Fuji.
In spring, cherry blossoms add to the scenery, creating a view where Mount Fuji and the five-story pagoda seem to float in a sea of pink. It's a breathtaking landscape that you will never forget once you've seen it, so please visit at least once.
Moreover, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine offers many other attractions beyond Mount Fuji, including a massive torii gate.
Address: 2-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.arakurafujisengen.com/
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a collective name for eight ponds created by rainwater and snow that falls on Mount Fuji, and is part of the World Cultural Heritage. The spring water is incredibly clear, allowing you to see distinctly to the bottom of the ponds. As you gaze into the deep blue waters, you'll feel like you might be drawn in.
Another attractive point is the backdrop of Mount Fuji. Located right at the foot of the mountain, you can view a larger Mount Fuji here compared to other scenic spots.
Address: Oshinomura Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Official Website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10486
Mt. Fuji 5th Station & Komitake Shrine
Source:Yamanashi
Located at the 5th station of Mount Fuji, this shrine has watched over mountain climbers for over 1000 years. The contrast of pure white walls and red pillars is beautiful, making you feel like you've suddenly wandered into another world.
There's also a legend that tengu (supernatural creatures) once ruled this shrine, and many treasures related to these folkloric tales remain, including a large axe.
Though situated at the 5th station of Mount Fuji, you can now access this shrine by car. Tour groups also use vehicles to reach this location.
Address: Mt. Fuji Climbing Trail, Subashiri 5th Station
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
With a history spanning over 1100 years, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is famous for its massive torii gate directly facing Mount Fuji. The contrast between the blue and white of Mount Fuji and the red torii gate is stunning, attracting many photographers. The shrine was built to pray for the cessation of volcanic eruptions and is registered as a World Cultural Heritage site alongside Mount Fuji.
Within the shrine grounds, you'll find the "Seven Cedars" (a Yamanashi Prefecture Natural Monument) with a tree age exceeding 1200 years, as well as ritual site ruins dating back more than 15,000 years.
Address: 1 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Official Website: https://asamajinja.or.jp/
