Food at Mt. Fuji 2025: A Guide to Culinary Delights Around the Iconic Mountain of Japan w/map
Mt. Fuji changes its appearance with each season. I have visited this area many times, captivated by its majestic appearance. However, many tourists often overlook the rich food culture unique to this region.
Around Mt. Fuji, you'll find a variety of delicious foods, from the local dish "Houtou" to "Fujinomiya Yakisoba." While some restaurants do charge tourist prices, you can also find simple flavors loved by locals.
In this article, I'll introduce carefully selected gourmet spots that I've actually visited, including local cuisine restaurants, scenic cafes with Mt. Fuji views, and food events.
I'll share the deep culinary appeal of the Mt. Fuji area that you won't see just by visiting tourist attractions.
Table of Contents
・Must-Try Local Dishes in the Mt. Fuji Area
・Recommended Cafes with Mt. Fuji Views
・Food Events in the Mt. Fuji Area
・Frequently Asked Questions About Food Spots Around Mt. Fuji
Must-Try Local Dishes in the Mt. Fuji Area
Around Mt. Fuji, you'll find a diverse array of dishes, from historical local cuisine to new regional specialties.
This region spans Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, creating a unique food culture that fuses both prefectures' culinary traditions. Another characteristic is the cultivation of ingredients that take advantage of climate differences due to elevation, allowing you to enjoy dishes with flavors unique to the land.
Here, I'll introduce three local specialties that I particularly recommend.
Houtou
"Houtou," a representative local dish of Yamanashi Prefecture, is a traditional dish that has been passed down for over 400 years.
Known for its handmade thick noodles, its unique texture is unforgettable once you try it. The piping hot miso-based soup is filled with seasonal vegetables like locally grown pumpkin, mushrooms, and root vegetables. It's especially popular during the cold season.
While many restaurants around Mt. Fuji serve Houtou, long-established restaurants are particularly concentrated around Lake Kawaguchi.
Each restaurant has slightly different miso blends and ingredient combinations, so it's fun to compare them. I visit during different seasons, but it's especially delicious during the cold months from autumn to winter.
Recommended Restaurant: Houtou Fudou Kawaguchiko North Main Shop
Source: Tabelog
Located on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, this restaurant maintains the tradition of Houtou. I particularly love how they use plenty of fresh vegetables sourced from local farmers. Their homemade noodles maintain the wheat's flavor while achieving the perfect texture, and their miso-based soup perfectly blends the umami of seafood and mountain ingredients.
It's easily accessible during sightseeing, and you can enjoy authentic Houtou for about 1,000-2,000 yen per person. The restaurant offers a wonderful location where you can enjoy both food and scenery, with views of Mt. Fuji from inside. I recommend visiting on weekdays as it gets crowded on weekends.
<Store Information>
Address: 707 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304
Closed: None
Phone: 0555767800
Hours: 11 AM–8 PM
Website: http://www.houtou-fudou.jp/english.html
Fujinomiya Yakisoba
Fujinomiya Yakisoba, a local specialty originating from Fujinomiya City, has gained nationwide popularity and once won the title of "Japan's No.1 B-Grade Gourmet Food."
It has three distinctive features that set it apart from regular yakisoba. First is the extra-thick noodles made using a unique method, achieving surprising firmness and texture. Second is the use of special meat bits (pork fat), which adds an accent of umami and creates a deep flavor. And third is the abundant bonito flakes sprinkled on top as a finishing touch.
It's a staple menu item at local festivals and events, and specialized shops line the streets of Fujinomiya City. I visit different shops each time, and each has its own character, making it fun to compare. The prices are reasonable and portions are generous, making it easy for tourists to enjoy authentic local flavor.
Recommended Restaurant: Omiya Yokocho
Source: Google Map
Located near the approach to Fuji Sengen Shrine, Omiya Yokocho could be called the holy ground of Fujinomiya Yakisoba.
With shops offering other local specialties as well, it's an excellent spot to experience Fujinomiya's food culture all at once.
I recommend visiting around 3 PM when tired from sightseeing. This time slot is usually less crowded, allowing you to enjoy food hopping at a leisurely pace.
<Store Information>
Address: 4-23 Miyacho, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0067
Closed: None
Phone: 0544252061
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: Unavailable
Wasabi Don
"Wasabi Don," made with Shizuoka Prefecture's specialty wasabi, is a local dish with a simple yet profound taste.
Fresh wasabi is generously grated on top of freshly cooked rice and served with special soy sauce. While it may seem simple, the key to its deliciousness is the highest-grade wasabi grown in Mt. Fuji's spring water.
What I particularly like is the balance between wasabi's spiciness and aroma. It fills your mouth with a refreshing spiciness and rich aroma completely different from commercial wasabi.
However, since foreigners might find wasabi challenging to eat, I recommend first trying a bit of wasabi at conveyor-belt sushi restaurants in Tokyo or Osaka.
Recommended Restaurant: Wasabi Garden Kadoya
Source: Tabelog
Located in the Izu region, known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, this restaurant serves authentic wasabi don using home-grown wasabi.
What's particularly noteworthy is that they grate the wasabi fresh on the spot. The wasabi, grown in local pure spring water, has an surprisingly refreshing flavor and deep taste.
However, since it's a bit far from major Mt. Fuji tourist areas, I recommend visiting by rental car.
<Store Information>
Address: 371-1 Nashimoto, Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka 413-0501
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 0544252061
Hours: 9:30 AM–2 PM
Website: https://www.wasabien-kadoya.com/
Recommended Cafes with Mt. Fuji Views
Cafe hopping in the Mt. Fuji area becomes more than just a cafe experience - it becomes a special memory. The cafes I've carefully selected below are places where you can spend quality time with spectacular views. On clear days, you can enjoy light meals and sweets made with local ingredients while gazing at the majestic Mt. Fuji.
FUJI PANORAMA CAFÉ
Source: Tabelog
True to its name, this popular cafe offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. What I love most is how Mt. Fuji shows different faces with each season. In spring, it becomes a prime spot to view cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji, and in autumn, the contrast between fall colors and Mt. Fuji is spectacular.
Not just drinks, but light meals and desserts like ice cream are available, and it's becoming trendy to photograph these foods with Mt. Fuji in the background.
The outdoor terrace seats become perfect photo spots on sunny days. Popular with families and couples, I recommend arriving early on weekends.
<Store Information>
Address: 1996 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301
Closed: None
Phone: 0555833715
Hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Website: https://x.gd/zlioh
Oishi Park Cafe
Source: Tabelog
Located in the prime location of Oishi Park, this cafe is a hidden gem where you can spend relaxing time while gazing at Mt. Fuji.
From the terrace seats, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji, appreciating the scenery's changes through the seasons. I visit every season, but it's especially magnificent during autumn's fall colors and winter when Mt. Fuji is covered in snow.
The menu mainly features Mt. Fuji-shaped curry and soft-serve ice cream. It's perfect for stopping by while exploring Oishi Park, and it's a beloved relaxation spot not just for tourists but locals as well.
<Store Information>
Address: 2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305
Closed: None
Phone: 0555768230
Hours: 9:30 AM–4:15 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/yamanashi/A1903/A190303/19012609/
Food Events in the Mt. Fuji Area
Various food events are held around Mt. Fuji throughout the seasons.
I used to attend multiple events every year, but recently, due to the impact of COVID-19, some events have been discontinued or become irregular.
Here, I'll introduce gourmet events that are still being held annually as of now.
The Great Expo at the Foot of Mt. Fuji
Source: Fujisan Messe
This is the largest food festival around Mt. Fuji, held every May at Fuji City Industrial Exchange Exhibition Hall "Fujisan Messe."
What makes this event special is that it's more than just a gourmet fair - it's a comprehensive exhibition and experience of the region's food culture. Local producers and chefs gather to showcase everything from traditional ingredients to the latest creative dishes, allowing you to fully enjoy the culinary appeal of the Mt. Fuji area.
What I particularly focus on is the participatory gourmet contest. I find it fascinating how the popular menus chosen by local voters reflect that year's food trends.
The 2024 event will be held on May 25 (Sat) and 26 (Sun), while the 2025 schedule is yet to be determined. From my past experience, I recommend visiting right after opening or late afternoon as it gets extremely crowded during lunchtime. When I visited, I was moved by the warm hospitality of locals and the diverse dishes that utilize Mt. Fuji's blessings.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fumotoexpo/
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Spots Around Mt. Fuji
Here, I'll answer common questions about food from foreign tourists visiting the Mt. Fuji area.
Are There Restaurants with English Menus in the Mt. Fuji Area?
Restaurants in major tourist areas around Mt. Fuji are increasingly providing English menus to accommodate growing numbers of foreign tourists. Particularly in restaurants around Lake Kawaguchi and Fujinomiya tourist spots, you'll often find English menus with photos.
However, from my experience, I need to mention that staff's English proficiency varies greatly. At local small eateries and long-established shops, English communication might be challenging.
Therefore, I strongly recommend preparing a smartphone translation app. Also, at popular restaurants, you can order by pointing to photos on the menu.
Is it Possible to Find Vegetarian Meals Around Mt. Fuji?
Vegetarian and vegan accommodations are not yet common in Japanese food culture, and the Mt. Fuji area is no exception. Many Japanese dishes use dashi (soup stock made from seafood), and even dishes that appear to be vegetable-based often contain fish-based dashi.
As my advice, I recommend vegetarian and vegan visitors use specialized tour or guide services. Recently, there's been an increase in tours catering to foreign tourists that provide vegetarian and vegan meals. These tours can arrange appropriate meals when dietary restrictions are communicated in advance.
How Can I Enjoy Meals at Reasonable Prices in the Mt. Fuji Area?
With some planning, you can enjoy meals at reasonable prices in the Mt. Fuji area.
I often use roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki). There are several around Mt. Fuji, offering meals made with fresh local ingredients at reasonable prices. Particularly at Michi-no-Eki Fujiyoshida, you can enjoy local specialties like Houtou and Fujinomiya Yakisoba at prices lower than tourist spots.
Local food courts are also valuable options. At shopping mall food courts, you can enjoy various Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes for around 1,000 yen. Restaurants in tourist facilities often offer relatively reasonable set menus during lunch hours.
My recommendation is the lunch boxes sold at local supermarkets. Especially at supermarkets around Fuji Station, you can purchase delicious lunch boxes using local ingredients for about 1,000 yen. Having a picnic with these lunch boxes while viewing Mt. Fuji on a nice day should create wonderful memories.
In the Mt. Fuji area, you can enjoy various flavors from traditional local cuisine to sweets eaten while viewing Mt. Fuji.
While foreign tourists may face challenges like language barriers and dietary restrictions, these can be overcome with proper preparation and appropriate information. I hope you'll enjoy the unique food experiences of the Mt. Fuji area by referring to the shops and events introduced in this article!
