Top Hakone Dinner Spots for 2025: Kaiseki, Scenic Views, and Local Flavors You Must Try
Hakone is one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations and a beloved resort area with numerous spectacular viewing points of Mt. Fuji. Located about two hours from Tokyo, Hakone is blessed with both ocean and mountain bounties, offering fresh ingredients year-round that have contributed to its rich food culture.
Given these geographical advantages, it's no wonder that political, business, and cultural leaders have established vacation homes here, seeking moments of tranquility. Today, we'll introduce you to carefully selected dinner spots where you can spend quality time in Hakone.
Hakone, Japan's Premier Hot Spring Resort, Features Multiple Exceptional Dining Spots
Hakone features a variety of dinner spots scattered throughout the area, from long-established Japanese restaurants to renowned Western establishments and restaurants run by internationally acclaimed super chefs. Classic hotels and restaurants housed in historic mansions that have stood for over 100 years are highly praised for their architectural beauty.
Meanwhile, there are also plenty of casual establishments beloved by locals, such as seafood restaurants run by local fishermen and informal Japanese eateries with an izakaya atmosphere.
4 Recommended Restaurants for Traditional Japanese Cuisine
A general characteristic of Japanese cuisine is its primary focus on bringing out the natural flavors of ingredients to their fullest potential. Rather than overwhelming dishes with seasonings, chefs concentrate on maximizing the inherent potential of each ingredient.
Using seasonal ingredients throughout the year to experience the changing seasons through food is uniquely Japanese sensibility. This philosophy is reflected in traditional kaiseki ryori (meals served during tea ceremonies) and regional cuisines throughout Japan.
Kaiseki Kadan
Source: Hitosara
"Kaiseki Kadan" is a restaurant housed in a Western-style building constructed in 1930. Located within the grounds of "Gora Kadan" lodging facility, its sophisticated interior features Art Deco designs reminiscent of medieval Europe.
The restaurant was once selected as one of the world's top 100 restaurants by the American food guide "FOODIE," and continues to command tremendous trust for its proven expertise. They source seasonal ingredients from across Japan, carefully preparing each dish while drawing out the umami of fresh seafood. Their kaiseki cuisine, which vividly expresses the colors of the four seasons, is culinary art embodying quiet beauty. It's a luxurious experience to dine in this space where formal dinners were once held, imagining its glamorous past.
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 11:00-14:30 (L.O. 13:00), 17:30-21:00 (L.O. 19:00)
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-82-3331
Official Website: https://www.gorakadan.com/kaiseki-kadan/
Soba Kihinkan
Source: Official website
Kowakudani has developed as one of Japan's premier resort areas. It was a retreat destination favored by politicians, aristocrats, and business leaders. "Soba Kihinkan" is gaining popularity as the dining facility of "Tenyu" ryokan, which stands amid magnificent scenery.
Their specialty is handmade noodles using stone-ground buckwheat flour sourced directly from contracted farmers in Hokkaido Hokuryu. Enjoy these noodles alongside exquisite tempura featuring seasonal and local Kanagawa ingredients, and various side dishes.
The building and garden, constructed in 1918, are registered as National Tangible Cultural Properties. Like a timeless fashion piece, the building has maintained its charm for 100 years and is especially known for its beautiful moon-viewing location. Visitors can quietly appreciate the garden trees, Hakone mountains, and the rising moon above them.
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-15:00 (Last order 14:30)
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Open on holidays)
Phone: 0460-82-8050
Official Website: https://www.ten-yu.com/kihinkan.html
Kinosuke
Source: Official website
Hakone is blessed with natural abundance, surrounded by mountains and Sagami Bay, known for its diverse fish species. Charcoal-Grilled Japanese Restaurant "Kinosuke" showcases the region's natural flavors.
They serve dried fish and vegetables grilled to perfection using premium Binchotan charcoal, featuring Sagami ingredients. Their dried fish, sourced from Izu, is completely additive-free and handcrafted with great care. Each piece is delicately managed with different preparation methods and marinating times depending on the season, fish type, and size, resulting in flavors that deepen with each bite.
The menu also includes fresh sashimi and juicy "Charcoal-Grilled Sagami Ayase Pork," a local brand pork dish. Each dish directly showcases the powerful flavors of its ingredients. We recommend pairing these dishes with sake or shochu.
Address: 703-19 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-14:30 (L.O. 14:00), 17:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 0460-83-8838
Official Website: https://www.kinosuke.co.jp/
Japanese Restaurant Himeshara
Source: Official website
Yumoto Onsen is the most historic among Hakone's 17 hot springs. The Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is its landmark accommodation. Their Japanese restaurant "Himeshara" is renowned for offering accessible experiences, including hot spring baths and lunch buffets for non-staying guests.
In the evening, they serve authentic kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese course meals enjoyed with sake). Each dish, from appetizers to simmered dishes, grilled items, and wan-mono (soup served with rice and pickles at the end of the course), captivates with its beautiful presentation and subtle flavors. They also offer a special course featuring Japan's representative dish sukiyaki, alongside sashimi and tempura. The main meat dish showcases a comparison between wagyu and locally-produced Soshu beef from Kanagawa.
I recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy the delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 256-1 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-15:00 (Last entry 13:30), 17:45-20:00 (L.O. 20:30) Reservation required *Kaiseki course only
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 0460-85-6111
Official Website: https://www.yumotofujiya.jp/meal/hime/index.html
4 Restaurants to Enjoy Dinner with Views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji
When it comes to Hakone's iconic views, there's Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) with its serene beauty changing through the seasons, and Japan's majestic symbol, Mount Fuji, standing proudly beyond. Here are some dinner spots where you can enjoy these symbolic Japanese landscapes, perfect for tourists exploring Gourmet around Mt.Fuji.
Hakone Nadaman Gaden
Source: Official website
"Hakone Nadaman Gaden" is the Hakone branch of Nadaman, a traditional Japanese restaurant established in 1830. Located in "The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko," it boasts spectacular views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji right before your eyes.
The hotel was designed by Togo Murano, one of Japan's leading 20th-century architects. The concept of "harmony with nature" is reflected in the restaurant's interior, enveloping guests in an elegant resort atmosphere full of openness.
Here, you can fully experience authentic Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients with modern arrangements throughout.
After dinner, enjoy a stroll through the hotel's courtyard and feel at one with the starlit sky.
Address: The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko Main Building East Wing GF, 144 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00) *Reservation required, 17:30-21:00 (L.O. 20:00) *Reservation required
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-83-1080
Official Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/the_prince_hakone/restaurant/nadaman/
Amimoto Oba
Source: Official Instagram
"Amimoto Oba" is a local fisherman-operated restaurant known for its seasonal fish dishes from Lake Ashi. Located near the Kuzuryu Shrine, famous for matchmaking, it's also popular among fishing enthusiasts.
Lake Ashi is particularly famous for smelt fish. Raised in the clear waters surrounded by Hakone's beautiful mountains, these smelt are praised as the finest in both taste and appearance. The mild-flavored smelt is delicious as tempura or nitsuke (simmered in sweet and savory sauce), and is enjoyed as a local specialty.
At Amimoto Oba, the recommended dish is the "Wakasagi Gozen" (Smelt Set Meal), which offers various preparations of Lake Ashi's famous smelt.
Address: 162-18 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:00 until fish sells out
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0460-84-8984
Official Website: https://www.ashinoko-fc.co.jp/amimoto/
Japanese Restaurant Tsutsuji no Chaya
Source: Tabelog
Hakone has several hotels with excellent views, one of which is "Odakyu Hotel de Yama Hakone Lake Side." This scenic hotel stands along Lake Ashi with views of majestic Mt. Fuji, resembling a European castle.
For dinner here, the Japanese restaurant "Tsutsuji no Chaya" is recommended. You can enjoy authentic kaiseki cuisine that makes the most of seasonal ingredients and presents them beautifully.
The hotel's traditional flavors have a depth unique to classical hotels. The presentation and dishware reflect the seasons while maximizing the aroma, color, and taste of ingredients for a full sensory experience.
The large windows offer elegant views of Lake Ashi and the Hakone mountains as they change moment by moment, creating a special atmosphere.
Address: 2F Main Building, Odakyu Hotel de Yama, 80 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-13:30 (L.O.), 17:30-19:30 (L.O.) *Reservation required
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-83-6321
Official Website: https://www.hakone-hoteldeyama.jp/restaurant/tsutsuji/
Italian Restaurant La Terrazza
Source: Tabelog
The shores of Lake Ashi, which have long been traversed by travelers, continue to bustle as a lake resort area with stylish and open dining spots. "Italian Restaurant La Terrazza Ashinoko" is an Italian restaurant located in the popular complex "Ashinoko Terrace."
Their signature dish includes 30 varieties of authentic pizzas baked in a large wood-fired oven from Naples. For dinner at Hakone 2025, you can enjoy regional specialties including Hakone Seiroku brand vegetables and fresh seafood sourced from nearby ports like Odawara in Kanagawa and Numazu in Shizuoka, paired with authentic wines and cheeses.
The restaurant features terrace seating with parasols, allowing guests to savor their meals while enjoying resort-like views of the lake.
Address: 61 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa
Hours: Morning 10:30-11:00 (Weekends & Holidays from 9:00), Lunch 11:00-15:30, Café 15:30-17:00, Dinner 17:00-20:00 (L.O. 19:00)
Closed: 2nd and 4th Tuesday
Phone: 0460-83-1074
Official Website: https://www.ashinoko-terrace.jp/restaurant.html
Two Recommended Restaurants Perfect for Artistic Atmosphere Dates
Itoh Dining by NOBU
Source: Official website
Have you heard of super chef NOBU (Nobuyuki Matsuhisa), who has captivated celebrities worldwide including actor Robert De Niro and Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani?
"Itoh Dining by NOBU" is a dining establishment produced by Chef Matsuhisa. They serve teppanyaki cuisine using carefully selected ingredients including Kobe beef, seafood from Sagami Bay, and seasonal vegetables from around Hakone.
Set apart from the surrounding bustle, this hideaway restaurant offers an extraordinary experience nestled deep in Hakone's majestic nature. It's perfect for those seeking a private, leisurely dining experience. The beautiful natural light through the windows, the connection to nature via the terrace, and the sophisticated modern Japanese interior create an elegant atmosphere.
Address: 1300-64 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:00)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 0460-83-8209
Official Website: https://itoh-dining.co.jp/hakone/menu/index.html
Restaurant Cascade
Source: Official website
Restaurant Cascade is a renowned establishment within the Fujiya Hotel, a classic Hakone hotel founded in 1878. The restaurant is housed in the restored former banquet hall "Cascade Room" built in 1920.
The stained glass and carvings are original to the building, and the ranma (traditional Japanese transom windows for light, ventilation, and decoration) feature impressive carvings depicting Hakone scenery and travelers from the 1600s-1800s.
The menu offers "Fujiya Hotel Cuisine," recreating classic Western-style recipes including their "Beef Curry" and "Fujiya-style Rainbow Trout Meunière" prepared with butter.
The combination of nostalgic atmosphere and Japanese-style Western cuisine creates a feeling of stepping back in time.
Address: Cascade Wing 3F, 359 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:30-21:30 (L.O. 20:00)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 0460-82-2211
Official Website: https://www.fujiyahotel.jp/meal/cascade/index.html
