Where to Enjoy the Best Lunch in Hakone 2025: Top Scenic Spots and Must-Try Dishes
Hakone, nestled between the sea and mountains with its magnificent natural views, is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. As we look forward to lunch at Hakone 2025, it's worth noting that the Hakone-Gora area, in particular, is home to many hot spring inns and bustles with tourists throughout the year.
Due to the high concentration of visitors, one of Hakone's distinguishing features is its rows of dining establishments, including restaurants and cafes. Recently, there has been an increase in establishments offering multilingual services to ensure international tourists can dine with ease.
In this article, we'll introduce recommended lunch spots that you should definitely visit when in Hakone. We'll describe the characteristics of both the buildings and cuisine to help you find your favorite restaurant.
Hakone, Japan's Premier Hot Spring Destination, Houses Numerous Restaurants
Hakone, famous for its hot springs, is home to many restaurants. Due to the constant flow of tourists, it's not uncommon for popular Tokyo restaurants to specifically open branches in Hakone. Planning your lunch at Hakone 2025 will give you access to this rich dining scene.
The restaurants in Hakone are characterized by their traditional architecture and use of local ingredients. The attractive point is that you can enjoy fresh, delicious cuisine while experiencing Japan's unique atmosphere.
Lunch, in particular, is recommended as you can enjoy excellent cuisine at reasonable prices. Be sure to research the location and closing days of any restaurants you're interested in visiting beforehand.
7 Spots to Enjoy Japanese Cuisine While Experiencing Hakone's Traditions
Hakone has many establishments that operate in preserved historical buildings. Here are seven spots where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine while experiencing Hakone's traditions.
Hatsuhana Main Store
Source: Official website
Looking forward to lunch at Hakone in 2025? Why not visit Hatsuhana Honten, where you can experience an authentic Japanese atmosphere? Hatsuhana Main Store is designed to provide a warm and welcoming space where visitors can feel at ease while experiencing the simple, traditional charm of Hakone.
The restaurant's roof features the traditional Japanese architectural style called "Irimoya." This style offers excellent durability and ventilation, perfectly suited for Japan's typhoon-prone and humid climate. As this roof style can only be found in Asian regions, be sure to notice it when entering the restaurant.
In this atmospheric establishment, you can enjoy soba, a traditional Japanese noodle dish. Soba noodles are characterized by their pleasant texture and aromatic flavor, typically served either in or with a slightly sweet bonito-based broth.
Notably, Hatsuhana's soba uses natural Japanese yam (Jinenjo) as a binding agent, which helps the noodles maintain their consistency. This makes them enjoyable until the last bite, earning them a great reputation.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 635 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 10:00-19:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 0460-85-8287
- Official Website: https://hatsuhana.co.jp/
Hakone Akatsukian Main Store Akatsukitei
Source: Official website
For a memorable lunch at Hakone in 2025, Akatsukian Honten Akatsukitei is highly recommended. Operating in a renovated historical building in Hakone, it offers a dining experience steeped in Japanese tradition.
The building is over 100 years old and is registered as a preserved architectural structure by the government. Built during the period when Western architecture was becoming popular in Japan, its fusion of Japanese and Western design elements makes it perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
The lunch menu primarily features soba noodles. Akatsukian carefully selects the most suitable buckwheat grains for each season, resulting in noodles with a distinctive sweet flavor and perfect consistency.
Combining your soba with tempura will make for a satisfying and fulfilling lunch experience.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 182-7 Yumoto Chaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 11:00-16:00 (Last order 15:30)
Friday, Saturday, and days before holidays: Also open for dinner 17:00-21:00 (Last order 20:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 0460-85-7330
- Official Website: https://akatsukian.jp/shop-akatsukitei/
Yubadon Naokichi (Yuba Bowl Restaurant)
Source: Tabelog
If you're undecided about where to have lunch at Hakone in 2025, Yubadon Naokichi is highly recommended. The yuba bowl served in this charming restaurant, which was renovated from a building over 50 years old, is truly exceptional.
Yuba has been a traditional Japanese dish for about 700 years. It's made by skimming off the film that forms when simmering soy milk, and features a mild flavor similar to tofu.
While yuba is typically eaten with soy sauce, at Yubadon Naokichi, you must try their signature yuba bowl seasoned with bonito dashi. The smooth texture of the yuba pairs perfectly with the fluffy eggs.
The healthy yuba bowl is ideal for lunch at Hakone as it's light and easy to finish, even after walking around sightseeing.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 696 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 11:00-18:00
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 0460-85-5148
- Official Website: http://www.hakoneyumoto.com/eat/47
Youraku
For those who want to enjoy Hakone's scenery while dining, lunch at Youraku is recommended.
From inside Youraku, you can view the Chitose Bridge spanning across the Hayakawa River, allowing you to savor their signature kaiseki cuisine while experiencing the essence of Hakone.
For international tourists, we recommend the Taigohan Aoba (Sea Bream Rice Set). While traditional kaiseki dishes are typically served one at a time, the Aoba set comes with sea bream rice, side dishes, and soup all at once, making it perfect for enjoying between sightseeing activities without time constraints.
Youraku's carefully crafted kaiseki cuisine is extraordinary in both presentation and taste, guaranteeing an impressive dining experience.
Please note that dining in the restaurant is restricted to children aged 10 and above.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 84 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 11:30-14:30
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 0460-85-8878
- Official Website: https://www.youraku.co.jp/
GORA KADAN
Source: Hitosara
Having lunch at GORA KADAN in Hakone will surely become a memorable part of your Japanese tourism experience. GORA KADAN is a hot spring and lodging facility that was converted from a century-old building, offering the charming combination of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern atmosphere.
The GORA KADAN building was originally used as a residence for the Imperial Family. Since opportunities to enter such historic Japanese buildings are rare, make sure to visit when you're in Hakone 2025.
GORA KADAN's restaurant is open to non-staying guests. The lunch menu features kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients, allowing you to enjoy delicious Japanese dishes that complement the time of year.
Additionally, they offer plans that combine meals with private open-air baths and spa treatments, making it the perfect place to rejuvenate from travel fatigue.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 11:30-14:30
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 0460-82-3331
- Official Website: https://www.gorakadan.com/kaiseki-kadan/
Kinosuke
Source: Official website
Lunch at Kinosuke is recommended for those who want to experience traditional Japanese cuisine. At Kinosuke, they use traditional charcoal grilling techniques, allowing you to discover new aspects of Japanese cuisine's appeal.
Charcoal grilling is a cooking method that uses wood charcoal to cook ingredients. The far-infrared effects of charcoal heat the ingredients from the inside, resulting in a juicy finish. Additionally, the absence of moisture in charcoal fire creates a characteristic crispy exterior texture.
Among Kinosuke's lunch menu, I particularly recommend the dried fish set meal. The mackerel and horse mackerel, grilled over charcoal until fluffy and fragrant, are exquisite.
Please enjoy the unique deliciousness of Japanese "charcoal grilling" while noticing the difference from regular pan-fried cooking.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 703-19 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours:
11:30-14:30 (Last Order 14:00)
17:30-22:00 (Last Order 21:30)
- Closed: –
Phone: 0460-83-8838
- Official Website: https://www.kinosuke.co.jp/index.html
Itoh Dining
Source: Official website
For those who want to leisurely enjoy Hakone's scenery, lunch at Itoh Dining is highly recommended. The restaurant features large windows that offer views of Hakone's natural beauty, which has been cherished by many people throughout history.
Itoh Dining is a restaurant supervised by world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa. For lunch, you can enjoy dishes prepared with the finest wagyu beef and seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant also serves Kobe beef, which has recently gained popularity among international tourists, making it a must-visit for meat lovers.
Additionally, Itoh Dining is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage views. Since fall colors are rare in many countries, visitors can enjoy the quintessentially Japanese mountain scenery as it turns red and yellow.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1300-64 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 11:30-15:00 (Last Order 14:00)
17:00-21:00 (Last Order 20:00)
- Closed: –
Phone: 0460-83-8209
- Official Website: https://itoh-dining.co.jp/hakone/
3 Stylish Restaurants in Hakone with Amazing Atmosphere!
Hakone has many restaurants with excellent ambiance and style. Here are my top 3 recommended establishments to consider when looking for lunch spots.
Albergo Bamboo
Source: Tabelog
For those seeking a stylish lunch atmosphere, visit Albergo Bamboo. From its exterior to interior, the restaurant is full of noteworthy details that reflect the owner's dedication.
Inspired by a scene from "The Godfather," the owner traveled to Italy multiple times to collect building materials and interior decorations. Albergo Bamboo, designed to be "a house where people gather and enjoy their time," has become truly exciting and charming space.
The lunch menu features casual Italian cuisine, including pasta dishes, making it perfect for a stop during your travels.
Enjoy an elegant lunch time in this stylish space nestled within Hakone's natural surroundings.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 984-4 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 11:30-14:30
17:30-20:30
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Phone: 0460-84-3311
- Official Website: https://www.bamboo.co.jp/albergo/
Naraya Cafe
Source: Google Maps
Naraya Cafe is the perfect spot to rest when you're tired from sightseeing. The cafe, foot bath, and souvenir shop, created by repurposing a traditional Japanese building, offer a charming atmosphere where you can spend a relaxing time during your Hakone lunch break.
Naraya Cafe was established by a couple who renovated a building over 50 years old. The historic structure, maintaining its traditional Japanese essence, particularly captivates international tourists.
At Naraya Cafe, why not stop by for a quick lunch break to enjoy light meals like pizza and hot dogs, as well as desserts?
Additionally, the wooden and glass products displayed in the shop are works created by local designers, making them perfect souvenirs.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 404-13 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 10:30-17:00
- Closed: Wednesdays & 4th Thursday of each month
- Phone: 0460-82-1259
- Official Website: https://naraya-cafe.com/
GORA BREWERY & GRILL
Source: Official website
GORA BREWERY & GRILL is a restaurant in Hakone with an exceptional atmosphere. Nature is incorporated throughout the establishment, creating a space that's both modern and relaxing - perfect for a memorable lunch at Hakone in 2025.
The restaurant was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Hiroshi Nakamura. The red-painted exterior and volcanic rocks placed inside and outside the restaurant represent the volcanic history of Owakudani (a volcanic valley in Hakone).
The main pillar, made from a tree over 300 years old, reflects Hakone's history of coexisting with nature.
GORA BREWERY & GRILL's specialty is craft beer made using Hakone's natural water. My recommendation is "Hakone Kohaku," featuring a refreshing citrus aroma and an addictive spiciness from coriander.
Enjoy these beverages alongside appetizers and meat dishes supervised by Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.
<Facility Information>
- Address: 1300-72 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 13:00-20:30
- Closed: –
Phone: 0460-83-8107
- Official Website: https://itoh-dining.co.jp/gorabrewery/