[Yamanashi] "Taste" & "Drink" local gourmet at the foot of Mt. Fuji!

This service includes sponsored advertisements.
article thumbnail image

When most people think of Japanese food, they think of sushi, tempura, and sukiyaki. In Japan, there are "local cuisines" born from the culture and characteristics of each region, and enjoying them is one of the real pleasures of traveling. If you have taken the trouble to visit a region, please try...

Latest update :

Local cuisine of Yamanashi prefecture "Hoto"

Yamanashi Prefecture's local cuisine "Hoto". Like udon, one of the Japanese foods, it is made by kneading wheat flour, but it is characterized by thick, long and flat noodles that are roughly cut. This is a home-cooked dish called "Hoto", which is stewed in a miso-based soup with pumpkin and other seasonal vegetables.

"Hoto" is the name of "Hakutaku", and it is said that aristocrats ate it at ceremonies since the Heian period. On the other hand, it is said that Shingen Takeda, a famous Japanese warlord, devised it and used it as a meal during his camp.

Yoshida Udon, a traditional dish from the Fuji Five Lakes region

Known as a local dish from the county region of Yamanashi Prefecture, Yoshida no Udon is characterized by its firm and chewy noodles. One of the characteristics of Yoshida udon is the condiment "Suridane", which is made by stir-frying red chili peppers with sesame seeds and Japanese pepper in oil. The standard topping is salty-sweet horse meat and boiled cabbage.

"Yoshida Udon" is udon that was kneaded by men who were in charge of cooking instead of busy women who were involved in the key industries of "sericulture" and "textiles" in the Gunnai region from the Edo period to the Showa period. It is said that women were able to eat it without stopping the weaving, and it was also used to prevent the threads from being soiled by rough and chapped hands caused by wet work.

Lake Kawaguchiko 's famous dish "Kappameshi"

A rice bowl devised by the Kawaguchiko Specialty Development Committee after the kappa legend handed down in Lake Kawaguchiko . "Kappa-meshi" is made by putting tororo(grated yam) and kappa's favorite pickled cucumber on top of rice and toppings such as sesame seeds and chopped seaweed. It is a bowl recommended for those who are health-conscious because it is refreshing.

"Fujizakura Heights Beer'' won the world's best

Fujizakura Heights Beer, which has a brewery in Fujikawaguchi Town. Located at the foot of Mt.Fuji, at an altitude of 1000m, it is located in a rich natural environment surrounded by the great nature of Mt.Fuji. “Fujizakura Heights Beer” uses the natural water “Fujizakura Meisui” of Mt.Fuji. Fujizakura Heights Beer is an authentic German-style beer made with this water and brewing techniques cultivated at the Demens Brewery College, which has a history of more than 100 years and has produced many excellent brewers at one of the few nationally accredited schools in Germany. Beer”. Most of the raw materials are imported from Germany and are 100% malt beer (with some exceptions). Please enjoy the beer that has won numerous awards at the World Beer Cup held in the United States and the World Beer Awards held in the United Kingdom.

"Wine" of Yamanashi

Yamanashi is the birthplace of Japanese wine production. In 1877, Japan's first private wine brewery was established in Katsunuma, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. There are currently about 80 wineries in Yamanashi Prefecture, including the representative "Koshu '', "Muscat Bailey A '' and other Japanese varieties, and European varieties such as "Chardonnay '' and "Pinot Noir ''. It is also made, and boasts the highest production volume in Japan. In addition, its quality has been highly evaluated, such as winning gold medals at prestigious international competitions.

For local products, aim for roadside stations!

So, where do you go to get these unique local ingredients? Surprisingly, souvenir shops are lined with similar products that can be found anywhere in the country. In such a case, let's go out to "roadside station".

A unique Japanese roadside station. These are set up by local governments and road administrators in Japan and registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Ministry of Construction when the system started). After experimental installations in Yamaguchi, Gifu, and Tochigi prefectures in 1991, 103 installations nationwide began in 1993. Commercial facilities such as restaurants and shops are equipped with free rest facilities and large parking lots that can be used by non-users, and are characterized by the addition of other facilities that lead to regional development unique to the area. . Of course, there are also many local specialties available. By the way, as of May 28, 2023, there are 1,204 roadside stations registered nationwide.

Roadside Station Narusawa

Michi-no-Eki Narusawa is located along Route 139, a 15-minute drive from Lake Kawaguchiko Interchange. At the light meal corner, there are plenty of local dishes made with local ingredients. Narusawa Village, where the roadside station is located, is also famous for producing highland vegetables blessed with rich nature. Even at Michi-no-Eki Narusawa, if you take a look at the product hall, you will find an array of fresh vegetables and specialty products such as cabbage, Narusawa greens, and blueberries. These “cheap and super-fresh vegetables” are popular as souvenirs, and during the season, many tourists stop by and bustle every day. In addition, Yamanashi Prefecture is a production area of ​​Koshu grapes, so of course Yamanashi Prefecture wines are also sold as souvenirs.

This wine is brewed from highland cabbage in Narusawa Village, and is a valuable product that is said to be available only in this region, even in Yamanashi Prefecture, where it is produced. It is popular for its unique flavor with a faint scent of cabbage.

■ Access

《For those using public transportation》

Take the Narusawa/Lake Lake Shojiko/ Lake Motosuko Motosu Tour Bus (Blue Line) from Kawaguchiko Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fujikyuko Line.

Get off at Roadside Station Narusawa bus stop. 1 minute walk from the bus stop

《Those who use rental cars and taxis》

From Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC, head towards Lake Motosuko for 8km and turn on at the roadside station Narusawa traffic light.

Address: 8532-63 Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture

URL: https://www.ja-narusawamura.or.jp/michinoeki/

Roadside Station Fujiyoshida

A popular roadside station that always ranks high in the Kanto roadside station rankings. In addition to souvenirs that can only be purchased here, there are plenty of fresh local vegetables. At the light meal corner, you can taste "Yoshida Udon".

In addition, there is also the “Mt. Fuji Radar Dome Hall” in the area, where you can experience the coldness of the summit of Mt. Fuji through wind, images, and sounds without climbing Mt. Fuji.

■ Access

《For those using public transportation》

Take the Fujiyoshida/Oshino/ Lake Yamanakako Tour Bus Fujikko from Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fujikyuko Line.

Get off at "Mt.Fuji Radar Dome Mae". 1 minute walk from the bus stop

《Those who use rental cars and taxis》

4 km toward Lake Yamanakako from Lake Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway, turn right at the traffic light at "Fujiyoshida Oshino Smart IC entrance"

Address: 3-7-3 Araya, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture

URL: https://fujiyoshida.net/spot/11

You can also taste other local ingredients here! 3 Recommended Shops

FUJI GATEWAY

The FUJI GATEWAY clubhouse, which is attached to the Fujizakura Heights Beer Brewery, sells select items and original goods that bring together the attractions of Yamanashi Prefecture. You can taste the freshly made "Fujizakura Heights Beer" in a barrel.

In the area, there is also a family theme park "Fuji Subaru Land" with many attractions and "FUJI GATEWAY CAMP FIELD" where you can enjoy camping on a vast lawn.

■ Access

《For those using public transportation》

A free shuttle bus is available from behind the Fuji Kanko Development Building in front of Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fujikyuko Line.

Click here for details → https://www.subaruland.jp/en/#a03

《Those who use rental cars and taxis》

About 4.5km from Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC via Prefectural Route 707

Address: 6663-1 Kenmaruo, Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Lake Kawaguchiko District, Yamanashi Prefecture

Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen(next to Roadside Station Narusawa)

A day-trip bathing facility where you can soak in a hot spring while gazing at Mt. Fuji. There are 16 types of baths, including two types of open-air baths with outstanding views of Mt. Fuji, carbonated springs, and cave baths. In addition to the baths, there is a private dining room called "Okariba" where a mini SL train carries meals, and "Fujizakura" where you can taste local ingredients. At this restaurant, you can taste various local ingredients such as "Hoto" and "Fujizakura Heights Beer ", as well as "Oshino Salmon", "Fujizakura Pork", "Torimotsuni", and "Hakkai Tofu". I can. You can use it only for meals without using the bath.

■ Access

《For those using public transportation》

Adjacent to Road Station Narusawa

Take the Narusawa/Lake Lake Shojiko/ Lake Motosuko Motosu Tour Bus (Blue Line) from Kawaguchiko Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fujikyuko Line.

Get off at Roadside Station Narusawa bus stop. 3 minutes walk from the bus stop

Free shuttle bus service from Kawaguchiko Sta.(advance reservation required)

Please be sure to make a reservation in advance from the Yurari website.

https://www.fuji-yurari.jp/access.html

《Those who use rental cars and taxis》

From Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC, head towards Lake Motosuko for 8km and turn on at the roadside station Narusawa traffic light.

Address: 8532-5 Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture

Yamura PA  (Chuo Expressway down)

"Parking area closest to Mt.Fuji" located at the midpoint between Chuo Expressway Fujiyoshida Line, Otsuki JCT and Lake Kawaguchiko IC. In addition to providing tourist information as the gateway to Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area, the store also sells Mt. Fuji climbing and camping goods.

At the cafeteria, you can enjoy "Yoshida Udon", ramen, and set meals at reasonable prices. If you are coming by car using the Chuo Expressway, please stop by.

■ Access

Chuo Expressway Fujiyoshida Line bound for Lake Kawaguchiko(Outbound)

*Highway buses do not stop at this parking lot.

Yamanashi boasts the largest production volume of peaches, grapes, and plums in Japan. The best time to eat “peaches and plums” is from July to August, and “grapes” from August to October.When you visit Yamanashi Prefecture, be sure to try the seasonal fruits!

Written by

The northern foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture is a stunning area of Japan that has plenty to offer visitors. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, including ”Arakurayama Sengen Park”, which offers a view of Mt. Fuji and the iconic five-story pagoda, "Chureito." The Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor is also a must-visit during the autumn season when visitors can see the colorful leaves. Our company, based in Lake Kawaguchiko, operates various facilities that utilize the natural resources of Mt. Fuji. These include the theme park "Fuji Subaru Land," which offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, and the Fujiten Snow Resort, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also sample the world-famous "Fujizakura Heights Beer," made using natural water “Fujizakura Meisui” , or relax in the natural hot spring, "Fuji Chobo no yu Yurari," . We will clearly communicate the charm of Mt. Fuji, which changes with the seasons, from the base of Mt. Fuji in Kawaguchiko.

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.