At 3776 meters tall, Mount Fuji is both the tallest mountain in Japan and one of its most instantly recognizable landmarks. Whether you’re hoping to climb the peak or simply admire the view from afar, Kawaguchiko in the wider Fuji Five Lakes region of Yamanashi Prefecture is one of the best places to head to. And of course, while you’re there, you’ll also want to check out some of the best Mount Fuji restaurants!
In addition to Mt. Fuji itself, there are plenty of tourist attractions around Kawaguchiko, including the Fuji-Q theme park, several museums, and a panoramic ropeway beside the lake. Plus there are lots of tasty eateries to keep you fuelled as you explore, including some restaurants with Mount Fuji views to enjoy nearby. Here are our top recommendations.
Mount Fuji Restaurants: The Best Places to Eat in Kawaguchiko
Here are seven of the top restaurants near Mt. Fuji, Japan:
- Fuji Tempura Idaten
- Shaw’s Sushi Bar & Dining
- Hoto Fudou
- La Luce
- Sanrokuen
- Café Troisième Marché
- Sylvans Microbrewery and Garden Restaurant
1. Fuji Tempura Idaten
Just a four-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, Fuji Tempura Idaten serves a range of freshly-prepared, reasonably priced, and delicious tempura.
There are lots of different hot and crispy tempura sets to choose from, including shrimp, egg, eel, fugu pufferfish, and an all-vegetable set made using seasonal produce grown by local farmers. These can all be enjoyed with soba or udon noodles, or rice and miso soup.
As you might expect from Mount Fuji restaurants, Idaten’s signature dish – Fujisan Tendon – is named after the mountain and consists of a variety of tempura pieces constructed to resemble the iconic peak itself!
2. Shaw’s Sushi Bar & Dining
To enjoy the best Mt. Fuji sushi, Shaw’s Sushi Bar & Dining is the place to go. Stylish and modern, it’s just across the road from Kawaguchiko Station and serves stunningly-presented sushi. While a little on the pricey side, you do get what you pay for in terms of quality ingredients and exquisite presentation.
There is a range of sushi sets to choose from, including nigiri sushi and sushi rolls made with all sorts of ingredients including eel, shrimp, and tuna. They also have a set with only vegetable sushi and tempura, which is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Unlike some other plant-based sushi options, this set doesn’t feel like a compromise at all!
3. Hoto Fudou
Hoto noodles are a traditional Mt. Fuji food and the dish that the Fuji Five Lakes area is perhaps most famous for – and Hoto Fudou is one of the best places to try it.
The dish consists of thick and chewy noodles which are prepared in a similar way to dumplings, and served in a hearty and soul-warming broth made with miso. They come topped with local, seasonal vegetables such as kabocha and wild mushrooms.
There are four branches of the restaurant to choose from, with the main store located on the north side of Lake Kawaguchi, near to the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art – which is also a fantastic spot for enjoying views of Mount Fuji.
4. La Luce
Need to load up on carbs before tackling the Mount Fuji climb? La Luce is a perfect choice! This delightful and friendly Italian restaurant is a seven-minute walk south of Kawaguchiko Station and offers a wide range of tasty dishes including pasta, wagyu beef, seafood, and pizza that's freshly baked on lava stone plates.
As much as possible, they use locally-sourced, organic vegetables in their dishes. La Luce is a real gem for visitors with dietary requirements too, as they have vegetarian, vegan, alcohol-free, and halal options available. This even includes pizza made with vegan cheese!
5. Sanrokuen
Having a meal at Sanrokuen is like stepping back in time to ancient Japan! This traditional barbecue restaurant sits within a 150-year-old building complete with a thatched roof, dark wooden interior beams, and authentic decor.
Here, diners cook their own food on skewers over a charcoal grill set into the center of their table, and can choose from five different set courses that include various meats, seafood, tofu, and vegetables. The meal is rounded off with a hoto noodle hotpot simmering over the fire. Although a bit more expensive than other Kawaguchiko restaurants, the food and atmosphere are well worth it!
6. Café Troisième Marché
If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a peaceful lunch, the idyllic Café Troisième Marché is ideal. Located close to the equally magical Music Forest Museum with its epic views of Fuji, it will transport you to the French countryside with its antique furniture and dried flower decorations.
The café offers a selection of savory dishes including curry and sandwiches, but sweet treats are definitely their specialty. From classic crepes to indulgent parfaits and mouthwatering cakes, those with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice! There’s also a great range of drinks to go with your food, including freshly made coffee, teas, soft drinks, and alcohol.
7. Sylvans Microbrewery and Garden Restaurant
Sylvans brings the atmosphere of a Bavarian beer hall to Japan with its large dining space, expansive menu, and own range of craft beer brewed on-site. Their Fujizakura Heights beers span from a light, hoppy lager to a rich, roasted black beer, and are brewed using natural spring water from Mount Fuji. The food menu is mostly western-style, including everything from German sausages to Italian pizza.
Although it’s a little bit out of the way compared to other Fujikawaguchiko restaurants, a free shuttle bus runs between Sylvans and Kawaguchiko Station to make access easier.
So whether you’re looking for something traditional or modern, Japanese or western, low budget or high end, between them these Mount Fuji restaurants have something suitable for all travelers to Kawaguchiko – as long as you can take your eyes off the mountain long enough to eat!
Looking for more things to do and eat in Yamanashi? Browse more restaurants in Yamanashi or book a food experience in the area!
