Where Should You Have Lunch During a Hakone Day Trip?
One of the questions our drivers hear most often during Hakone tours is:
“Where’s the best place to have lunch?”
There isn’t one perfect answer because every traveler enjoys Hakone differently.
Some visitors want to sit down for a traditional Japanese meal.
Others prefer a quick lunch so they can spend more time exploring the area’s famous attractions.
Some travelers simply enjoy black eggs and local street food at Owakudani, while others choose a quiet café for coffee and dessert before continuing their journey.
That’s why our drivers always recommend restaurants based on each traveler’s schedule, interests, and sightseeing route.
What Food Should You Try in Hakone?
If you’re visiting Hakone for the first time, there are two local dining experiences we recommend most often.
✔ Handmade Japanese soba
✔ Traditional Japanese set meals (Washoku)
Although you’ll also find ramen shops, Italian restaurants, and cafés throughout Hakone, those can easily be enjoyed in Tokyo.
Instead, we encourage visitors to experience dishes that match Hakone’s peaceful mountain atmosphere and long culinary traditions.
A relaxing lunch surrounded by nature often becomes one of the highlights of the day.
Why Do So Many Travelers Choose Soba?
It’s interesting how often people choose soba when traveling in Japan.
Even our own family naturally says,
“How about soba for lunch today?”
whenever we visit mountain towns like Hakone.
There are probably several reasons.
Traditional soba restaurants are common in historic destinations, they’re light enough for a day of sightseeing, and they offer an authentic Japanese dining experience without taking too much time.
A bowl of freshly made soba, served in a quiet wooden restaurant with views of the surrounding mountains, perfectly matches the slower pace of Hakone.
Many visitors say that this simple meal becomes one of their favorite memories from the trip.
Our Favorite Soba Restaurants in Hakone
Our drivers have guided visitors around Hakone for many years, and these are the soba restaurants we recommend most frequently.
Each offers a different atmosphere, but all are known for excellent handmade noodles and traditional Japanese hospitality.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, these restaurants provide a relaxing break between sightseeing stops.
Takeyabu Hakone – Handmade Soba in a Peaceful Setting
Takeyabu Hakone is one of the area’s best-known soba restaurants.
Surrounded by trees and quiet mountain scenery, it offers a relaxing atmosphere that perfectly matches the pace of a Hakone day trip.
The handmade buckwheat noodles are prepared with great care, and the simple flavors highlight the quality of the ingredients.
Many local residents visit this restaurant as well, making it a great choice if you’d like to experience authentic Japanese soba beyond the typical tourist spots.
Hakone Akatsukian Honten
Another restaurant our drivers frequently recommend is Hakone Akatsukian Honten.
This traditional restaurant is famous not only for its delicious soba but also for its beautiful Japanese garden.
Many visitors enjoy taking a short walk around the garden before or after lunch, creating a peaceful break during a busy sightseeing schedule.
Tsukumo & Hatsuhana Honten
For travelers looking for more variety, Tsukumo offers handmade soba together with several traditional Japanese dishes.
If it’s your first visit to Hakone, Hatsuhana Honten is another excellent choice.
It is one of Hakone’s most famous soba restaurants and is especially popular during weekends and holiday seasons.
Because of its popularity, arriving a little before the lunch rush is recommended.
Traditional Japanese Set Meals for Families
Not everyone feels like eating noodles during a full day of sightseeing.
For families and travelers looking for a more complete meal, traditional Japanese set menus are another excellent option.
A typical Japanese set meal may include grilled fish, tonkatsu, tempura, rice, miso soup, seasonal vegetables, and small side dishes.
These balanced meals allow visitors to experience several different flavors of Japanese cuisine in one sitting.
Restaurants such as Sengoku Ukyo, Hakone Saryo Miyama, and Donburi Chaya Fish and Soba are among the places our drivers often recommend to guests who prefer a leisurely lunch.
Craving Ramen? Hakone Has Great Options Too
Although we usually recommend local specialties first, we understand that some travelers simply want a comforting bowl of ramen.
If that’s what you’re looking for, Men-an Chitose is one of the most popular ramen restaurants in Hakone.
Its rich broth, freshly prepared noodles, and welcoming atmosphere have made it a favorite among both local residents and visitors.
It’s a great alternative for travelers who prefer a hearty lunch before continuing their Hakone adventure.
Traditional Tea Houses Worth Visiting
Hakone is also famous for its historic tea houses.
These are wonderful places to slow down, enjoy a traditional Japanese sweet, and take a break from sightseeing.
One of the most famous is Amazake Chaya, a tea house with more than 400 years of history.
Here, visitors can try amazake, a traditional Japanese rice drink that has been enjoyed for centuries.
Another favorite is Cha no Chimoto, well known for serving Yumochi, one of Hakone’s signature sweets, together with freshly prepared matcha tea.
Even if you’re not hungry, spending a little time in one of these traditional tea houses is a memorable part of the Hakone experience.
Final Thoughts
Hakone is famous for its hot springs and breathtaking scenery, but its food is equally worth discovering.
Whether you choose handmade soba, a traditional Japanese set meal, ramen, or a historic tea house, every meal adds something special to your journey.
Our drivers always recommend restaurants based on your sightseeing route, available time, and personal preferences, helping you enjoy both great food and a smooth travel experience.
Discover Hakone Comfortably with KT Hire
At KT Hire, we provide private day tours from Tokyo to Hakone with flexible itineraries designed around your travel style.
Our experienced local drivers can recommend scenic viewpoints, traditional restaurants, seasonal attractions, and the most efficient sightseeing routes, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing day without worrying about transportation.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, we’re here to help make your Hakone trip comfortable, memorable, and stress-free.
