Have you ever had one of those days where the city noise just gets too much, and all you want is a quick escape? Well, that was me last weekend. I hopped on the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku, and in about an hour and a half, I found myself in the quaint embrace of Hakone Yumoto. Let me tell you, nothing beats the anticipation of a foodie adventure in one of Japan’s most charming spots!
First Stop: Kikugawa Shoten’s Hakone Manju
Stepping out of the Hakone Yumoto Station, the sweet smell of freshly baked manju lured me straight to Kikugawa Shoten. Right there, in front of the store, was this quirky automatic manju-making machine. I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by it—imagine dough being baked right in front of your eyes! For just ¥80 (around $0.55 USD), you get a warm manju filled with smooth white bean paste. It’s small, delightful, and perfect for strolling around. Not gonna lie, I had two!
Craving Something Sweet? Head to Granriviere Hakone
Next, I wandered into Granriviere Hakone, a chic little shop that screams elegance with its blue and white decor. What surprised me, though, was their generous sampling policy! I mean, how often do you get to try before you buy? I tasted a nut-topped rusk and was instantly sold. Eight pieces set me back about ¥700 (roughly $4.80 USD), but my taste buds were dancing. Plus, they have chilled treats like soft creams and puddings if you need a cool break.
For the Love of Gelato: Hakone Dolce Studio STELLA
Just off the main street, I found Hakone Dolce Studio STELLA, where the crowd practically spills out the door. Their gelato, perched atop Italian pastries like sfogliatella, is an Instagrammer’s dream. The crunchy layers of the pastry paired with creamy gelato topped with fruits and herbs? I was in dessert heaven. Honestly, I didn’t even get a chance to take a proper photo before diving in!
Snack on Some Savory: Kagoya Seijiro’s Fried Kamaboko
Feeling like something savory? Kagoya Seijiro has you covered with its variety of fried kamaboko. I tried the sardine stick for ¥350 (about $2.40 USD), and the mix of firm and fluffy textures was just what I needed to recharge. Talk about a local delicacy!
Chill Out at Hakone Café
Before heading back, I took a moment to relax at Hakone Café, right inside the station. With spacious seating and a calming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. I opted for a large iced coffee for ¥450 (approximately $3.10 USD). Trust me, you’ll appreciate the break after all that exploring.
So, if you’re looking for an easy escape filled with delectable treats, Hakone is your go-to. It’s not just about the food; it’s about savoring the moment, the atmosphere, and the unexpected joys along the way. If it sounds like your kind of adventure, give it a try—I’d love to hear what you think!
