So there I was, on a slightly overcast Saturday morning, sipping my coffee and scrolling through Instagram when the idea hit me: a spontaneous trip to Hakone! I mean, who doesn’t love a good hot spring town, right? And let’s be honest, the food scene there is just as much a draw. So, I hopped on the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku, and in just an hour and a half, I arrived at Hakone Yumoto, ready to eat my way through the town.
Hakone Manju: The Sweet Start
First stop? The famous Kikumawari Shop, right outside Hakone Yumoto Station. They’ve got this mesmerizing automatic manju maker right at their storefront. I couldn’t take my eyes off it! Each manju is ¥80 (about $0.55 USD) and filled with hot, sweet white bean paste. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why they’re perfect for a little walk-around snack.
Rustle Up Some Rusks
Next, I wandered into Gran Rivière Hakone, a charming rusk specialty store. The place is all blue and white, super elegant, and the best part? Free samples galore! I tried a nutty rusk that was so good, I ended up buying a box of eight for around ¥700 ($4.80 USD). It’s right by the station too, so if you’re in a hurry, it’s a great spot to grab a quick souvenir.
Gelato with a Twist
Then, it was off to Hakone Dolce Studio STELLA. It’s tucked away just off the main street, and let me tell you, the crowd gathered around was no joke! Their gelato served on Italian sfogliatella is a sight to behold and totally Instagram-worthy. It’s a little pricey, but the taste and texture? Unforgettable. Plus, they top it with fruits and herbs, which just adds to the experience.
Fried Kamaboko: A Must-Try
Feeling adventurous, I tried the fried kamaboko at Kago-ya Seijiro. It’s basically a fish cake on a stick, and I went for the sardine version at ¥350 ($2.40 USD). The texture was both chewy and fluffy, with just the right amount of saltiness. Perfect energy boost for more exploring!
Relax at Hakone Cafe
After all that eating, I needed a break. Enter Hakone Cafe, conveniently located inside the station. With plenty of seating and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind. Their iced coffee, at ¥450 ($3.10 USD), was just what I needed to recharge.
All in all, Hakone Yumoto was a delightful day trip filled with tasty surprises. If you’re ever in the mood for an impromptu foodie adventure, I can’t recommend it enough. Who knows, maybe next time I’ll actually make it to the hot springs!
