LiveGRACE House Lake Saiko is surrounded by a wide variety of dining options. One of the most distinctive local specialties is Houtou Udon, a regional noodle dish unique to the area. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese cuisine, kaiseki dining, and international restaurants, each offering its own unique character. The area is also home to many cafés serving handcrafted desserts and coffee, making them excellent places to experience local flavors. Whether you prefer refined cuisine or simple and satisfying meals, the Lake Kawaguchiko area offers plenty of choices. We are delighted to introduce some of our favorite restaurants and recommended dining spots nearby.
Cafés & Light Meals
gris
A well-known local dessert shop famous for its handmade sweet pies. Seasonal desserts are also available for a limited time throughout the year.
It’s a popular place where many people come to relax and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Be sure to arrive early, as all desserts are made in limited quantities each day and often sell out.
CAFETINO MT.FUJI COFFEE SHOP
CAFETINO MT.FUJI COFFEE SHOP is a popular café in the Kawaguchiko area, featuring a cozy space that blends industrial and Brooklyn-style design. The café serves hand-drip coffee made with carefully selected house-roasted beans, along with hot sandwiches, waffles, and pasta. Among these, the hot sandwiches are especially popular with visitors.
On clear days, you can also enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji from the outdoor seating area, making it a perfect stop for a cup of coffee and a light meal while exploring the area.
Juden Coffee
A popular café tucked away in a quiet street in Narusawa Village, featuring a fully open-air seating area. It is best known for its house-roasted coffee beans and carefully brewed hand-drip coffee.
The menu includes a variety of coffee drinks, hot sandwiches, homemade lemonade, and desserts, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
喫茶モーリー Cafe Moorry
A charming café that opens as early as 8:00 AM, making it a great spot for breakfast or a relaxed morning. The café serves a variety of light meals, including toast, gratin, and other café favorites. At lunchtime, you can also enjoy its homemade curry rice set meal.
With its bright, clean atmosphere and affordable prices, it’s a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Yamatoya Cafe
A cozy café with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. At lunchtime, it serves homemade Japanese set meals, and you can also enjoy handmade cakes paired with freshly brewed coffee.
The café has a private room that can accommodate 8–10 people, making it a great choice for families or groups traveling together.
AIM Brew LAB.
Just a 1-minute walk from the property, this unique brewery and café is housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese home. While preserving the charm of the original building, it has been transformed into a relaxing space that reflects both nature and local craftsmanship.
The brewery produces craft beer using Mt. Fuji’s natural spring water and also serves hand-drip coffee and light meals. As one of the very few places around Lake Saiko that stays open into the evening, it’s an excellent choice for dinner, drinks, or a relaxing break, and comes highly recommended.
Sun Lake
A cozy restaurant located on the shores of Lake Saiko, offering a selection of light meals and traditional Japanese set meals. Enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful lakeside scenery in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Japanese Cuisine
ほうとう蔵 歩成 河口湖店 Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko
Houtou is Yamanashi’s signature local dish and a must-try when visiting the Kawaguchiko area.
This restaurant is well known for winning the Houtou Taste Competition three years in a row. Its signature Golden Houtou features a rich, specially blended golden miso broth made with pumpkin purée, served with chewy handmade noodles and plenty of fresh vegetables. The soup is rich and flavorful without being overly heavy.
The spacious interior combines warm wooden elements with a modern Japanese design, creating a comfortable dining atmosphere. It’s one of the most popular places for visitors to experience authentic Yamanashi cuisine.
手打うどん 彩花 Saika Handmade Udon
When visiting the Kawaguchiko area, be sure to try Yoshida Udon, one of Yamanashi’s most famous local specialties.
Known for its thick, chewy handmade noodles, Yoshida Udon is served in a savory broth and topped with seasoned minced meat, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. Affordable, filling, and full of local character, it’s a favorite everyday lunch among local residents.
鶏焼 やみつき Toriyaki Yamitsuki
This restaurant specializes in grilled chicken, offering a wide variety of cuts that you won’t often find at a typical yakitori restaurant.
We recommend ordering a grilled chicken platter or one of the hot pot dishes, along with a selection of the restaurant’s signature side dishes, for a delicious and authentic dining experience.
和牛 甲斐離宮 Wagyu Kairikyu
A spacious, clean, and comfortable wagyu yakiniku restaurant with plenty of seating and private booths, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal.
The menu offers everything from affordable set meals to premium wagyu selections, ensuring there’s something for every budget and preference. Orders are placed entirely through a tablet, so there’s no need to worry about language barriers. It’s a highly recommended choice for enjoying quality Japanese barbecue.
西乃家 Nishiyona
Nishinoya is a well-loved sushi restaurant among local residents, known for its fresh seafood and authentic Edomae-style sushi. The chefs prepare each order using seasonal ingredients, ensuring every dish is served fresh.
In addition to sushi, the menu also includes sashimi, grilled fish, and a variety of traditional Japanese dishes. Although the restaurant is small, it offers the warm, authentic atmosphere of a classic Japanese sushi bar. With fresh ingredients, reasonable prices, and a loyal local following, it’s a great place to experience genuine Japanese sushi.
居酒屋 Tanpopo
A cozy, family-style izakaya loved by both locals and visitors, known for its affordable prices, generous portions, and authentic Japanese home-style cooking.
The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including grilled skewers, fried specialties, grilled fish, sashimi, and other classic Japanese dishes that pair perfectly with drinks. The grilled chicken and yakitori are especially popular among regular customers.
With its warm, relaxed atmosphere and authentic local charm, it’s an excellent place to enjoy a meal with family or friends, or simply unwind with a drink while experiencing the local food culture of the Kawaguchiko area.
居酒屋 High Spirits
High Spirits is one of Kawaguchiko’s most popular izakayas, well known for its fresh seafood, creative Japanese cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere.
Recommended dishes include the assorted sashimi platter, Japanese fried chicken (karaage), and slow-braised pork, all of which pair perfectly with a selection of Japanese sake.
The owner lived in the United States for many years and speaks fluent English, making the restaurant especially welcoming for international visitors. As seating is limited, reservations are highly recommended during peak travel seasons.
Western Cuisine
toe（トー）
Housed in a beautifully renovated inn with over 70 years of history, this restaurant and bar preserves the warmth and character of its original wooden architecture while blending it with modern design to create a truly unique dining space.
The menu features flavorful spice curry, pasta, handmade pizza, and a carefully selected range of alcoholic beverages. The signature spice curry is especially popular with both locals and visitors.
With its charming retro atmosphere and relaxed ambiance, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a meal, unwind, and experience the slower pace of life around Kawaguchiko.
Moose Hills Burger
One of the most popular American burger restaurants in the Kawaguchiko area, this spot is famous for its thick, juicy handmade burgers and authentic American-style atmosphere. It has been selected multiple times as one of Tabelog’s “Top 100 Burger Restaurants” in Japan.
Its signature beef burger is made with high-quality beef and cooked fresh to order, served with crispy French fries and rich milkshakes that have earned rave reviews from visitors.
Housed in a charming log cabin-style building with a relaxing resort-like atmosphere, it’s one of the area’s must-visit dining spots. Be prepared for a wait on weekends and during peak travel seasons, as it’s often very popular.
ベルデ VERDE
A popular Italian restaurant tucked away on a quiet side street. At lunchtime, it serves delicious pasta and pizza set meals, making it a favorite among local residents.
With its authentic Italian flavors and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed lunch while visiting the Kawaguchiko area.
Others
bstone bakers
A popular bakery located in the Oishi area of Kawaguchiko, tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. Using carefully selected Hokkaido wheat, Yotsuba butter, and farm-fresh eggs, the bakery handcrafts a variety of breads, croissants, and French pastries every day.
Committed to using no preservatives, artificial flavors, or food coloring, each item highlights the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients and the craftsmanship of skilled bakers.
With its warm, minimalist atmosphere and beautifully crafted baked goods, this bakery has become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors, making it one of the must-visit bakeries in the Kawaguchiko area.
