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Lunch at Kosaku (小作) (Hoto Noodles) and tea break at Kawaguchi

Lunch at Kosaku (小作) (Hoto Noodles)

1638-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

No trip to the Fuji area is complete without trying Hoto, Yamanashi's famous local noodle dish. Hoto consists of thick flat noodles cooked in a hearty miso-based broth filled with vegetables, especially pumpkin. It is considered one of Yamanashi's signature comfort foods.



We decided to try it at Kosaku (小作), one of the well-known hoto restaurants around the Kawaguchiko area.


One thing i really liked was the dining atmosphere. The restaurant had a huge dining hall filled with traditional tatami seating, giving it a very local and authentic feel. Despite the crowds, the spacious layout meant it never felt too cramped.


The first thing that arrived at our table was a massive clay pot. The serving size was huge and definitely looked like comfort food on a cold day.


Someone was craving big prawns and happily ordered the prawn tempura, only to realise later that it was actually a separate set meal on top of the hoto noodles. Fortunately, the prices were still quite reasonable, so it wasn't too painful on the wallet.

I orderd the set with pumpkin hoto noodles and mozuku vinegar. The broth was the highlight for me. Made with pumpkin, it was rich, slightly sweet and very flavourful. You could really taste the vegetables stewed into the soup, making it hearty and comforting.

As for the noodles themselves, they weren't quite my cup of tea. Hoto noodles are much thicker than regular udon and have a very chewy texture. Personally, I found them a little too thick and doughy, so while I enjoyed the soup, I wasn't a huge fan of the noodles.

Coffee Break at Lake Side Café Ku

Before checking in to Ubuya, we stopped by Lake Side Café Ku for a coffee break before continuing our journey.

Located right by Lake Kawaguchi, the café was known for its cosy atmosphere and beautiful lake views, particularly from the upper floors.

What I enjoyed most wasn't necessarily the coffee itself, but the peaceful setting. It felt like the kind of place where you could slow down for an hour, sit by the window and simply watch the lake. After a few busy days chasing attractions around the Fuji area, it was nice to take a breather.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Lake Side Café Ku has permanently closed. While future visitors won't be able to experience the café for themselves, I'm glad we had the chance to stop by and enjoy a peaceful afternoon there before it closed its doors.



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