Houtou Fudou Kawaguchiko Station

Fudou Houtou Kawaguchiko Ekimae is a specialty restaurant for “houtou,” a local dish of this area. It operates four locations around Lake Kawaguchi: Kawaguchiko Ekimae (in front of the station), Kawaguchiko Kita-Honten, Kawaguchiko Minami, and Higashikoiji. The Ekimae branch is especially convenient for sightseeing because it is directly in front of Kawaguchiko Station. Their houtou features house-made noodles—thick and pleasantly chewy—slow-simmered in a miso-based broth with gently sweet kabocha (pumpkin), locally sourced wild mountain vegetables, and other ingredients grown at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Though rustic with its miso base, it delivers deep richness and umami from the ingredients. In addition to houtou, they also offer sweets, basashi (horse sashimi), and their specialty “kokutou-daki inari.” Basashi is a local Koshu specialty that is light and lean yet rich in vitamins and minerals, enjoyed with garlic, ginger, and soy-based sauce. Kokutou-daki inari is their signature inari sushi: abura-age (fried tofu) simmered slowly with brown sugar, pairing exceptionally well with the miso houtou broth. Access: across from Kawaguchiko Station, 1F of Marubun Building. If visiting after 16:00 on weekdays, be sure to call ahead to confirm the closing time.