富士小屋 — Restaurant in Fujikawaguchiko

Japanese cuisine is celebrated for its harmony of flavors, textures, and techniques, and my recent experience with unagi, Japanese curry, and tempura was nothing short of delightful. Each dish offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich culinary tradition, and together, they create a feast for the senses.

Unagi (Grilled Eel) Unagi, or grilled freshwater eel, is a dish that epitomizes the balance between sweet and savory. The eel was perfectly grilled, with its tender flesh coated in a luscious kabayaki sauce. The sauce, a blend of soy, mirin, and sugar, added a caramelized sweetness that complemented the smoky char from the grill. Served over a bed of fluffy white rice, the dish was deeply satisfying, with the eel’s umami-rich flavor leaving a lasting impression.

Japanese Curry Japanese curry is a comforting dish that stands apart from its spicier Indian counterpart. The version I had was a thick, velvety stew with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots. The curry had a mild yet deeply flavorful profile, with hints of sweetness and a subtle spice that warmed the palate. Served alongside a plate of steamed rice, the dish was hearty, filling, and undeniably comforting—a perfect choice for a chilly evening.

Tempura Tempura is a celebration of texture, and this rendition was exceptional. The batter was light and airy, encasing each piece of shrimp and vegetable in a golden, crispy shell. Despite the deep-frying process, the tempura was remarkably non-greasy, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. The accompanying tentsuyu dipping sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, provided a tangy contrast that elevated the dish.

Final Thoughts Each dish brought its own charm to the table, highlighting the diversity and artistry of Japanese cuisine. The unagi was indulgent and flavorful, the curry was comforting and hearty, and the tempura was light and satisfying. Together, they created a well-rounded meal that showcased the depth of Japanese culinary tradition.

If you’re looking to explore Japanese food, these dishes are a fantastic starting point. They’re accessible yet full of nuance, offering a taste of Japan’s culinary brilliance...

"A little place we still remember with a smile..."

A simple, unpretentious spot that ended up being a pleasant surprise. The food was tasty and satisfying, with well-balanced flavors and generous portions — nothing fancy, but done right.

What really stood out was that the entire place was run by just one person. Cooking, serving, handling everything — and still, everything came out on time and with a calm professionalism. Impressive, to say the least.

The only thing that gave us a bit of pause was the cleanliness — not terrible, but it could definitely use more attention. Still, everything went smoothly, and we left content.

A place with its quirks, but one we’d...

Glad we found this place while walking by, the owner seated us and took our order. The food was absolutely delicious and heart warming. We realised that the owner actually runs this place alone after being seated for a while. When we were seated it was actually packed and full with a line outside as well.

From seating us, taking our order, preparing the meal, serving us and taking payment. He’s a one man show and I absolutely respect! I realised a lot of the reviews mentioned this as well, do come support him however do be patient as he is doing everything himself. This will be one of those places that I’ll save for my next visit...