Coffee Restaurant Lake Side — Restaurant in Fujikawaguchiko

Visited one of the cozy lakeside cafés near Lake Kawaguchi during my Japan trip in January 2025, and it was an unforgettable experience.

The weather was cold—especially for someone from Singapore—but the view of Mt. Fuji across the still lake more than made up for it.

The café I stopped by wasn’t the big-chain type. It was a small, local-style eatery with a laid-back vibe and just a few tables inside and outside.

What made it special wasn’t just the view (which was spectacular), but the simple, hearty food. I ordered their houtou-men—a local Yamanashi specialty—and it really hit the spot.

The houtou came in a bubbling hot miso-based broth, packed with thick, flat udon-like noodles, pumpkin, mushrooms, and other veggies.

It was the perfect comfort food for the cold weather. Rich, warm, and full of flavour. Sitting by the window with my hot bowl and watching Mt. Fuji slowly emerge through the morning mist? Bliss.

I also got a cup of freshly brewed hand-drip coffee, which they took the time to prepare properly.

It wasn’t rushed. The aroma, the warmth, and the calmness of the setting made it one of the best coffee moments I’ve had on any trip.

The place was smaller than what you’d expect if you’re used to cafés in Singapore or Tokyo—just a few staff, and a very homey setup.

But the service was top-notch. Even though they spoke limited English, they were patient, polite, and really welcoming.

What I Loved:

The breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji across the lake.

The hearty, traditional houtou-men—simple but deeply satisfying.

Warm, handcrafted coffee with a peaceful setting.

Friendly and genuine hospitality from the staff.

A quiet, crowd-free experience (I went early).

A Few Tips:

Come early, especially in winter, to catch the sunrise and get a good seat by the window or terrace.

Dress warm—the cold is no joke near the lake.

Don’t expect fast food or Instagrammable gimmicks—this place is all about authenticity and peace.

For a Singaporean used to the buzz of city cafés, this was such a refreshing change. A steaming bowl of houtou, a cup of great coffee, and a clear view of Mt. Fuji—it doesn’t get much better than that. Highly recommended if you’re heading to Kawaguchiko and want a slower, more meaningful kind of...

We ordered the "all in one" houtou men A-set. A lot of different pieces and a pot boiling fresh on your table. It looks very nice and is good for Instagram. The taste of nearly everything was.,. Nothing. Not bad. Not good. Complete free from any taste. At the end we throw anything inclu8the plastic bag sauces (Soja I think) into the bowl. A little bit better: now it...

Delicious hōtō noodles and curry tonkatsu! Came here after my husband and I experienced the Mt. Fuji panoramic ropeway in the morning. If you want to avoid huge crowds, make sure you come first thing the...