Houtou Fudou Kawaguchiko North Main Shop — Restaurant in Fujikawaguchiko

I had the opportunity to visit a famous houtou restaurant in the Fuji area, and overall, it was a mixed experience. Here are some key takeaways from my visit:

Firstly, houtou is a local noodle soup that is made by stewing flat udon and vegetables, and this restaurant is well-known for its version of this dish. However, due to its popularity, there is always a long queue outside the restaurant, even during off-peak hours. Despite my efforts to arrive early, I still had to wait for around 45 minutes before being seated. Unfortunately, there are no reservations available, so everyone has to wait in line.

Once I was seated, I ordered the houtou and horse sashimi. The restaurant is large, but the kitchen is small, which meant that it took another 20 minutes before my houtou was served. The houtou soup was excellent, with a rich and flavorful taste that was truly satisfying. However, the portion was quite large, and I would not recommend it for one person.

The horse sashimi, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown. The meat was still frozen, and I could taste the ice between each bite. I have had some good horse sashimi before, but this one did not meet my expectations.

Despite the mixed experience with the food, the restaurant had a good selection of local sake called "甲斐の開運," which I learned was brewed in the nearby city. I enjoyed this sake a lot during my trip to Fuji.

Overall, this houtou restaurant has its pros and cons. The houtou soup is definitely worth trying, but be prepared to wait in line and order carefully. The horse sashimi may not be the best option, but the local sake is a great addition...

Houtou Fudou is a fantastic restaurant that should be on every tourist's list of places to visit in Japan. The restaurant is famous for its large bowls of Houtou noodles, which are perfect for sharing with friends or family. The noodles are thick and flat, and the broth is hearty and flavorful, making for a delicious and filling meal.

The restaurant's decor is unique and traditional, featuring beautiful wooden beams and a cozy atmosphere that transports visitors to a different time and place. The traditional design creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal.

The staff at Houtou Fudou are friendly and welcoming, and they are happy to provide visitors with recommendations and suggestions. The restaurant's menu is extensive and includes a variety of other noodle dishes and sides, all of which are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

While the prices at Houtou Fudou may be slightly higher than other local dining options, the large portion sizes and unique dining experience make it well worth the cost. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal while immersing themselves in Japanese culture and history, making it an excellent choice for tourists looking for an authentic...

Small queue to get in, we were then seated in a drafty dark wooden restaurant at large communal tables. Something about the atmosphere feels fiercely mountain-like.

You won't be cold for long. The restaurant's famous houtou (a hearty miso stew with hand pulled noodles and root vegetables) comes rolling out of the kitchen in batches, carried in large cauldrons by staff. Once placed onto an iron frame in front of you, the waiter lifts the wooden lid to reveal the still-bubbling houtou.

The soup itself is not vegetarian (it can be made so on request), but is brimming with nappa cabbage, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and simmered pumpkin. The noodles resemble udon, but don't be fooled - they're chewier and denser. Houtou is simultaneously a healthful vegetable soup, and one that sticks to your bones. This is a dish that will keep you warm from Lake Kawaguchiko's cold winter winds.

We enjoyed a delicious meal here and would recommend this dish to vegetable-lovers and...