Hakone Amazake Tea House — Restaurant in Hakone

A quiet little nook. if you didn’t know, you probably thought it was a local residence, except it’s 400 years old.

The doors are closed because of the wind and there is little outside to indicate if it is open

Be bold and open the sliding door, that’s what we did and fortunately for us it was open

The moment you open the doors, the strong incense hits your nose and you’ll immediately locate the source of it. A little open fireplace at the back of the tea house

It is a little dark in here as the ceiling lamps are small and dim but we came in the day so there was a fair amount of light from outside streaming in. Still, don’t expect this place to be lit.

Cozy little place but there’s a fair amount of seats in little nooks and crannies. There’s even a little raised platform where you can sit at if you remove your shoes.

They only sell traditional Japanese sweets and tea here. So you won’t be spoilt for choice.

But all of them are good.

Amakase- rice and malt tea - warm and delicious. Closest taste to this would be like your sweetened barley cereal mix

Chikara mochi - isobe - salty - wrapped in seaweed and soy sauce - definitely not like the typical ones which stick to your teeth. These are much “crisper” to the bite

Chikara mochi - uguisu - sweet - soy bean powder is generously topped over this - so eat over the plate to avoid a mess.

Miso-oden - konjac balls - definitely worth a try, dip generously into the sweet sauce with each bite and you will find yourself reaching for another.

We spent some time here chitchatting to just take in a bit more do the space before we left. People here whisper so take your normal talking volume, half and then half it again.

There’s a mini museum / exhibition of sorts next door.

The back of the tea house is a part of trail that you take hiking. See map.

Also when we were leaving we saw a public bus that’s packed. So… plan your...

Nestled along the historic Tōkaidō trail, Amazake Chaya Tea House offers a warm, authentic Japanese experience that transports visitors back in time. Established over 400 years ago, this thatched-roof teahouse has been a resting spot for travelers, including the famed 47 Ronin.

Upon entering, you're greeted by the rich aroma of freshly prepared treats and the crackling of a traditional hearth. The interior exudes rustic charm, with tatami seating and wooden beams, creating a cozy ambiance perfect for relaxation. The highlight of the visit is the Amazake, a non-alcoholic, naturally sweet rice drink served warm with a hint of ginger. Priced at ¥400, it's both nourishing and comforting, especially on chilly days.

Complementing the drink are the Chikara Mochi, glutinous rice cakes pounded fresh daily and grilled over charcoal. Available in flavors like black sesame, soybean flour, and seaweed, each bite is a delightful blend of texture and taste.

The tea house's hospitality is exceptional, with staff eager to share stories and history, enhancing the overall experience. Adjacent to the teahouse is a free historical museum offering insights into the region's past.

Whether you're hiking the Tōkaidō or simply exploring Hakone, Amazake Chaya Tea House is a must-visit destination that combines history, culture, and culinary delights in a...

A must visit in Hakone. A charming tea house at Hatajuku founded 400 years ago - probably strategically located for good business near the old Tokkaido paved road - now a great hiking trail. So, a great place to go before starting a hike or to refresh after finishing hikes around Hatajuku. I was there as the first and only customer (luckily) one early morning. Highly recommended visiting time (7:00 ish) - because the place is popular and gets quite crowded later. The smoky atmosphere, fragrances of wood and green tea, crisp winter air, bird sounds from the woods and mountains - it was ethereal. Outdoor sitting area is as beautiful if the weather is warm. The amazake was the best I have ever tasted. Despite being in hiking wear with a big bagpack - I was treated like a queen in terms of service (unsurprising for Japan or a traditional teahouse - nonetheless pleasant). The owner was very kind to not just provide great service but also to give me some candies for my hike. The place has a dedicated bus stop. And is also a short but beautiful and interesting walk from moto-hakone-ko. So - no excuse to...