Hakone Yashima — Restaurant in Hakone

Found this place somewhat last minute after realising every other Japanese place was closed on a Sunday evening. Reviews looks good but honestly didn't do this place justice. Both people working were so welcoming and lovely.

I was very nervous about eating out as I'm vegan and can't have spicy food either, but they had some options on the side menu and honestly, all of them were amazing. I had the Edamame, Cucumber and plain white rice (asked for some salt here which was quickly accommodated) and it was by far the best filling meal I've had since landing (and a lot healthier than the 7/11 Ritz crackers I've been surviving on).

The couple running it spoke basic English so we communicated in a mix of broken English, Japanese and google translate. They told me the Miso contains dashi (fish-based broth) and quickly caught on to me not eating animal/animal products.

We ordered food via a QR code that had English translation of the menu available, and then had the option to pay cash or card (paid cash to give some change as tip).

The portion sizes were really good. Rice could've been a bit bigger (I ordered two portions which were combined in one bowl, that could've been a bit more, but it was so good, I didn't mind). My friend had the Sukiyaki and couldn't finish it cause of the portion size. It smelled incredible (although she said it had a bit too much salt for her liking). My leftover Edamame was quickly packaged up for me to takeaway.

Seating was Japanese style tables and pillows on the floor, with a shoe rack when you got to the dining room. As we were the last guests to leave, the owners had arranged our shoes right by the steps for us, which was very considerate. They also helped us make sure we didn't forget anything and we had a lovely mix of broken Japanese, broken English and lots of bowing to each other on the way out. Again, felt super welcomed by the owners and not once rushed even though we left 15 minutes before closing time.

The lady showed us a very lovely message google translated on her phone while we finished up our food and was overall just adorable throughout.

Parking was just around the corner and free.

Definitely would go again if we were around for more nights - hopefully will be back in the future.

Thank you so much for the best meal we had so far since...

This place is way too expensive for what they serve. The couple forces customers to purchase a drink and a meal per person. Even if multiple dishes are ordered, they insist on you purchasing a drink. Then if you are paying with a credit card, they also charge you 3% more.

We ordered edamame, cucumber, the sukiyaki, the steak, and fried chicken. The cucumber was a waste of money because it’s just sliced cucumber with a tangy salty sauce on the side. Edemame is what you normally get, can’t go wrong with that. The Sukiyaki was good. The fried chicken was not good, super greasy and absolutely nothing special. The steak was ok, we cooked the steak ourselves at the table which in itself was an inconvenience for us.

I personally do not recommend this place m, if other options are available. And the issue for us was, there were no other options. 95% of the places were closed on a Monday late...

One of the best meals of my entire life. This meal is cooked with so much love and soul, you can taste it. Think Grandma’s home cooking wrapped in a warm hot sake hug and blessed with the most delicious flavors you’ve ever imagined. I am more happy now than when I walked in — I think that says something.

My favorites were the Sukiyaki (I do not know how the chef perfected the broth but I’m impressed beyond measure), fried chicken (get every last drop of the lemon on your nuggets and your life is transformed with every bite), trout Muniere (comfort food — rice on the side was perfect)… ps we got two fried chickens. Recommended medicinal dose.

Thank you Hakone Yashima! Service and Food was one in a...