PUB STOP Pizza & Bar — Restaurant in Hakone

Pub Stop Pizza and Bar: A Delicious Slice of Home (with a Japanese Twist!) in Gora

After two weeks of incredible Japanese cuisine, our family of four (including two teenagers) found ourselves craving pizza, and Pub Stop Pizza and Bar in Gora delivered beautifully. Our expectations for a satisfying pizza experience in Japan were mixed, but we were hoping for a good crunchy crust with a subtle sweetness, a blend of Japanese-style toppings, and plenty of real cheese – and we were not disappointed!

Upon entering, the first thing that catches your eye is the impressive pizza oven, a reassuring sign of the deliciousness to come. We were immediately greeted by a super friendly and helpful host who guided us through the menu and ordering process. For beer lovers, Pub Stop Pizza and Bar is a paradise. They boast an extensive selection of Gora Brewery beers on tap, even more than what was available at the brewery itself next door – a pleasant surprise! We highly recommend trying the Belgian White beer.

The pizzas are personal-sized, which was perfect as it allowed each of us to order exactly what we wanted. We enjoyed two delicious pepperoni pizzas, a flavorful four-cheese, and a classic Margherita. Each pizza featured that desired crunchy crust with a hint of sweetness, generously topped with a satisfying blend of flavors and real cheese.

If you're in Gora, especially after a long journey or when a pizza craving strikes, Pub Stop Pizza and Bar is an excellent choice for a delicious, satisfying meal in a...

In a town where most restaurants close early, stumbling upon Pubstop Pizza & Bar in Gora Hakone was a delicious stroke of luck. We arrived late by Hakone standards, hungry and unsure if we’d find anything open—and thankfully, this warm and bustling spot welcomed us in, even though they looked quite busy.

The vibe is casual and inviting, with just 20 seats including a cozy bar where we sat and watched the two friendly staff members craft our pizzas right in front of us. We ordered the Wagyu pizza, a classic Margherita (which the kids devoured), and my personal favorite—the garlic shrimp pizza. Each one was fresh, flavorful, and served piping hot. Paired with beer on tap from their own Gora Brewery, it was the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

The space is thoughtfully designed with a clean, stylish bathroom, fun merchandise for sale, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Opened in March 2021, Pubstop has quickly become a local favorite for its wood-fired pizzas and international beer selection. It’s located just an 8-minute walk from Gora Station, tucked into a quiet corner near Gora Park, making it easy to find if you’re exploring the area.

They offer vegan and vegetarian options, and the menu is clearly labeled for dietary preferences. The pizzas aren’t massive, but they’re packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. If you’re in Hakone and looking for a relaxed meal with great food and friendly service—especially later in the evening—Pubstop Pizza is...

📸 WAGYU GANG PIZZA 📍1300-71 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan

A gem in the backstreets of the Gora hills (*one giant hill) and front-faced by the flagship brewery, Gora Brewery & Grill, this makeshift pub offers a more approachable alternative to some of the more ostentatious and touristic watering holes, with local and bespoke beverage offerings. Handmade pizza pies – yes, from dough balls, beer nuts and small snacks make a simple menu as delicious window dressing to some amazing local hops.

Sure, Hakone is not primarily known for its amazing cuisine – it is destination travelling in Japan for both Japanese and foreigners, famous for its escapist nature, breathtaking scenery, and products associated with its sulphuric gestation as a result of the active volcano at the peak of Hakoneyama. Yet there are gems where hospitality auteurs have setup shop to work and hone their craft with a fluctuating schedule of an intensely seasonal locale.

The pizza menu is inspired by neo Neapolitan pies and local Japanese fare in terms of toppings. We chose the most Japanese-apparent item on the menu and it delivered in sublime spades. Thinly sliced, tender, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, topped with seaweed, spring onion and togarashi – in the most appraising way, it eats like the perfect marriage of a gyu donburi (beef rice bowl) and flat bread. You can also choose crispy base, but I think bread is...