Only 1.5 hours from Shinjuku! After appreciating the magnificence of Mt. Fuji, try the spicy and delicious “Akakara,” Japanese hot pot!

Symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji. It’s a spot you can’t miss when you come to Japan. Lake Kawaguchi is located within one and half hours from Shinjuku, Tokyo, by a highway express bus. It has a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji as well as some great hot springs, and Fuji-Q Highland, the famous amusement park with lots of thrilling rides is located just nearby. Besides, it is also the starting point of Fuji Subaru Line, the toll road that leads to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji.

Hot food tastes great especially in this cool highland

After enjoying the great view and strolling around the area, what do you want to eat for lunch or dinner? Please note that most shops and restaurants close early around this area. However, there is a fantastic restaurant that is open till midnight! The cool air around Lake Kawaguchi might make you want to eat spicy, hot food. Besides, you may be in the mood for something different from usual Japanese food. Here’s something that you should try: Akakara, a spicy and extraordinary Japanese hot pot.

The secret of this hot pot is the special sauce made with dark brown miso from Nagoya and hot pepper. This sauce is so addictive that there are many Akakara-holics in Japan! Akakara has 10 levels of spice that you can choose from to suit your palette. Most people choose level 2 or 3 and enjoy the balance of spice and rich miso taste. However, if you love spicy food and can gobble whole red hot peppers with no difficulty, how about challenging yourself to try a level 10! After eating all the ingredients, throw in some rice into the soup to make a tasty porridge. Also, instead of this rice porridge, there are some options such as kishimen (flat udon noodles made in Nagoya), ramen, and risotto with cheese.

Popular dish at a famous izakaya (Japanese-style pub) you must try in Fujikawaguchiko!

Akakara hot pot is a popular dish of Akakara, a famous izakaya. This hot pot became so popular that the restaurant now offers its original food products and seasonings in supermarkets and convenient stores. Why don’t you try a hot pot at this reputable restaurant in Fujikawaguchiko!

The restaurant also has a gorgeous view of Mt. Fuji♪

The best place for izakaya lovers!

Some tourists are excited to go to an izakaya, Japanese-style pub, and why wouldn't they? Izakaya are known for its cheerful staff, friendly customers and an upbeat, homely atmosphere! Akakara is a chain, but Kawaguchiko branch is the only one where you can take pictures with the cute Akakara mascot, Japanese demons. The stick-your-head cardboard even has Mt. Fuji painted to make your photo memorable.

This is the izakaya everyone was looking forward to!

Usually izakaya restaurants open only for dinner service. However, Akakara Kawaguchiko also opens at lunch time to welcome tourists who visit this area. Don’t you think it is a great way to spend a holiday having a party at an izakaya restaurant in abroad daylight?

Try other dishes too!

Akakara serves a selection of delicious dishes, especially various specialty food from Nagoya, where Akakara is originally from! Tori-seseri yaki (chicken neck meat) is another popular dish here offered in two flavors: tori-seseri aka seasoned with spicy sauce and tori-seseri shiro sprinkled with salt. Both are unbelievably juicy with intense savory flavors, and surely well paired with your drink.

If you don’t understand Japanese, don’t worry. At the end of this article, you will find a page which will help you order.

Akakara is a 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko station, or if you're not up for a walk, a taxi would be better. It is not that expensive if you share a taxi with your friends. There is a free shuttle bus service that picks you up at your hotel for a group of ten or more. Give the restaurant a call if you want this pickup service. A bus with the “Akakara” mark will come to pick you up!

The area around Lake Kawaguchi is a great place to enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and delicious izakaya food at the same time. Akakara Kawaguchiko Official website: http://akakara-kawaguchiko.com/foreign.html Address: 6854 Funatsu, Kawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Phone: +81-555-73-8629 Business Hours: lunch 11:00-15:00, dinner 17:00-24:00

There are various kinds of drinks and desserts too, though the menu is only in Japanese.