9 Must-Visit Kawaguchiko Restaurants & Cafés with Breathtaking Mt. Fuji Views

Talk about dining with a view! Trust us when we say it’s quite something to see Mt. Fuji in the flesh — and especially when you’re savouring a delicious meal. Visit these 9 food spots in Kawaguchiko that come with stunning Mt. Fuji views!

Calling all sweet tooths! Found along the shores of Lake Yamanaka, The Park is a café that specialises in soft and fluffy pancakes. Snap an iconic picture of your dessert against the lake and Mt. Fuji outside on the terrace, which is also pet-friendly. If it’s a particularly chilly day, the store also has plenty of indoor tables.

#KlookTip: Be prepared for a long queue! To minimise the wait, try arriving before, or just as, they open.

Just look at that glorious Mt. Fuji view! Head to Kitchen Fujiyama View, a restaurant found on the second floor of the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center.

Dig into Japanese curry and pizza; a hot favourite is the blue curry with a mountain of rice that’s shaped to resemble Mt. Fuji. 

#KlookTip: The restaurant has free Wi-fi and power outlets available too.

Don’t miss out on the first floor, which has a great souvenir shop. Snag jars of handmade blueberry jam (a local speciality!), sign up for a jam-making class, or reserve a slot for blueberry picking at the nearby farm. Fruits that you can pick are cherries from late June to mid-July, blueberries from early July to mid-August, and tomatoes from mid-August to early October. 

Inhale the addictive smell of freshly baked bread, and sink your teeth into a crusty bun at Lake Bake Café. The café sells a variety of bread that’s made with homemade natural yeast, which you can top off with some homemade jam. Enjoy your bread alongside a piping cup of coffee on the open terrace, which has a splendid view of Mt. Fuji.

#KlookTip: The bakery only accepts cash, so do make sure to have some on hand.

Savour a hearty meal at Brand New Day, a coffee joint that’s known for its authentic Neopolitan pizza. Visit in the morning to try some of their freshly baked croissants, and wash everything down with a satisfying cup of joe or craft beer. Take your goods out to the outdoor terrace, which sports a great vista of Mt. Fuji. Keep a look out for seasonal items as well, such as a refreshing peach frappe beverage.

#KlookTip: If you’re travelling with your furry companions, you’ll be glad to know that the café’s outdoor terrace is pet-friendly too!

Set up by JTB Corporation, Tourist Base Kawaguchiko is one of the area’s best hidden gems. Decked out with tatami mats, the centre has a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji to boot. Plus, believe it or not, the onsite café actually offers unlimited seasonal food and beverages, with charges based on the duration of your stay! For example, a 30-minute stay costs 1,200yen (~S$10) per person, with half-price options for kids aged two to 11. You can even stay for two hours at 4,000yen per person (~S$34), with any time extension chargeable to 1,000yen (~S$9) for 30 minutes.

Take the chance to try some wagashi (Japanese confectionery), and check out tours of Lake Kawaguchiko. Tours of the Fujiyama Twin Terrace are a highlight, as the viewing deck is not accessible by private vehicles. 

#KlookTip: To complete the experience, seize the chance to dress up in a kimono or samurai. Strike a pose, and snap lots of photos — with Mt. Fuji standing sentinel in the background! — at the rooftop terrace.

Housed in an elegant white Western-style building, Café Mimi is nestled along the lakeside promenade of Lake Kawaguchiko. The café itself has an enchanting interior that’s adorned with flowers; the al fresco dining area, however, is the star of the show! Enjoy a spread of dessert, fruits, and tea — all against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji and the sparkling lake waters. 

Have you tried Hoto noodles? It’s a speciality of Yamanashi prefecture, comprising a bowl of thick noodles in a miso-based broth. Try a classic bowl at Hoto Fudo, which has six branches in the Kawaguchiko region. The Higashikoji branch wows with its aesthetic as well, with four continuous hemispheres designed to look like the clouds that surround Mt. Fuji’s summit. 

The restaurant itself is said to bridge the gap between nature and art, with the elements of nature becoming part of the dining experience. Indeed, the restaurant sits at the foot of Mt. Fuji; and, when combined with the view of Mt. Fuji itself, is quite a sight! 

Going on a long drive around the Kawaguchiko area? Fujimi café is a great pitstop on your road trip, where you can refuel with a hamburger or plate of curry rice. Before you leave, don’t forget to get one of their ‘Mt. Fuji cakes’ for the road.

#KlookTip: Have little ones in tow? The restaurant is kid-friendly, with baby chairs and children’s cutlery readily available upon request.

Feast your eyes on views of both Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka from Café Noah, a no-frills café that serves a range of homely food. Choose from options like curry rice, pasta, or a croissant sandwich. For dessert, try the homemade chiffon cake accompanied by seasonal fruits. Have your food on the pet-friendly outdoor terrace; if it gets too cold, the staff will even kindly provide you with blankets!

Whilst you wait for your food, take a look at the mini exhibition showcasing a collection of photos depicting Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area. The photos were taken by the owner of the café, who will be more than happy to walk you through them.

#KlookTip: Believe it or not, but you might even be able to spot the elusive ‘Diamond Fuji’ phenomenon from the café! It only occurs from October to February, when the rising or setting of the sun lines up with the peak of Mt. Fuji — making it look as if it’s shining bright like a diamond.