Hakone
箱根
Hakone is one of Japan’s most peaceful escapes — a mountain retreat known for its hot springs, lake views, and that iconic glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day. While traditional ryokan dining can be challenging for those with coeliac disease, Hakone is surprisingly doable with the right planning. From thoughtful restaurants that can adapt dishes safely to cafés using naturally gluten-free ingredients, you can enjoy the serenity of Hakone without stressing about food. With clear communication and a bit of research, gluten-free travellers can relax, unwind, and eat well in one of Japan’s most beautiful destinations.
If you’re in Hakone and craving something familiar yet special — BOX BURGER Hakone-Yumoto is a brilliant find. It’s tucked away in a beautiful renovated 70-year-old traditional house (once a geisha-house), they are able to cater to gluten free people, and while do mention cross contamination, they take steps to make the risk minimal. The gluten free burgers are made with delicious rice flour buns. The burgers are seriously good: juicy patties, fresh ingredients, homemade sauces - possibly one of my favourite burgers ever?! Sadly for coeliacs the chips are out of bound due to shared fryers, but I still would suggest this spot - I went two nights in a row.
Please note, there are Box Burgers all over Hakone, but I 'm not sure if they are as good for gluten free as this one so please check!
Area: Hakone-Yumoto
Booking required: Yes if you want to sit in (we got takeaways)
Other Dietary Requirements: Unsure
Recommendation: Box Burger
Nukafuku is the kind of tiny spot you stumble upon and end up loving if you care about gluten-free or vegan treats. It’s a take-away bakery/café near Gōra station that’s fully vegan and gluten-free, specialising in rice-bran baked doughnuts (and sometimes other snacks) — the sort of place that feels like a safe little haven for coeliacs. The doughnuts (and their vegan ice-cream sandwiches or drinks) have a lovely soft, fresh texture. For a sweet treat before a hike, wanders around the mountains, or on your way to the rope-way — I’d say it’s a mini-gem worth seeking out.
Area: Gora
Booking required: No
Other Dietary Requirements: Everything is vegan
Recommendation: Apple Donut
Places on my list, but didn't get to try:
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どんぶり茶屋 – A casual spot near Hakone-Yumoto serving hearty donburi bowls, with a few simple gluten-free friendly options reported to be available.
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Yakiniku Youganyaki Tsukihime – A yakiniku restaurant using hot stone grilling, where you can keep things naturally gluten-free with plain meats and rice.
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EMBLEM FLOW DINING – A modern café-restaurant inside Emblem Flow Hakone offering relaxed brunches and Japanese-Western dishes, with some items that can be made gluten-free.
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米日和 小田原店 – A bakery that makes some delicious rice-flour cakes and sweets, located in nearby Odawara and perfect for stocking up before heading into Hakone.