Kawaguchi-ko
河口湖
Lake Kawaguchi lays on the north side of Mount Fuji - about 2 hours away from Tokyo, and is a popular tourist hotspot owing to the spectacular views of the mountain, traditional ryokan, and a massive theme park located 10 minutes away called Fuji-Q. As it's frequented by tourists - there are a few spots you can check out to eat, including my now all time favourite sushi restaurant, but we will get into that in a minute.
It's widely known that spring is a fantastic time to visit Japan with the Sakura, cherry blossoms blooming, as well as many matsuri, or festivals, happening throughout the country. I would easily say that Autumn is as equally spectacular as spring, with the vibrant reds and oranges, just take a look at the above photos.
There are plenty of Izakaya in this town. Izakaya is traditionally a small bar/restaurant which serves small plate of food (similar to tapas) and the seating arrangement is usually either sitting at the bar, or dining from low tables while sitting on tatami mats. The first place I visited in Kawaguchiko was an Izakaya bar - check out my review below.
Conveniently located across the road from Kawaguchiko Station, Shaw's Sushi was an amazing find. I had heard they had gluten free sushi - but I soon found out, not only did they have that, but also had gluten free tempura batter and bottles of gluten free soy sauce on every table! Something I though i'd never find in a smaller Japanese town. I ordered the vegetable sushi and tempura set (photographed right) which came with miso, pickles, edamame, and green tea. It was delicious. In fact, it was so delicious that I will go back to Kawaguchiko specifically to visit this restaurant. The staff were very helpful, and most of the food was either gluten free or could be modified so. Please go here if you get the chance!
Area: Fujikawaguchiko-machi
Booking required: It's recommended
Other Dietary Requirements: Unsure
Recommendation: Tempura sushi sets!
High Spirits was a 10 minute walk away from the Ryokan that I was staying at, tucked up a long drive way next to another restaurant - of which that had hilarious competitive signing with. This isn't a 100% gluten free restaurant! But the chef had a great understanding of Coeliac disease. When I was there the meal was fantastic, but it does seem that since I went they have greatly reduced their gluten free choices.
Area: Fujikawaguchiko-machi
Booking required: It's recommended
Other Dietary Requirements: Unsure
Recommendation: Whatever the chef says!
More places to try:
(please note I haven't been to these so exercise caution
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cafe ハネノハ (cafe Hanenoha) – A rustic café near Lake Kawaguchi that serves 100% buckwheat-based galettes (naturally gluten-free), perfect for crepe lovers and light lunches.
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Sato Steak House – A local steakhouse near Kawaguchiko station / the lakeside that serves hearty meals (meat, steaks); some dishes may be GF-option friendly depending on preparation.
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Kin Kao Kon (キンカオコン / Kinkao Kon) – A Thai-style restaurant in Fujikawaguchiko probably offering GF-option friendly curries and dishes; good for those craving something different outside Japanese food.
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麓 - ROKU - – A local eatery near the Fuji Five Lakes / Kawaguchiko-area; GF-status is not clearly confirmed, but it appears on local restaurant guides alongside other casual dining spots