Looking for a good lunch near Hakone-Yumoto Station?
If you want something more filling than soba or street food, Hakone BOOTEA is a great local spot to try.
During my recent trip to Hakone, I visited this casual pork bowl restaurant.
It’s a 5-minute walk from the station.
And it turned out to be one of the most satisfying meals of the day.
Here’s my honest review of the food, atmosphere, prices, and what to know before visiting.
A Casual Local Restaurant Near Hakone-Yumoto Station
Hakone BOOTEA is located about a 5-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station, making it an easy lunch stop while exploring Hakone.
Hakone-Yumoto is famous for:
- soba noodles
- sushi
- traditional Japanese food
- street food and sweets
But sometimes, especially after walking around in the summer heat, you just want a hearty meal.
This restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere that feels more local than touristy.
It was easy to enter even as a solo traveler.
Inside, there were only a couple of groups dining. One pair looked like local office workers chatting comfortably with the owner, which gave the place a warm neighborhood feeling.
There were also terrace seats outside, where foreign tourists were enjoying pork bowls and beer in the afternoon sun.
Trying the Famous 「Ontama BOO Don」Pork Rice Bowl
I ordered the 「Ontama BOO Don (1,700 yen including tax)」, one of the restaurant’s popular menu items.
Before the main dish arrived, I was served a fresh salad with a delicious dressing.
Then came the pork rice bowl.
The tender pork was coated in a sweet and savory sauce that paired perfectly with the rice.
When mixed with the rich, creamy soft-boiled egg on top, the flavor became even deeper, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.
The meal also included miso soup, which had a lighter taste that worked surprisingly well with the rich pork bowl.
Everything felt well balanced, and I ended up finishing the entire meal easily.
Where to Eat Lunch in Hakone: Less Crowded and Budget-Friendly
Compared to some of Hakone’s more popular tourist restaurants, this place felt less crowded, more affordable, and much more relaxing.
It’s a great spot for a filling lunch before continuing your sightseeing around Hakone.
Important Tip Before You Visit
One important thing to know: the restaurant only accepts cash.
While many tourist areas in Japan now support credit cards and mobile payments, some smaller local restaurants in Hakone still prefer cash.
It’s a good idea to carry some yen with you before visiting.
Hakone BOOTEA: Location, Hours, and Access
Hakone BOOTEA
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Payment: Cash only
- Atmosphere: Casual / Solo traveler friendly
Opening Hours
- 11:00 AM – Closing times vary by day of the week
- Closed on Wednesdays
※ Please check the latest opening hours before visiting.
