Most visitors leave Hakone with a box of onsen manju or other sweet treats.
I leave with umeboshi.
Every single time.
Why I Always Buy Umeboshi in Hakone
It may come as a surprise to international visitors, but one of my favorite souvenir stops in Hakone is Fujiya, a specialty umeboshi shop in Hakone-Yumoto.
If you’re tired of the usual tourist souvenirs and want to bring home something locals actually eat, this place is worth a visit.
Discovering Hakone’s Umeboshi Paradise
After lunch at Hakone Bootea, I stopped by Fujiya Umeboshi Shop, one of my favorite stops in Hakone.
Hakone’s neighboring city, Odawara, is well known for its plums, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find several umeboshi shops in the area.
What makes Fujiya stand out is its incredible variety.
Inside the store, shelves are lined with dozens of different kinds of umeboshi, ranging from traditional salty varieties to sweeter honey-flavored ones.
Prices range from affordable everyday options to beautifully packaged gift boxes.
The best part?
You can sample many of them before buying.
The staff are happy to explain the differences and encourage visitors to try a variety of flavors.
Tasting one after another and discovering just how different umeboshi can be is part of the fun.
For umeboshi lovers, this place feels like paradise.
What Is Umeboshi?
If you’ve never tried umeboshi before, here are three things to know.
1. It’s Surprisingly Sour
Traditional umeboshi can be intensely sour.
Many first-time visitors are shocked by the flavor, but that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
It’s one of those foods that everyone should experience at least once while visiting Japan.
2. It’s a Traditional Japanese Food
For centuries, umeboshi has been a staple of Japanese home cooking.
People eat it with rice, pack it into bento lunches, or add it to simple meals.
Trying umeboshi is a small but authentic way to experience Japanese food culture.
3. It’s Popular During Hot Summers
Umeboshi contains citric acid and has long been associated with helping people stay refreshed during Japan’s humid summers.
That’s one reason it has remained a popular everyday food for generations.
What I Bought at Fujiya
This time, I brought home two items:
- Assorted umeboshi (“broken plums”)
- Plum-flavored yokan
The “broken plums” were especially good value.
Although they aren’t perfectly shaped, they taste exactly the same and are ideal for enjoying at home.
How I Enjoy Umeboshi at Home
One reason I like buying umeboshi as a Hakone souvenir is that the experience continues long after the trip ends.
Umeboshi with a Traditional Japanese Breakfast
The next morning, I served one of the umeboshi with a simple Japanese breakfast.
Rice and umeboshi may sound basic, but sometimes the simplest foods are the most satisfying.
Compared with many supermarket products, Fujiya’s umeboshi tasted gentler and more natural.
It instantly brought back memories of my day in Hakone.
A Refreshing Morning Drink
I often start my day with warm water and one or two umeboshi.
The warm drink feels soothing, while the plum’s tangy flavor leaves me feeling refreshed and awake.
The Classic Umeboshi Rice Ball
Of course, I also made an umeboshi rice ball.
The combination of warm rice and the tangy plum filling is one of Japan’s most classic comfort foods.
Simple, but delicious.
(Photo: Umeboshi rice ball)
A Pleasant Surprise: Plum Yokan
The biggest surprise was the plum-flavored yokan.
Before buying it, I wasn’t sure whether plum and sweet bean jelly would work together.
They do.
The subtle plum aroma balances the sweetness beautifully, creating a refreshing flavor that’s different from ordinary yokan.
Paired with a cup of green tea, it made a perfect afternoon snack.
A Different Kind of Hakone Souvenir
If you’re visiting Hakone-Yumoto, stop by Fujiya and sample a few varieties of umeboshi.
You might discover a new favorite—and a unique reminder of your time in Hakone.
Fujiya Umeboshi Shop: Location, Hours, and Access
Fujiya Umeboshi Shop
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Payment: Cash only
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily)
※ Please check the latest opening hours before visiting.
