Houtou Fudou Kawaguchiko North Main Shop

This place had an amazing hot pot!!! I went on a cold rainy day and this hot pot was some of the most wonderful savory soup I've had in a while! They had a special blend of spices on the table to add for a spicy kick (which was equally fantastic)!!! Very little English, but don't let that deter you! Have google translate ready and go have some amazing food!!!

- William Nave -

First time in this place and didn't know what to expect. I loved the atmosphere and the food was something new to me especially the horse sashimi. Horse sashimi was soft as if it was salmon sashimi. Marinated nicely. I could taste the saltiness and some kind of soy sauce maybe? It was delicious definitely!

- Nichaay -

During our visit we absolutely wanted to try hōtō and when looking around our place this was one of the only that would be open. A bit hesitant at first (as I usually am with chains) it was delicious ! The thick and chewy noodle, in the mis base broth served with plenty of veggies was really perfect to warm us after a day out in the cold. Portions are big so be hungry :D The place is huge and can accommodate a lot of people, the staff literally runs through the place with the hot iron pot containing the hōtō, shout orders and irashaimase as people gets in, so it’s a super lively atmosphere :D

- thibault pilette -

The Hōtō was incredibly comforting, huge portion, thick, chewy noodles in a rich miso broth filled with pumpkin and vegetables, bursting with deep flavor and warmth. The Inari-zushi was soft and slightly sweet, with perfectly seasoned vinegared rice that balanced beautifully. Portions are huge, and the staff were amazing and full of energy. A truly unique spot and an absolute must-try in the Kawaguchiko area.

- Tamer Elsayegh -

One of the most iconic places to try hōtō — the signature dish of Yamanashi Prefecture. The restaurant serves huge portions of thick, chewy noodles in a rich miso-based broth with vegetables like pumpkin, mushrooms, potatoes, and cabbage, all bubbling in a hot iron pot placed on a sturdy metal stand. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying — perfect after a walk or on a cool day by the lake. The interior is rustic and cozy, while the exterior of the building is strikingly modern — a white, rounded structure designed by architect Takeshi Hosaka to resemble rising steam from a hot pot. Despite the contrast, it all feels surprisingly harmonious. When we visited, the restaurant was unusually quiet, yet the staff still moved with the speed and coordination of a busy lunch rush — calling out short commands to one another and literally running between tables. It was both amusing and impressive to watch. Orders were taken and served incredibly fast, and payment at the exit made the process smooth and efficient. Signature hōtō is done with care and consistency, using local miso and vegetables from nearby farms. A true taste of Yamanashi’s comfort food tradition. Strongly recommended for anyone visiting Kawaguchiko.

- Anna Krzak -

The most memorable dish, interestingly, was the inarizushi, a kind of sushi wrapped in a fried tofu pouch. Inarizushi isn’t pricey but hard to be made deliciously. The shop was able to make the fried tofu sheet in the amount of sweetness just right — something you might not have at sushi-go-rounds. Must also try the horse meat sashimi. This place is the best resto to visit after a short hike to Tenku no Torii (Mount Fuji Distant Worship Site) and back.

- Erik Piece -

What a lovely dining experience. We came early for lunch and got right in. Nice appetizers as the horse sashimi and sure you come for the special hoto noodles. We ordered the basic vegetable option and loved the pumpking broth. So thick, rich and creamy, it was served by a very engaged crew, they keep running to serve the food piping hot and we're shouting orders. Not only a fun experience, great atmosphere and excellent food.

- Marcel Cybon -

Initially, I was hesitant to try Hoto noodles at this place because of the <4 stars rating. But, it was not too bad. The staff were running around and shouting enthusiastically… what a vibe! Lol. Food was generally yummy, huge portion, reasonably priced: ~1380¥ per bowl. Do try the pork fillet as it is quite tender and delicious! Check with the staff as it might out of stock since it says “Limited quantity”. Will recommend to tourists who want to try Hoto Noodles.

- Woan Jingg Liew -