Places to eat and visit, personally recommended by Enso’s host. Find inspiration for your stay in Yugawara.
01Eat nearby — within a 5-minute walk
Chinese cuisine · Around ¥1,500
Shinshinko
Directly opposite Enso
A Chinese restaurant directly opposite Enso, opened by a chef from Tianjin, China, who relocated from Kurume in Fukuoka. The cooking offers distinctly Chinese flavors, a little different from a typical neighborhood Chinese restaurant in Japan. Everything is delicious, with generous portions. My favorite is mu shu rou: pork, wood-ear mushrooms and eggs. The fluffy fried eggs soak up the savory soy-based sauce, complementing the crunchy mushrooms and rich pork. Choose a rice set, banmen (mixed noodles) or tanmen (soup noodles). Reservations for groups of six or more may be possible even on closed days; please contact the restaurant directly.
Lunch: Mon, Wed–Sun 10:30–15:00 (last order 14:30)
Dinner: Wed–Sun 17:00–20:30 (last order 20:00)
Monday and Tuesday evenings are by reservation only. Please inquire in advance.
Phone: 0465-43-8461
Address: 548 Miyakami, Yugawara
Parking: 3 spaces
Japanese set meals · Around ¥1,500
Shokujidokoro Katou
10 seconds on foot from Enso
A set-meal restaurant just steps from Enso. My personal recommendations are the pork sauté and fried horse mackerel.
Lunch: Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun 11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30)
Dinner: Fri–Sun 17:30–20:00 (last order 19:30)
Phone: 090-1559-3977
Address: 548-4 Miyakami, Yugawara
Parking: 3 spaces
Italian cuisine · Around ¥3,000
Charly’s
30 seconds on foot from Enso
Charly’s is a small Italian restaurant with pizza, pasta and a good selection of dishes such as lightly seared beef and lamb chops. My favorite is the quattro formaggi pizza, made with four cheeses. The film-loving owner has created a slightly retro, romantic setting that invites you to linger over food and wine. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. It stays open relatively late, but please call ahead if you plan to arrive late in the evening.
Hours: 18:00〜23:00
May close early depending on customer numbers. Please call ahead for a late visit.
Closed: Sundays (open Sunday and closed Monday when Monday is a public holiday; closed both the third Sunday and the following Monday)
Phone: 0465-63-3056
Address: 535 Miyakami, Yugawara
Japanese barbecue · Around ¥5,000
Yakiniku Pada
30 seconds on foot from Enso
Good-quality Japanese barbecue at reasonable prices.
Drinks and small plates
Sakaba MUSUBU
30 seconds on foot from Enso
All seats are at the counter. A friendly, talkative hostess from Miyazaki and her husband, a sailor from Adachi in Tokyo, welcome guests. It is a comfortable spot for a solo drink. The drinks selection centers on Miyazaki shochu, and the Dareyami Set (¥3,600 including tax) comes with the host’s choice of snacks and two drinks.
Hours: 17:00〜22:30
May close early depending on customer numbers.
Closed: Tuesdays
Occasional additional closures. Check Instagram before visiting.
Address: 537 Miyakami, Yugawara
Butcher and prepared foods · Takeaway only
Katou Butcher
10 seconds on foot from Enso
An old-fashioned butcher just steps from Enso. Pick up a menchi-katsu (breaded minced-meat cutlet) or potato croquette for a snack while strolling along the river.
Hours: 8:00〜18:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 0465-62-2413
Address: 548 Miyakami, Yugawara
Please note: Takeaway only; no eat-in seating.
Hours and closed days reflect the published information. Please call before visiting.
Café · Tofu dishes
MUSEUM CAFE and garden
2 minutes on foot from Enso
A café at the Yugawara Art Museum, produced by the well-regarded local tofu maker Yugawara Junian. The menu features tofu and soy milk, including soy-milk soup, ganmo tofu-fritter sandwiches and soy-milk soft serve. Enjoy a light, delicious meal in an open, airy setting with terrace seating.
Hours: 10:00〜16:30（L.O. 16:00）
Closed: Wednesdays (the next weekday if Wednesday is a public holiday); occasional additional closures
Phone: 0465-63-8686
Address: 623-1 Miyakami, Yugawara
Inside Yugawara Art Museum
Seating and facilities: 26 indoor seats · 20 terrace seats · Footbath
Breakfast: 10:00〜11:30
Seafood · Japanese cuisine
Kihaku
About 4 minutes on foot from Enso
A restaurant serving seafood-focused set meals and rice bowls. In the evening, take your time over dinner and drinks.
Lunch: 11:00〜15:00
Dinner: 17:00〜21:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Address: 458-31 Miyakami, Yugawara
Parking: Available
Café and bar
BON
About 5 minutes on foot from Enso
A café and bar for lunch and coffee by day, and drinks at night. You can also try Yugawara’s specialty, tantan yakisoba noodles.
Lunch: 11:00〜15:00
Dinner: 19:00〜24:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 0465-63-1839
Address: 35 Izumi, Atami
Café · Scones
TORUS cafe
About 4 minutes on foot from Enso
A stylish café in a renovated traditional house. Enjoy citrus-distilled aromatic drinks, low-sugar scones and hand-drip coffee. There is also a gallery on the grounds.
Hours: 10:30〜17:00（L.O. 16:30）
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Address: 458-24 Miyakami, Yugawara
Parking: None
Grilled eel · Around ¥10,000
Hyorokutei Yugawara
About 2 minutes on foot from Enso
A restaurant at Fujiya Ryokan, also open to non-staying guests. Enjoy charcoal-grilled eel cooked directly over the fire and seasonal Japanese dishes. With semi-private seating available, it is a good choice for a relaxed meal close to Enso.
Lunch: 11:00〜15:00（L.O. 14:00）
Dinner: 17:30–21:00 (last order 20:00; reservations required)
Closed: None
Phone: 0465-46-6091
Address: 557 Miyakami, Yugawara (inside Fujiya Ryokan)
Parking: Available
Please note: Dinner is for guests of junior-high-school age and above. Confirm current opening information when reserving.
02Eat a little farther afield
Soba noodles · Drinks
Soba Wataru
About 17 minutes on foot from Enso
The owner is a little reserved, but both the soba and the small dishes are excellent. A lovely place for a quiet meal and a drink.
Italian cuisine · Wine
Yoruno Ajito
About 17 minutes on foot from Enso
A small Italian wine eatery run by a female owner-chef, with dishes such as prosciutto and tripe stew that pair beautifully with wine. There are tables too, but I like coming alone or with one other person, sitting at the counter and enjoying food and drinks while chatting occasionally with the owner.
Yakitori · Drinks
Yakitoriya
About 25 minutes on foot from Enso
I would almost rather keep this place secret, for fear that reservations might become harder to get. The yakitori and drinks offer some of the best value in Yugawara. Regulars enjoy lively conversation at the counter. As a relative newcomer to Yugawara, I usually go with a group of about four and enjoy a table together.
Rice · Breakfast
Haruo Yamashita Memorial Hall — Rice Lab
A place to enjoy rice created by Haruo Yamashita, a self-confessed rice obsessive. A third-generation rice merchant at Yamashita Shokuryo in Osaka, he is a five-star rice meister. Despite the name “Memorial Hall,” this is a place to experience his dedication through tasting. Having visited myself, I also recommend it for breakfast if you would like to try carefully selected rice.
Opening days and times may change. Check the official Instagram before visiting.
Creative Japanese cuisine · Rice bowls
lunch itta
About 10 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station / Izumi, Atami
A small creative Japanese restaurant I visited on the recommendation of a friend from Tokyo. The owner trained as a chef at a traditional Japanese restaurant and also works in farming. The signature Meibutsu Don combines seared roast pork and salted beef short ribs with vegetables and a soft-cooked egg. A good lunch choice when you have a hearty appetite.
For dessert, try the crème brûlée, finished with a blowtorch in front of you and served with a sauce made from seasonal citrus grown by the owner. I also fondly remember our lively conversation about Studio Ghibli.
Official website and opening calendar → Official Instagram →
Café · Gallery
Cafe Sampo
About 13 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station
A tucked-away café in a converted warehouse. Enjoy bread, scones and steamed buns baked or prepared on site, alongside hand-drip coffee. Lunch options include plates and sandwiches. The neighboring space OTONARI gallery holds exhibitions and sells artworks, offering a chance to discover art over tea or coffee.
Wood-fire cooking · Shaved ice
Santé
About 5 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station
A restaurant themed around wood-fire cooking and treats for grown-ups. You can enjoy a meal here, but my particular recommendation is the exceptional shaved ice. From 13:00 onward, you can stop by for shaved ice alone; before then, please order it with a meal. Check the official Instagram for seasonal availability and flavors.
Ramen
Men no Kura
About 20 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station / about 1 minute on foot from Mongawa bus stop
My favorite at Men no Kura is the soy-sauce ramen. The soy-based broth, topped with pork back fat, is made especially tempting by the aroma of charred spring onions. It pairs beautifully with the wide, flat noodles—a bowl that keeps your chopsticks moving.
Ramen · Brothless mixed noodles
Haleiwa Shokudo
Yoshihama, along Route 135
A ramen shop near the sea in the former Yoshihama post office. Seafood-inspired noodles include shijimi clam ramen and sea-bream mixed noodles. My favorite is the dried-sardine mixed noodles: I have always loved that flavor, so it is hard to resist. I am saving the signature shijimi ramen for my next visit.
House-roasted coffee
Chitose 105 — House-roasted Coffee
About 1.7 km from Yugawara Station / Izumi, Atami
Look for the red classic car, a 1967 Alfa Romeo, at this house-roasting coffee shop. Although the focus is on selling beans, you can also enjoy coffee carefully brewed one cup at a time. Tell them your taste preferences and they will suggest a coffee, whether you want a familiar flavor or something a little different. Buy a bag of your favorite beans to enjoy at home. Takeaway is also available.
Opening updates: official website ｜ View location on map →
On Google Maps, search by the shop name “自家焙煎珈琲ちとせ105” rather than its street address.
03Yugawara restaurants worth a special trip
Yugawara has become a gathering place for accomplished chefs, many of whom honed their skills at renowned restaurants before opening their own places here. These are restaurants worth traveling for, with a particular dish or dining experience as the destination.
Peruvian cuisine
Arai Shouten | Chef Takahiro Arai
About 10 minutes by taxi from Enso / about 9 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station
Owner-chef Takahiro Arai trained at the acclaimed French restaurant Hôtel de Mikuni before traveling to Peru to learn its local flavors. He opened Arai Shouten in Shimbashi in 2005, earning a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Tokyo. In 2023, he relocated to Yugawara, where he serves Peruvian cuisine using local ingredients. Lunch is a changing one-plate meal in the ¥1,000–1,999 range; dinner is by reservation, with tailored courses from ¥5,500.
French cuisine
Calanque | Chef Shigeru Konno
About 10 minutes on foot from Enso
Recommended by many fellow chefs, this restaurant is run by Shigeru Konno. He studied under Chef Toshio Tanabe at a renowned Tokyo restaurant and also trained in Marseille, France. After 22 years as head chef at Atami’s Villa del Sol auberge, he opened this Yugawara restaurant in July 2019.
Seafood takes center stage in an omakase course built around the day’s ingredients. Being able to create dishes from the ingredients at hand must reflect a deep repertoire. Even within a single bite, textures, sweetness and gentle bitterness emerge in turn, changing as you taste. On my visit, the signature grilled large clam and fish soup were particularly memorable, but the barracuda, tuna and flounder were each delicious in different ways, making me look forward to every next dish.
Northern Italian cuisine
Pappaverde | Chef Masahiro Kitamura
About 20 minutes on foot / about 4 minutes by taxi from Enso
After training across Italy, Chef Kitamura headed the kitchens at Beato in Nihombashi and Trattoria Briccola in Shinjuku-sanchome. In 2012, he co-founded Da Olmo in Kamiyacho, earning a Michelin star there with cooking rooted in northern Italy’s regional traditions. In 2026, he opened Pappaverde in Yugawara, using local ingredients such as seafood from Sagami Bay and game from nearby mountains. His signature pasta, Rasa, is made by grating the dough and beautifully absorbs the flavor of local fish. The restaurant sits on a hill with a lovely view. Sharing a table with a group is enjoyable, but my recommendation is a counter seat for one or two: you can watch the chef at work up close and hear directly about his ingredients and techniques.
Japanese cuisine
Oryori Kase | Chef Yasuyuki Kase
About 5 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station
Opened in 2022 by Yasuyuki Kase after eight years as head chef at Sekiyo, a Japanese culinary inn awarded two Michelin stars. Seasonal courses feature local produce alongside carefully selected ingredients from across Japan. The sukiya-style room has seven counter seats, where a charcoal grill and traditional rice pots bring the chef’s work close to you.
French cuisine
HERLEQUIN BIS | Chef Junichi Ito
French cuisine by Junichi Ito, who trained at Ginza’s L’écrin, in France and at acclaimed Japanese restaurants. The peaceful setting overlooking a bamboo grove is part of the attraction. Take your time over dishes that incorporate Japanese techniques and sauces grounded in French cooking. Leave time for the signature Brazilian pudding after your meal.
Japanese cuisine
Kappo Shirako | Tsutomu Shirako
A Japanese restaurant near Yugawara Station with a history of earning a Michelin star. Enjoy seafood and seasonal ingredients in many forms, from sashimi to simmered or grilled fish and small seasonal dishes. Lunch set meals are a good introduction; in the evening, there is pleasure in choosing dishes slowly and pairing them with drinks. This is a place to savor each carefully prepared dish rather than seek oversized seafood platters.
Ramen
Iida Shouten | Shota Iida
A celebrated Yugawara restaurant ranked No. 1 in Tabelog’s national ramen and tsukemen ranking (updated October 1, 2026). Many people travel to Yugawara for this bowl alone. Noodles are made daily with Japanese wheat, and the broth reflects a meticulous choice of ingredients. Reviews often praise the noodles’ aroma and smooth texture, along with the depth of the soup. Reservations are difficult to secure, but it is worth considering if food is the purpose of your trip. Advance booking is required.
04Useful places for longer stays
Nearby places for work, reading, laundry and everyday shopping during a longer stay.
Work · Reading
Yugawara Soyu — Genkan Terrace
A free coworking space surrounded by the greenery of Manyo Park, with a paid café and meeting rooms available separately.
Laundry
Koyokan Coin Laundry
About 2 minutes on foot from Enso
A convenient coin laundry near Enso for washing clothes during a longer stay.
Convenience store
Lawson Yugawara Miyakami
About 11 minutes on foot from Enso
Useful for drinks, snacks and everyday essentials.
Supermarket
ESPOT Yugawara
About 10 minutes by car from Enso
Includes a Gyomu Super grocery section. Convenient for stocking up on food and everyday necessities.
05Walks and sights around Yugawara
Places for a stroll or a shrine visit during your stay in Yugawara.
Yugawara · Walking
Manyo Park
About 5 minutes on foot from Enso
Walk the riverside Kawa no Michi path past waterfalls and greenery. There are places to rest along the way, making this a pleasant gentle stroll after a bath or a meal.
Yugawara · Shrine
Gosho Shrine
About 5 minutes by car from Enso
The sacred tree, estimated to be 850 years old, is an impressive sight with branches reaching toward the sky. A place to wander slowly through the grounds and look up at the great trees.
06Stops on the way to and from Yugawara
Ideas for food, coffee, art and historic sights in Odawara, Hayakawa, Manazuru, Atami and Hakone. Choose a stop to suit your journey, whether stepping off the train or making a short detour by car.
Odawara — Station area, Hayakawa and Itabashi
Odawara, Itabashi · History, tea culture and gardens
Matsunaga Memorial Hall | The unforgettable face of an electricity pioneer
About 10 minutes on foot from Hakone-Itabashi Station
A memorial hall in Itabashi, Odawara, associated with businessman Yasuzaemon Matsunaga, known as the “king of electric power” and the “demon of electric power.” Established to display his collection of antiquities, it also introduces his life as the tea practitioner Jian. The grounds include Rokyoso, where he spent his later years, tea rooms and a garden to explore.
I visited to learn more about a man who left such a large mark on Japan’s electricity industry. Yet what I remember most vividly is his face: deep wrinkles and a gaze that seems to look straight through you. His expression conveys something of the force behind that formidable nickname.
Odawara · Fresh fish and local sake
Yaomasa Nakamachi
About 12–13 minutes on foot from Odawara Station
A wide range of local fish purchased directly by the fish buyer at Hayakawa fishing port. Fish can be cleaned and prepared on request at no extra charge. There are also local vegetables, processed foods and a good selection of sake from Kanagawa breweries. I particularly recommend the selection from Seto Shuzo.
Odawara · Farmers’ market
Asadore Farm Narita
A farm shop run by JA Kanagawa Seisho, with a wide selection of fresh vegetables, fruit and processed foods grown or made by local member farmers. Morning visits are particularly good for finding a fresh and varied selection.
Odawara · Dried bonito
Kagotsune Shoten
About 15 minutes on foot from Odawara Station
A dried-bonito specialist founded in 1893 on Odawara’s Kamaboko Street. Different varieties are displayed in wooden cases, filling the shop with their aroma. Customers range from inns and restaurants to home cooks. Reiko Ishiguro, the proprietress, answers questions with great care. Simply scattering these bonito flakes over hot rice with a little soy sauce makes a wonderfully delicious bowl.
Near Odawara Station · Sushi
Tenshiro Sushi
About 1–2 minutes on foot from Odawara Station’s west exit
Reasonably priced nigiri made with local fish landed at Hayakawa fishing port. You may encounter unusual fish rarely seen in Tokyo, such as oshitsuke and mekamasu. This is a popular restaurant with queues, so be prepared to wait.
Hayakawa · Café
Cafe Asamidori
About 5–6 minutes on foot from Hayakawa Station
A café run by Asamidori Yoho Hanbai, a Japanese honey specialist established in 1919. Honey features in lunches, sweets and drinks; my favorites are the sparkling plum-and-honey drink and fresh mint soda. The renovated traditional house adds a nostalgic charm.
Odawara · Tea and curry
Tea Factory Joshunen
About 3–4 minutes on foot from Hakone-Itabashi Station
A café with a tea workshop in a former tofu shop dating back around 90 years. Owner Tomoya Ogura roasts leaves grown without pesticides in local tea fields and serves the resulting black tea. His South Indian spice curries and the sweets made by his wife, who studied in France, are also excellent.
Odawara · Sweets
Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm
About 40 minutes on foot from JR Hayakawa Station. Traveling by car is recommended.
A popular patisserie by Toshihiko Yoroizuka on a hill overlooking Sagami Bay and Odawara. Enjoy sweets or a meal alongside the view.
Odawara — Ishibashi and Enoura
Enoura · Citrus farm shop
Yagishita Farm
A family citrus farm in Enoura, Odawara. The fruit is grown for a balance of aroma, sweetness and acidity and is also used by restaurants and patisseries. The farm shop sells seasonal citrus, juices, jams and syrups made from its own fruit. Products are made by individual variety, so you can explore each citrus fruit’s character. A good stop for gifts on your way to or from Yugawara.
Odawara area · Historic site
Sanada Reisha Shrine
A shrine dedicated to Sanada Yoichi Yoshitada, who led Minamoto no Yoritomo’s forces and died at the Battle of Ishibashiyama. Associated with prayers for the throat and voice, it also attracts performers. Discover the battlefield’s history and enjoy the view from the grounds.
Enoura · Bakery
Mugiyaki-dokoro Mugifumi
A bakery and café on a hillside in Enoura, Odawara. It uses a blend of Japanese wheat, mainly from Kanagawa. Enjoy bread sitting on the veranda of the renovated 70-year-old traditional house.
Odawara area · Art and architecture
Enoura Observatory
About 20 minutes by car from Enso
A garden overlooking Sagami Bay, created by Hiroshi Sugimoto and Tomoyuki Sakakida. Buildings explore connections with nature and the cosmos, including a 100-meter gallery aligned with the summer-solstice sunrise. Walk through it while noticing shifts in light and season.
Manazuru and Fukuura
Manazuru · Ceramics and gallery
Gallery Furaigama | Masahisa Inoue
Iwa, Manazuru / A hillside overlooking Sagami Bay
Ceramic artist Masahisa Inoue’s gallery on a Manazuru hillside overlooking Sagami Bay. It displays and sells works made in the neighboring studio and his self-built anagama kiln. Discover everything from plates, bowls and coffee cups for daily use to flower vases, large jars and sculptural objects.
Many works are yakishime ceramics, fired for long periods in a wood-fired kiln with little or no glaze. The paths of the flames and the settling ash create a different color, sheen and texture on every piece.
What stayed with me from my visit was Inoue’s account of firing the kiln: where each pot is placed, and how the flames and ash move. Even after years of experience, part of the result is left to chance. That character, shaped by more than human intention alone, is what drew me to the work.
Stop by to find pottery you would like to use every day, while enjoying the sea view.
Manazuru · Dried fish
Uoden
A long-established Manazuru dried-fish shop founded in 1877, and one I recommend for food gifts. My favorite is the mirin-marinated mackerel, a popular product soaked in the shop’s secret sauce. The same business runs DEN, also introduced in this Manazuru harbor section, so you can combine a meal with some shopping.
Manazuru · Dried fish
Takahashi Suisan
One of my recommended dried-fish shops near Manazuru harbor. The owner, who calls himself the “dried-fish sage,” uses his own techniques to draw out concentrated flavor. His blog introduces the horse mackerel, mackerel and other fish prepared that day. Stop by when visiting Manazuru and choose some dried fish to enjoy at home.
Manazuru · Dried-fish set meals
DEN
A small dried-fish set-meal restaurant at Manazuru fishing port, directly operated by Uoden, founded in 1877. I enjoyed the mirin-marinated sardine hitsumabushi, varying the flavor by adding broth and condiments. It was every bit as delicious as the eel version.
Manazuru · Seafood
Ama Shokudo
A small seafood restaurant at Manazuru fishing port, serving reasonably priced sashimi and rice bowls made with local fish. The atmosphere is homely, and conversation with the staff is part of the pleasure. On my visits, it has felt particularly popular with local regulars.
Manazuru · Curry
Ashita no Hako
Ashita no Hako first became popular serving curry from shared premises in Ebisu. Its stylish interior and view across the sea toward the Tanzawa foothills make it an exceptionally comfortable place. The three-curry plate with accompaniments brings together sweetness, saltiness, acidity, bitterness and umami. The food and the view combine into an experience unique to this setting.
Manazuru area · Museum
Manazuru Endo Shell Museum
About 20 minutes by car from Enso
The collection contains 50,000 specimens representing 4,500 species, gathered over the lifetime of shell researcher Haruo Endo. Discover the remarkable variety of shells’ shapes and colors—a good stop for anyone who enjoys rock-pool exploring or snorkeling.
Around Yugawara Station
Around Yugawara Station · Bakery
BREAD & CIRCUS
About 6 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station
A Yugawara bakery famous for its queues. Weekdays after 14:00 tend to be quieter, but many items sell out soon after opening. My recommendation is its densely textured sandwich loaf, toasted.
Atami
Atami area · Shrine
Izusan Shrine
About 20 minutes by car from Enso
A hilltop shrine overlooking the sea, known for its association with Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako. A worthwhile stop during an outing toward Atami.
Atami area · Art museum
MOA Museum of Art
About 7 minutes by bus bound for MOA Museum of Art from JR Atami Station
An art museum in the hills above Atami with views of Sagami Bay. Alongside exhibitions focusing on Japanese and East Asian art, enjoy Japanese gardens and sea views. Allow time to stroll through the grounds or relax at a café after seeing the art.
Atami area · Architecture and literature
Kiunkaku
About 20 minutes by car from Enso
Built as a villa in 1919 and later converted into a ryokan, this building welcomed many writers, including Naoya Shiga and Osamu Dazai. Enjoy its blend of Japanese and Western design and traces of its days as an inn.
Specialty coffee
ROLLING ROASTERS
Bus from Atami Station to Nanao Danchi, then about 1 minute on foot / Izusan, Atami
A specialty coffee shop next to JCE Atami Lab, which assesses and certifies Q Coffee quality. I first heard of it around 2023, when I ran a coffee shop in Tokyo, through a friend working in coffee-bean imports. Here, drinking coffee becomes an exploration of aroma and flavor. As with wine, notice the fragrance, the first impression on your palate, and the finish that lingers after drinking. Discovering how differently each bean expresses itself opens up the world of a familiar drink. I hope you will take your time with those discoveries on the green terrace, looking through the trees toward the sea at Atami.
Opening updates: official Instagram ｜ View location on map →
Buses are infrequent. Check both your outward and return timetables before setting off.
Hakone
Miyanoshita, Hakone · Café
NARAYA CAFE
Right by Miyanoshita Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Opened in 2007 in a renovated house over 50 years old, formerly staff accommodation for Naraya Ryokan, whose origins go back to the Edo period. Relax in a footbath with mountain views and enjoy art in the gallery space.
Hakone area · Historic site
Hakone Checkpoint
About 20 minutes by car from Enso
A reconstructed checkpoint built using traditional techniques, including shibusumi finishing, hikaritsuke fitting and wooden-shingle roofing. Look closely at the buildings while learning about the checkpoint’s role and the history of travel through the area.
Kaisei
Kaisei · Bakery
Bakery Asrun
A bakery in Kaisei, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa. Owner-chef Yohei Sato trained at the renowned Zopf bakery in Matsudo, Chiba, before opening his own shop here. Even a short conversation conveys his kindness and sincerity. I have not tried every bread, but the pretzels, custard buns and raisin bread particularly impressed me. The curry bread, with its many fans, is excellent too.
07Local flavors and gifts to take home
From ingredients to enjoy at home to gifts for someone special, these shops offer a taste of the area.
Yugawara · Citrus and juice
Ishizawa Shoten
A citrus wholesaler gathering seasonal fruit from Yugawara and nearby farms. Alongside satsuma mandarins, look for varieties such as Shonan Gold, Shiranui and amanatsu according to the season. Buy fruit by weight for yourself or as a gift. Freshly squeezed citrus juice and soft serve are also available.
Yugawara · Kibi mochi and Japanese sweets
Efuya Honten
A long-established sweet shop dating from the Taisho era, known for Yugawara’s kibi mochi. Made by a traditional method, these sweets combine fragrant roasted soybean powder with a pleasantly chewy texture. Look for the two tanuki figures outside. The shop also sells hot-spring buns made with yam flour—a good place for distinctly local gifts.
Yugawara · Kibi mochi and Japanese sweets
Koumedo
A traditional Japanese confectioner founded in 1910. Its original kibi mochi, devised by founder Seinosuke Komatsu as a Yugawara specialty, was also enjoyed by writer Toson Shimazaki during his stay here. Made with sorghum and shiratama rice flour and coated in fragrant roasted soybean powder, it is softly textured and gently sweet. The old-fashioned storefront adds to its charm, and the yam-rich karukan buns are another specialty.
Yugawara · Tofu
Yugawara Junian
About 25 minutes on foot / about 10 minutes by bus from Enso
An acclaimed tofu maker. Owner Takao Asanuma visits soybean farmers around Japan and selects Japanese-grown beans for his carefully made tofu. The Kaori no Yose Tofu has earned high recognition at national tofu competitions, including the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. As well as buying tofu, you can enjoy tofu dishes from the morning.
08Outdoor activities and places to play
With both sea and mountains close by, Yugawara offers surfing, fishing, hiking and more. Use Enso as your base for an active day, then relax in the hot springs afterward.
Surfing · Swimming
Yoshihama Beach
A beach visited year-round by surfers and bodyboarders, with swimming in summer. Beginners can also find small-group surf lessons at Yoshihama.
Surf school official website → Official visitor information →
Rock climbing
Makuiwa — Makuyama Park
About 15 minutes by bus from Yugawara Station to Makuyama Koen
A natural rock-climbing area in Makuyama Park. Its sunny aspect draws many climbers, particularly in winter. Routes range from beginner to advanced; first-time visitors are advised to go with a guide or climbing school.
Golf
Yugawara Country Club
A hilltop golf course overlooking Sagami Bay and the Manazuru Peninsula. Enjoy a round with sea views, perhaps combining golf with a relaxed hot-spring stay in Yugawara.
Sea fishing
Yugawara Seaside Park
Bus from Yugawara Station to Mongawa, then about 3 minutes on foot
A seaside park near the mouth of the Chitose River. Enjoy fishing along the waterfront or rest on the lawn with a view of the sea. It is also a good outing for a group combining anglers and walkers. Check locally where fishing is permitted and what the sea conditions are that day.
River fishing
Fujiki River and Chitose River
The rivers through the hot-spring town offer seasonal fishing for yamame trout and ayu sweetfish. Permitted stretches, seasons and fishing methods depend on the species, and a fishing permit is required. Check the latest guidance from the Yugawara Tourism Fishery Cooperative before setting out.
Hiking
Makuyama and Shiroyama hiking trails
Choose Makuyama for seasonal flowers and mountain scenery, or Shiroyama for sea views and historic sites. Enjoy changing seasonal flowers at the foot of Makuyama and views of Sagami Bay from Shiroyama’s summit. Routes differ in distance and climbing effort, so choose one suited to your fitness and the time available.
Official trail and access information →
View location on map →(Makuyama)
View location on map →(Shiroyama)
Diving
Fukuura — Fukuura Diving Service
On the west side of the Manazuru Peninsula, Fukuura offers a chance to explore Yugawara’s underwater nature. Guided dives for certified divers and introductory dives for beginners are available. Inquire in advance about dates and participation requirements.
Bowling · Good for rainy days
Pucky Bowl
About 6 minutes by bus from Yugawara Station to Risokyo, then about 1 minute on foot
A 16-lane bowling alley in the hot-spring district, with traditional wooden lanes and a nostalgic atmosphere. An easy, weather-independent way to get active with friends or family. Booking a lane in advance is recommended when visiting on a trip.
09Places on my list — not yet visited
These are places I have heard about from guests and local people and would like to visit myself. As I have not been yet, I have included information from the businesses and their official websites rather than personal impressions or ratings. Hours, closed days and menus may change; check the latest information before visiting.
Hayakawa · Fried horse mackerel and set meals
Shokujidokoro Ohara
A set-meal restaurant near Hayakawa fishing port in Odawara. It serves meals combining fried horse mackerel and sashimi, as well as mixed fried platters.
Fukuura · Seafood set meals
Fukuura Fishing Port — Minato Shokudo
A restaurant in a former fishermen’s hut at the back of Fukuura fishing port. Set meals feature local sashimi, fried fish and simmered fish, with dishes changing according to the season and catch. Sagami Bay spreads out in front of the restaurant, which also has terrace seating.
Check the restaurant’s announcements for current opening days, including temporary closures.
Around Yugawara Station · Sushi
Sushi Kokoro
A sushi restaurant about 3 minutes on foot from Yugawara Station, offering an omakase course of small dishes and nigiri. Eight counter seats; reservations required.
Check opening days and reservation availability before booking.
Yoshihama · Café restaurant
hugo
A café restaurant near Makuyama Park serving handmade dishes with seasonal ingredients, mainly from the local area. Lunch and dinner offer both omakase courses and à la carte dishes. Advance reservations are required for dinner.
Explore the map
Hours and closed days may change. Please check each business’s official website or social media before visiting.