#Japan #Hakone #Hakone Gyokuan #Akatei #Local Gastronomy

A Fresh Chapter for Akatei Restaurant in Hakone

The Akatei restaurant, operated by Hakone Gyokuan Co., now presents an exhilarating transformation, celebrating over 100 years of history within its traditional Japanese architecture. As of August 8, 2026, the restaurant unveils an updated menu for both lunch and dinner, alongside a complete redesign of its culinary offerings, tableware, menu book, and staff uniforms. This rejuvenation is rooted in the new concept of 'Hakone Gastronomy', which aims to immerse diners in the rich local ingredients, nature, history, and culture through a culinary experience.

Lunch and Dinner Menu Refresh

The transformation of the dining experience includes a meticulous overhaul of both lunch and dinner menus to enhance their appeal.

Lunch Offerings

The lunch menu retains the signature hand-crafted soba made from stone-milled grains while adding new set options that incorporate local flavors. Highlights include the Yamagata Meal featuring Kanagawa's own “Yamayuri Pork” and the Akatei Meal, which allows guests to enjoy soba noodles along with tempura and other appetizers. The emphasis on regional produce ensures a dining experience that resonates with the essence of Hakone.

Dinner Delights

Dinner service broadens its scope by offering not just handmade soba and set meals but also exclusive kaiseki cuisine, available by reservation. This offers flexibility for diners, accommodating gatherings, celebrations, or solemn occasions, and features a wide array of one-plate dishes. Notably, ingredients like salt mackerel from Odawara, free-range eggs from Minami Ashigara, tofu crafted with Mt. Yabitsu spring water, and the esteemed Hakone Western slope beef reflect the restaurant's commitment to local sourcing.

Revisiting Traditional Flavors

The redesigned menu doesn’t shy away from highlighting traditional tastes with revitalized dishes such as:

• - Kama-age Sakura Shrimp Tempura
• - Kenmi Chicken Grilled with Rock Salt
• - Pork Sukiyaki
• - Dashi-maki Tamago (Japanese Omelette)

What is Hakone Gastronomy?

The concept of gastronomy transcends mere culinary excellence; it embodies the essence of the land, including its natural resources, ingredients, history, and culture. The 'Hakone Gastronomy' philosophy aims to weave together the narrative of Hakone's water as the foundation—linking rivers and seas, mountains and towns, people, and produce through the medium of food. While sourcing local ingredients, this approach also incorporates the environmental context and the historical significance surrounding them, crafting a cohesive story within the dishes.

The upcoming kaiseki meal, titled 'Summer's Dawn: The Breeze of Ripening Grain', epitomizes this philosophy, comprising eight meticulously crafted courses featuring ingredients like the renowned Jurobai Plums from Odawara-Soga and Kintaro salmon raised with pure Fuji water, concluding with the signature hand-crafted soba.

Summer Kaiseki Overview

• - Title: Summer's Dawn: The Breeze of Ripening Grain
• - Launch Date: August 17, 2026
• - Price: 11,000 Yen (tax included)
• - Content: Eight courses presented at the Akatei location
• - Reservation: Phone reservations only (0460-85-7330)

Chef Yamauchi's Vision

Chef Yamauchi, who has dedicated 14 years to Akatei in various leadership roles before refining his skills in hotel kitchens, returns with a renewed vision for the restaurant's evolution. He expressed, "I once aimed to revitalise Akatei with refurbishment and innovative culinary concepts but had to step away too soon. The desire to revisit and complete those aspirations is what fuels this current endeavor.

This renovation encapsulates not just our food but every aspect from the building and garden to the overall essence of the dining experience. I want guests to forget their daily lives from the moment they cross through the noren curtain and walk along the approach, fully connecting with Hakone and Akatei. Our goal is to transform the restaurant into a destination that compels visitors to travel to Hakone specifically for dining at Akatei, rather than merely stopping during their travels."

Renovation Overview

Restaurant Name: Hakone Gyokuan's Akatei
Location: 182-7 Yumoto Chaya, Hakone, Kanagawa
Phone Number: 0460-85-7330
Menu Renovation Date: August 8, 2026
Kaiseki Launch Date: August 17, 2026

Main Renovation Features

• - Introduction of new set menus with regional focus
• - Establishment of a reservation-only kaiseki menu
• - Expanded evening offerings including a-la-carte soba, set meals, tempura, and desserts
• - Comprehensive menu and drink selection review
• - Refreshed tableware, menu design, and staff uniforms
• - Enhancements in food service and overall guest experience.

About Hakone Gyokuan Co.

Operating a series of dining establishments centered around handmade soba and udon, Hakone Gyokuan Co. proudly presents three locations:

• - Hakone Gyokuan's Akatei (Hakone)
• - Hakone Gyokuan at Ginza Mitsukoshi (Tokyo, Ginza)
• - Sanuki Noodle Shop Hana wa Saku (Tokyo, Nakano)