Hoto is one of the signature local delicacies of Yamanashi Prefecture, beloved by the residents. The dish consists of thick, flat noodles made from wheat flour, simmered in a miso-based soup with lots of seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, potatoes, mushrooms, green onions, and napa cabbage. While similar to the Japanese staple dish, miso soup, what sets hoto apart are the noodles, and its status as a popular hot-pot enjoyed in the winter.

People especially love hoto for its firm noodles and nutritious blend of vegetables, so much so that in 2007, it was selected as one of the Top 100 Local Dishes by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

While hoto noodles resemble udon noodles, which are also made from wheat flour, its preparation is slightly different. Udon dough is kneaded with salt and left to sit for a while before being cut, whereas hoto dough is made with just water and flour, cut immediately, and cooked without letting it sit.

The origin of hoto is said to date back to Japan’s Sengoku Period (16th century). One popular story suggests it was created as field rations for Takeda Shingen, the military commander who ruled Kai Province (modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture) at the time. Over the years, hoto has become a favorite everyday meal for the average resident.

There are several theories about how hoto got its name. One theory says it comes from the name “hakutaku,” a type of udon noodle from the Heian Period, while another story claims it comes from the word “hoto (宝刀, literally ‘treasured sword’)” since Takeda Shingen supposedly cut the ingredients with his own blade!

In Yamanashi Prefecture, hoto is often prepared at home using seasonal vegetables. Pumpkin is an essential ingredient that defines the dish's flavor and brings out its sweetness. Aside from that, there are no actual set rules for the ingredients or preparation method, which has allowed for various adaptations of the dish, depending on the region, household, or restaurant.

The Houtou Fudou Higashi koiji Branch stands out with its charming white dome-shaped building. Its unique and striking design has also garnered attention overseas, frequently appearing on social media and drawing in hordes of international visitors. However, its appeal isn't limited to its looks alone—the shop’s delicious dishes are another reason for its popularity! The menu offers only one type of hoto, staying true to the shop’s singular focus and expertise on its signature specialty dish.

The shop exterior is truly one of a kind, inspired by the image of clouds descending over Mount Fuji. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the background, making it appear as if it really is covered by clouds!

Inside, the restaurant is a spacious, single-story space with walls entirely painted white. With nearly 300 seats, turnover is relatively quick, even during busy hours.

The unique logo and the beautifully designed pot holders are also worth noting, along with the wooden ladles, which add a touch of retro charm. You might even feel as if you’ve stepped into the world of an old Japanese folktale!

This is the shop’s signature Fudou Houtou (1,320 yen), available only as you see here. The first thing that will amaze you is the size of the pot. Despite being a single serving, this was the largest dish by far out of all the restaurants featured in this article!

While most hoto noodles are on the softer side, these noodles are quite firm. The soup is also outstanding, which is no surprise as the staff explains: “We are very particular about our broth, which we make from seafood and meat!”

The dish is packed with vegetables, including cabbage, onions, carrots, pumpkin, green beans, mushrooms, napa cabbage, and leeks, all of which add a depth of natural flavor. The generous helping of veggies makes it an overall light and refreshing dish, which Chen praises as her absolute favorite of the hoto dishes: “It’s easy to end up eating heavy, greasy dishes while traveling, but this dish feels gentle on the stomach and so comforting!"

One highly recommended side dish is the Inari Sushi (550 yen), a long-time favorite Japanese soul food made with sweetly simmered abura-age (fried tofu skin) and stuffed with vinegared sushi rice. The sweet broth from the tofu skin seeps out with each bite, making it irresistibly delicious.

Another side dish is the Motsu-ni (580 yen), or offal stew. The pork motsu (offal), with its firm texture and rich miso seasoning, is a delicious contrast to the simpler flavors of the hoto, making it the perfect side dish to complement the meal.

There’s also an assortment of souvenirs only available at Houtou Fudou, including original goods like seasoning containers shaped like Mount Fuji (which are also used in the restaurant), hand towels with original designs, dashi packets, and the recently added freshly-made noodles. These exclusive goods are perfect for reliving the delicious memories of Yamanashi hoto, long after you’ve returned home from your trip.

Koshu Hoto Kosaku is a local restaurant chain with nine locations across Yamanashi and Nagano Prefectures. The menu boasts over ten varieties of hoto alone, including Duck Hoto, Bear Hoto, Mushroom Hoto, Spicy Kalbi Ribs Hoto, and of course, their famous Kabocha Hoto.

Aside from hoto, they also offer a wide range of classic Japanese dishes like tenju (tempura rice bowl), roast pork cutlets, and zarusoba (cold buckwheat noodles). Additionally, a la carte options like horse sashimi and fried wakasagi (smelt) make excellent side dishes or pair well with drinks!

The shop is full of character, reminiscent of an old-fashioned Japanese home. The large waterwheel is another memorable landmark.

Inside, the traditional Japanese ambiance continues with low dining tables where guests must remove their shoes before sitting, placing them in a shoe box at the entrance before being guided to their tables. The spacious one-story restaurant features a total of 200 seats, with ample room between tables for comfortable dining.

The most popular dish on the menu is the Pork Hoto (1,700 yen). This authentic dish is what hoto is all about, with ingredients that are much chunkier than those at other restaurants, and include kabocha, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and satoimo.

The sweetness and flavor of the kabocha and pork blend seamlessly into the miso-based soup, bringing out the mellow flavor unique to hoto. The thick, chewy noodles are perfectly coated in the rich soup, making each bite deeply satisfying. It’s a comfort dish with a nostalgic flavor that one could easily enjoy every day, with wild vegetables and a touch of salt that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Chen raves, “I really loved the combo of noodles and wild vegetables. It really had that classic Japanese touch, and was incredibly delicious!”

Aside from the main Hoto dish, another must-try of this shop is the Azuki Hoto (1,400 yen; photo shows half-size: 850 yen). This local Yamanashi dish has long been enjoyed at local events and celebrations, and is a kind of zenzai (a traditional Japanese sweet made with boiled azuki beans sweetened with sugar and filled with mochi or white bean dango), only this version uses hoto noodles instead of mochi. The mashed beans are a delight, and the dish is lighter and less sweet than mochi, making it easy to eat, even if you’re already full.

Chen comments, “This was my first time trying sweet noodles, but it wasn’t strange at all. It has a fresh texture, and I recommend it to anyone who likes azuki beans!”

Unlike the main hoto dishes, this one is more like a dessert.

While hoto is indeed the star of the menu, there’s a wide variety of other dishes to try, with something for everyone, regardless of age or preference. This restaurant is popular with locals, but also highly recommended for tourists. There’s even an English menu for easy ordering! You may also want to grab some souvenirs, such as their original miso or dashi packets.

Founded in 1979, Hotokura Funari operates two hoto specialty shops in Yamanashi Prefecture (plus one izakaya-style location). The Kawaguchiko branch is the newest addition, having opened in August 2017. This trendy restaurant stands out for its especially vibrant golden soup, modern interior, and creative hoto dishes.

Hotokura Funari has also earned the title of Japan’s Best Hoto, winning the Shosenkyo Gorge Hoto Noodle Competition in Yamanashi for three consecutive years. The results were based on votes from participants, having established the restaurant as “Japan’s most delicious hoto” amongst locals of Yamanashi, the birthplace of hoto.

The shop interior features a stylish design with a modern take on the traditional Japanese warehouse, with classic Japanese touches. Guests must remove their shoes before entering, but the seating style is in the form of tables and chairs, making it convenient for international visitors. With 200 seats, the shop is quite spacious, however, that doesn’t stop lines from forming every day at lunchtime thanks to its extreme popularity!

On a clear day, you may even notice an eye-catching view of Mount Fuji as a backdrop to the traditional armor, an incredible sight one can only see here!

The most popular dish is the Golden Hoto with Pork (1,650 yen), named for its rich, golden miso-based soup. The broth is a perfect blend of high-quality ingredients: red and white miso, shiitake mushrooms, kelp, kabocha paste, Kyoto dashi, and abalone liver paste, a Yamanashi specialty that adds depth and flavor. All of these ingredients combine beautifully to create a deliciousness that’s truly one-of-a-kind!

One of the joys of dining at Hotokura Funari is their seasonal menu. Previous offerings have included delicacies like oysters and lobster in the winter, and chilled hoto in the summer (varies by year).

At the time of our visit in early November, the seasonal special was Golden Hoto with Japanese Blue Crab (2,200 yen). The moment it arrived at our table, the rich aroma of crab filled the air, adding a touch of luxury to our meal.

The soup, rich with crab broth, is completely different in flavor compared to the classic Golden Hoto - it’s actually surprising just how different it is! The meat is sweet and plentiful. If you’re dining with friends or family, consider ordering several hoto varieties to share and compare! We were thoroughly amazed by this original hoto flavor, unlike any we had ever tasted before.

Chen comments, “It’s so delicious, I’m sure visitors from Taiwan would absolutely love it, too!"

Traditionally, hoto is a local, home-cooked meal. But at Hotokura Funari, it feels more like an elevated culinary experience! For more adventurous visitors looking to add even more excitement to their meal, try spicing it up with the special spicy miso provided at each table.

The hoto here is top-notch and unlike anything you’d usually find at home, with seasonal variations that make it worth visiting again and again. If you’ve made the trip to Yamanashi, we highly recommend trying the popular Golden Hoto, as well as the seasonal limited-edition items that offer a taste of Japan’s fresh, local flavors.

Hoto is a local dish that embodies the charm of Yamanashi Prefecture’s Kawaguchiko area. Compared to ramen, Japan’s most well-known noodle dish, hoto is simpler and milder in flavor, with a taste that warms your body and soul. Packed with vegetables and filled with flavor, it’s a well-balanced meal that even international visitors may want to eat every day!

A dish of hoto amidst the iconic Mt. Fuji landscape is the perfect setting to unwind and make your trip to Japan even more memorable. Since each shop puts its own unique spin on the dish, we recommend visiting several spots to find your favorite flavors. So grab a bowl of hoto, and get ready for a delicious journey that will satisfy both your stomach and your heart!

*All prices include tax and are current as of November 2024. Menus and prices are subject to change without notice. Please see the official websites for the latest updates & information.


English translation by: Krys Suzuki