My Food Story : Quite a big bowl you are Mr. Hoto Fudo !

2019 was very kind to us and I am so glad , we had plunged into the decision of travelling to Japan in November last year . I am sure a lot of you who have travelled to Japan will agree that overthinking your travel plan to this destination will never make it happen , as this country can seem quite baffling at the onset. Many have told that this country needs in - depth research and the start must be where the pen meets the paper . Despite being a travel professional , I would be lying if i said i too did not do the same . We started with our own set of notes , but trust me , the more we read , the more the destination seemed larger than life , up un-till a point where we just clicked to book our rail pass and got onto our flight ! A gentle reminder to all of you planning a trip to Japan - take one day at a time and make sure , you do not keep everything on your plate for the 1st visit . Being a power packed destination , remember that Japan will always need to be revisited and will leave you yearning for more every single time .

We did a total of 15 nights of backpacking as DINKS between 03 cities and my personal favorite was Kawaguchiko and Osaka . The natural beauty of Kawaguchiko is unparalleled during November , when the autumn colors are in full bloom . The great Fuji San and Lake Kawaguchi , in one frame , is indeed a sight to behold . Make sure you plan a few days of stay in this quaint little town for two reasons - one , your chances of a tete e tete with Fuji san will be higher , second - you can enjoy all the guchiko experiences at your own pace . Cycle idyllic around the great Fuji san , do the rope way for the best autumn views , visit the weekend market or simply , just sip your coffee while admiring the perfection of the great Fuji san.

Speaking of beauty and tradition , this particular noodle house opposite to the Kawaguchiko bus station , named HOTO FUDO is an heritage to behold . This place is full of character which begins to show off at the entrance ( it is mandatory to take off your shoes ). You will be warmly greeted by the host and made comfortable in your seat . You can choose the experience of eating Japanese style - seated on the floor on a tatami mat or on specialized tables , with heat insulated leg space. Since this place is always jam - packed , it would be best to pre -read the menu from their website for fast service .

The boiling Houtou ( Hand made noodles ) is a sight to behold . Served in a huge bucket like tumblers with wooden ladles , this hot pot soup is cooked live on fire . These noodles are not pre - cooked but are made firm in a supremely flavorsome miso broth , accompanied with plenty of local produce like pumpkin , squash and edible wild plants. They serve options of pork , chicken , veg and seafood Houtou . It looks simple but i cannot quite explain the enormous oodles of flavor this hot pot holds ! I being me , went for the sea food Houtou and ordered some pork belly on the side - what followed was truly a most unreal experience in taste . Amusingly enough , this place also has other exotic meat options on like horse-meat and wild boar on their menu !

All in all this was one of my best food experience in Japan - this unadulterated comfort food will definitely complete your experience in Lake Kawaguchiko . Do not miss it for sure . Also , these guys have a small noodle store at one corner , so ensure you pack your share of this amazing handmade Houtou before you get back home ( Read - one of my many reason's to go back again !) - Signing off here with this food story , catch ya again soon - till then , Arigato Gozaimasu !

Photo Credits :

• Self

• Also cooljapan.com
  

Address of Hoto Fudo - Kawaguchiko Station

3631-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan Note : Cash only

Phone: +81 555-72-5560