When exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site Mt. Fuji and the scenic Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, there are always moments when you want to take a short break.
Having a comfortable place to relax while surrounded by breathtaking nature makes the journey even more memorable.
Around Lake Kawaguchiko, you will find charming cafés and shops where you can pause, enjoy delicious local specialties, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.
One of the best places to do so is Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base.
Here, you can shop for fresh vegetables and fruits, Yamanashi’s renowned wines and sake, and many other local specialties that make perfect souvenirs. You’ll also find a wide selection of gourmet street foods ideal for sampling as you stroll.
For those who want a sit-down experience, there is also a restaurant that showcases dishes crafted with seasonal local ingredients.
Opened in June 2022, the facility is still remarkably new and is already known as one of the cleanest and most stylish roadside stations in the region.
Let’s explore the many highlights of Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base, a relaxing hub where your journey truly begins.
Discover Local Treasures at “Asama Market”
At Asama Market, you will find more than 2,000 items, ranging from freshly harvested vegetables and fruits to specialty foods, traditional crafts, and local souvenirs.
From Yamanashi’s famous peaches and Shine Muscat grapes to hearty regional dishes such as Hoto noodles and the chewy and addictive Yoshida Udon, the market is brimming with flavors that embody the region.
One of the highlights is the tasting corner, where you can sample products before purchasing—perfect for finding your new favorite.
Here are some of the must-buy items and recommendations you’ll want to take home from Asama Market.
Fresh Local Vegetables and Fruits – A Must at Roadside Stations
The first thing that catches your eye in the bright, open market hall is the colorful display of locally grown produce.
Yamanashi is home to many unique vegetables, such as the Otsuka Carrot, known as the longest carrot in Japan.
Among the seasonal highlights, the corn harvested from June to September is particularly famous. Thanks to the long daylight hours and cool evenings in Lake Kawaguchiko, the corn develops an exceptional sweetness.
Other seasonal favorites include fresh spring onions, tender enough to eat raw, as well as colorful vegetables such as nanohana (rapeseed blossoms) and baby leaf greens.
Of course, fruit is the pride of Yamanashi Prefecture, and each season brings a different delicacy:
- Spring: Strawberries, grapes, cherries, peaches, plums
- Summer: Grapes, cherries, peaches, plums, blueberries
- Autumn: Grapes (especially Shine Muscat), peaches, plums, apples, kiwis, persimmons
- Winter: Strawberries
Because local farmers deliver their freshly picked produce daily, you can always enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak freshness.
Many travelers also enjoy staying at a hotel with a kitchen and cooking with the seasonal ingredients they buy here. Or, you can simply enjoy your purchase right away at the Terrace Kitchen eat-in space, located within the facility.
Yamanashi’s Pride: Wines, Sake, and Local Spirits
「For wine lovers, the wine-tasting corner is an unmissable stop. Asama Market offers more than 150 varieties of Yamanashi wines, with 16 selections available for tasting at any given time.
You can explore different grape varieties and winemaking styles, from light and fruity to deep and full-bodied. The most renowned bottles include Koshu Wine and Katsunuma Wine, both beloved representatives of Yamanashi.
One of the highlights is wine from 7c | seven cedars winery, located right next to Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base. Crafted with high-quality grapes nurtured by Yamanashi’s abundant nature, their wines range from refreshing and fruit-forward to rich and elegant.
The wines are available not only at the tasting corner but also at the 7c store&lounge within the same facility.
Beyond wine, you’ll also find Japanese sake, local craft spirits, and even premium whiskies. If you are lucky, you may come across rare bottles such as Yamazaki, Hakushu, or Hibiki—often available here at attractive prices.
To complement your drinks, the market also offers a wide selection of local cheeses, hams, and crackers, perfect for enjoying immediately at the Terrace Kitchen.
(Please note: drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. Be sure to use public transportation, or save your bottles for later at your hotel.)
Exclusive Products: The Original “MEGU” Brand
The private label MEGU brings together “authentic local flavors” found only in Yamanashi. Carefully selected products showcase regional specialties and locally beloved items, packaged in stylish, minimalist designs.
Among the most popular is the “Tabisuru Pudding” (¥550 tax included). Made with fresh eggs from free-range chickens raised at Kurofuji Farm in Kai City, this indulgent custard pudding is crafted daily under the supervision of Chef Oishi, who also opened the French-inspired restaurant Restaurant Kmansa in November 2024.
Its silky custard and elegant caramel topping make it not only a delightful treat for yourself but also a perfect souvenir.
Eat, Stroll, and Take Away: 3 Must-Try Shops at Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base
At Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base, there are three standout shops perfect for snacking on the go or taking something delicious back with you. Each store showcases the rich flavors of Yamanashi, using only the freshest local ingredients. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Kawaguchiko, these shops invite you to rediscover the joy of food during your travels.
KAWAGUCHIKO BAKERY by saint cloud
KAWAGUCHIKO BAKERY by saint cloud is a bakery dedicated to the art of wheat and fermentation. Using more than 20 varieties of domestic and international wheat, each loaf is carefully crafted through long, low-temperature fermentation to maximize aroma and flavor.
The menu is diverse, featuring treats like the Apple Danish, which balances sweetness and tartness, and the An-Butter Sandwich, filled with their signature red bean paste and creamy butter.
Their long-fermented breads and hearty loaves are especially unforgettable—rich in flavor and perfect as a breakfast option if you are staying at a self-catering villa or hotel.
Enjoy a fresh loaf while strolling around Lake Kawaguchiko, making it an ideal companion for a scenic walk.
Fuji-san Fruit Sandwich Kinzo
Fuji-san Fruit Sandwich Kinzo is a specialty shop offering fruit sandwiches made with Yamanashi’s seasonal fruits. The fluffy bread, fresh cream, and locally sourced fruits create a luxurious treat that is as photogenic as it is delicious.
Their strawberry and Shine Muscat sandwiches are always popular, but seasonal limited editions make every visit unique. It is no surprise that long lines form before opening, with many items selling out quickly.
Depending on the season, you may also find traditional sweets such as skewered dango or dorayaki, prepared with homemade red bean paste and fresh cream for a chewy, satisfying bite.
Take-out boxes are available, making them perfect for a picnic or cherry blossom viewing. Enjoying these sandwiches with the backdrop of Mt. Fuji creates a memory you won’t forget.
Grill USHIOKU
Operated by the long-established butcher Ushioku, founded in 1927, Grill USHIOKU specializes in hamburg steaks and premium cuts of beef. You can choose to dine in or take away, depending on your travel style.
Dine-in guests can enjoy juicy hamburg steaks and sizzling steaks made with local Koshu beef, savoring flavors perfected over generations. A customer favorite is the Koshu Beef Menchi Katsu (minced meat cutlet), also available as a takeout item.
For travelers staying in hotels, glamping facilities, or campsites, their takeout BBQ menu offers a convenient way to enjoy premium steak and beef dishes outdoors. The shop uses advanced CAS freezing technology, which preserves freshness and flavor almost identical to freshly prepared dishes. Black Wagyu beef tongue and short ribs are among the popular choices.
Savor Gourmet Dishes with Local Ingredients: Terrace Kitchen
Terrace Kitchen is an open-air restaurant where you can enjoy creative dishes made with the finest local ingredients nurtured by Yamanashi’s rich natural environment.
From the spacious terrace seating, you can relax while taking in the peaceful scenery of Lake Kawaguchiko and its surrounding landscapes.
The restaurant also serves as an eat-in space for items purchased at Asama Market, allowing you to taste local specialties right on the spot.
Even better, the terrace seating is dog-friendly (for small to medium-sized dogs), making it a welcoming spot for travelers with pets. There is even a free dog run for your furry companion to enjoy.
The restaurant also sells healthy pet treats made from venison and other carefully selected ingredients, which are popular among both dogs and cats—perfect as souvenirs as well.
Among the many menu items, a highlight is the “Tabi-no-Eki Gozen” (¥2,780, reservation required at least 3 days in advance). This luxurious set meal features:
- Koshu Beef Roast Beef, rich in umami
- Braised Fujizakura Pork, simmered to perfection
- Sashimi of Fujinosuke Salmon, Yamanashi’s premium brand fish
This exquisite meal offers a true “journey of flavors” through Yamanashi, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing lunch or a special stop during your travels.
Indulge in Exclusive Wines: 7c store & lounge
The 7c store & lounge is the flagship shop and lounge of seven cedars winery, located in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi.
Here, you can not only purchase a wide variety of wines crafted by the winery but also relax in a refined atmosphere while enjoying them by the glass.
The wines are created under the concept of “shining a light on grape growers”, showcasing grapes that are carefully cultivated with passion and dedication.
At the lounge, you can savor 7c wines by the glass, paired with gourmet items such as venison hot dogs, designed to complement the wines perfectly.
In addition to wine, the menu includes coffee, tea, and juices made with 100% Yamanashi-grown peaches and Kyoho grapes, making it a welcoming spot for families with children.
Specialty craft coffee and roasted Japanese tea are also available, brewed cup by cup using organic, pesticide-free tea leaves for a pure, authentic taste.
The name seven cedars winery comes from the seven sacred thousand-year-old cedar trees that stand within Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, a historic site that protects the local land. The shrine is just a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base—perfect for combining wine tasting with a cultural visit.
Exciting Events All Year Round: Markets and Workshops
At Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base, you can always look forward to lively seasonal events such as outdoor markets and hands-on workshops. These events are designed to bring people together, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and discover something new.
The open-air markets feature pop-up food stalls, local crafts, flea markets, and unique goods, making them a delightful stop for travelers.
For example, in November 2024, the facility hosted the “Travel and Connect Autumn Wine Festival”, featuring wines from 32 local wineries paired with sausages, pasta, and other light bites.
Throughout the year, a variety of events take place, ensuring that each visit brings new encounters and memorable experiences. It is an excellent way to experience the depth of Yamanashi’s culture and flavors.
How to Access Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base
| Address | 521-4 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0555-72-9955 |
By Train or Highway Bus
- From Kawaguchiko Station (served by the Fujikyu Railway Line and highway buses), it is about 10 minutes by taxi.
- Alternatively, take the Retro Bus (RED LINE) from Kawaguchiko Station for about 20 minutes and get off at Stop 15: Music Forest Museum / Hotori-no-Hotel Ban. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to the facility.
(For detailed directions from Tokyo by train, see our full guide on Fujikyu Railway access.)
By Car
- From Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway and exit at Kawaguchiko IC.
- Cross the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge and continue straight on Route 137 for about 5 minutes.
The facility is also equipped with EV charging stations, making it convenient for electric vehicle users.
Live Camera: Check the Scenery in Real Time
Want to see what the area looks like before your visit? The live camera around Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base lets you check the surroundings in real time.
In spring, you can admire blooming cherry blossoms, while autumn brings vivid fall foliage. You can also check local traffic conditions before heading out.
Best of all, you can enjoy 24/7 views of majestic Mt. Fuji, whose appearance changes dramatically with the weather and time of day. Watching the live feed offers a glimpse of its ever-changing beauty, even before you arrive.
PHOTO GALLERY
Summary
In this article, we introduced the highlights of Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base, a perfect travel hub in Yamanashi.
Here, you can fully experience the charm of Yamanashi—from gourmet cuisine crafted with local ingredients to seasonal events—while enjoying the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
Make the most of your visit by exploring the flavors, culture, and activities on offer, and create unforgettable memories to take home with you.
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