This hidden gem of a cafe in Okukawaguchiko catches the eye with its chic blue exterior.
Fujikawaguchiko TownYagisaki ParkAfter enjoying a peaceful morning stroll with my beloved dog Chocolat, I went to the galette and quiche cafe "Cafe HanenohaLunchtime at "[location]".
Located in the Okukawaguchiko area, west of Lake Kawaguchi and surrounded by abundant nature, this cafe offers dishes that emphasize the natural flavors of the ingredients, with a focus on galettes made with 100% buckwheat flour. Opened in November 2023, the cafe's charm lies in its space that reflects the sensibilities of the owner couple and its carefully baked galettes.
A detached house cafe surrounded by greenery, with a wooden sign welcoming you at the entrance.
Nestled amidst lush greenery, the building is easily recognizable by its chic blue exterior and warm, wooden sign. Despite being located along a lakeside path, it exudes a secluded, hidden-away charm.
Actually, this shop is run by a British couple, Lloyd Matthew James and his wife Mayumi, who is Japanese. They moved from Sagamihara to Kawaguchiko and decided to start a cafe to make use of the large kitchen that was originally in the building.
This cafe was created by a couple who run an English conversation school and a massage salon, as they navigated their new life together. Even before visiting, their story piques your interest.
Enjoy a lush garden terrace with your beloved dog.
We went to the garden terrace in the yard with our dog. Soft light streamed in under the parasol, and it was an open space where we could enjoy a meal with our dog while looking at the surrounding greenery.
Spending time relaxing with Chocolat while enjoying the natural beauty of the lakeside is a unique pleasure of traveling with your dog. It's a wonderful moment to share time with your beloved pet even while traveling.
A space infused with the couple's sensibilities, featuring antiques and art colors.
Stepping inside, you're enveloped in a classical atmosphere with an exotic feel, where antique-style wooden furniture, houseplants, and old books are tastefully arranged against a backdrop of deep indigo walls.
What immediately catches the eye is the beautiful mint-green grand piano. Its individuality shines through amidst the subdued colors, and the attention to detail in creating the space is evident in every piece of furniture and accessory.
This building was formerly a Western-style mansion used as an international cultural exchange salon showcasing cuisine from around the world. Over several years, the couple renovated the interior themselves through DIY, transforming it into the comfortable space it is today, combining antiques with art colors from around the world.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch with your beloved dog in a peaceful setting.
The shop's concept is a moment of "rest" where you can take a break from everyday life and relax your mind and body.
The restaurant's name, "Hanenoha," embodies the idea of being rooted in the ground while soaring lightly like a feather. It's clear that the aim is not simply to be a place to eat, but a place where visitors can relax and spend time in their own way.
The interior of the shop harmoniously blends a lush garden with antiques and art. Whether you spend time enjoying nature on the terrace or admiring the interior design inside, each offers its own unique charm.
While enjoying time with my dog on the terrace, my much-anticipated lunch set arrived. I enjoyed a galette made with 100% buckwheat flour and a homemade quiche.
Weekday-only lunch set: 100% buckwheat galette "SAKURA" 1,740 yen
On this day, I selected the "SAKURA" galette, a staple of the restaurant's menu, made with 100% buckwheat flour, from the weekday-only lunch set.
At Hanenoha, they select ingredients with as few pesticides and additives as possible, valuing the natural flavors of the ingredients. All meals are gluten-free, and each galette is carefully baked one by one.
The delicately folded galette has a crisp, fragrant edge and a moist texture on the inside. The baked dough has a rich flavor unique to buckwheat flour, and each bite is delicious as the flavors of the ingredients unfold.
Inside, you'll find plenty of bacon made with Fuji Sakura pork from Yamanashi Prefecture and shiitake mushrooms packed with flavor. The smoky aroma and deep richness of the bacon are complemented by the fragrant flavor of the shiitake mushrooms, while the egg and cheese bring everything together in a smooth and mellow way.
This restaurant's commitment to using local ingredients, such as Fuji Sakura pork and free-range eggs, is a unique feature. Because the dishes are simple, the natural flavors of each ingredient really shine through.
The lunch set includes a slice of quiche, carrot salad, a colorful green salad, and a dashi broth soup. Enjoy the fresh flavors of the vegetables with a freshly baked galette in this light yet satisfying lunch set.
"Prosciutto and Onion Quiche (1 slice)" 880 yen
Along with the galette, I also ordered a separate "Prosciutto and Onion Quiche."
This quiche, served with the lunch set, features different ingredients and offers a different flavor experience. From the first bite, you'll appreciate the delightful crispness of the pastry crust. Inside the fragrant, baked crust is a filling of onions that have been slowly sautéed to bring out their sweetness, blended with the perfect amount of saltiness from the prosciutto.
The gentle sweetness of the onions and the savory flavor of the prosciutto harmonize perfectly, resulting in a rich yet elegant taste. The cumin-scented carrot salad has a refreshing acidity that cleanses the palate.
The homemade quiche, which offers the unique flavor and firm texture of buckwheat flour, is a popular staple menu item alongside the galettes and is highly recommended.
Quiche offers a different kind of enjoyment than fragrant galettes, with its combination of moist filling and crispy crust. Savor the different textures and flavors while enjoying a leisurely lunch.
Enjoy a truly satisfying café experience with ingredients from Yamanashi.
I feel that the way the couple cherishes local ingredients while incorporating a rich international sensibility is one of the unique charms of the restaurant they have created.
A lush garden terrace where you can spend time with your dog, a tranquil interior surrounded by old books and antiques, and galettes carefully baked one by one. This is a wonderful cafe I discovered in Kawaguchiko where you can enjoy not only the delicious food, but also the atmosphere and the story behind the shop.
After your stomach and heart are satisfied at "cafe Hanenoha",FOREST VILLAGEWe will return to "". After enjoying some time after your meal, please visit the "FOREST SPALet me introduce you to "[...]."
Cafe Hanenoha
Address: 166-1 Nagahama, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
TEL: 0555-28-4096
Opening hours: Sundays and Saturdays 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Last order 3:30 PM), Sundays and public holidays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last order 3:30 PM)
Closed on Thursdays (Please check the calendar on our official website)
Parking: Available next to the store (free)
Pets: Allowed only on the terrace.
https://cafe.hanenoha.com/
