To celebrate our beloved dog Chocolat's 6th birthday, we took a birthday trip to Hakone, a popular hot spring resort town and summer retreat. Since it was before noon, we drove our car to our accommodation.Laforet Hakone Gora Yunosu AyakanI left my luggage at [restaurant name] and arrived at Gora Station!
Gora Station is a transfer station for the Hakone Tozan Railway and the cable car, making it an extremely convenient location for sightseeing. Nestled in the mountains surrounded by greenery, Gora Station has a tranquil atmosphere, with clean air that refreshes the mind and body, making a train journey there seem like a pleasant experience.
Gora, a town built on a hillside, is full of attractions, including art museums, hot springs, cafes, and footbaths.
Despite temperatures reaching nearly 30℃, Gora feels somehow cooler and more comfortable than Hamamatsu.
Enjoy carefully selected Japanese tea and traditional Japanese sweets at this Japanese tea specialty shop that just opened in October 2022.tea stone" is also recommended for its nice atmosphere.
(Note: Dogs not allowed)
The first destination was about a 10-minute walk from the station,Hakone Gora ParkWe'll head there by passing in front of "[the place]".
A reddish-brown building serves as a landmark, and what comes into view is a spot that will captivate gourmet adults in this area surrounded by the charm of a hot spring town and lush greenery.GORA BREWERY」。
This is "NOBU of the world,"Nobuyuki MatsuhisaAt the brewery run by him, based on the concept of "pairing with food," there are various establishments with different themes, such as a counter-style "BEER BAR," a grill restaurant "GORA BREWERY & GRILL," and a "PUB STOP" where you can casually enjoy pizza, making it an attractive place where you can choose a restaurant according to your mood and the situation of the day.
This time, we'll be focusing on the following restaurants that allow dogs (dogs must be kept in a cart):PUB STOPWe'll be having pizza for lunch at "[restaurant name]". The biggest enemy when traveling with your dog in the middle of summer is the "extreme heat". Finding a place to eat with your dog is always a major challenge that gives you a headache, but this place is a blessing because dogs that can follow the rules are allowed inside the restaurant in a dog cart.
Initially, I was thinking of having a drink while standing on the terrace equipped with a leash hook, but the sun was so strong that I asked the staff, and they kindly offered, "Please come inside if your dog is in a cart." It's truly wonderful to see more and more dog-friendly establishments like this, even if they aren't necessarily dog-first!
The bar was filled with tourists from abroad, giving me the feeling of being in a beer bar overseas. The English menu and the attentive service from the staff showed that they had made efforts to ensure that international guests could enjoy themselves with peace of mind.
We were shown to a seat with the words, "Please come over here, where the air conditioning is working well," and Chocolat seemed to settle down in the cool place.
Here, we offer eight types of craft beer, primarily our own brewed GORA BEER, along with guest taps selected from all over Japan.
The food menu features freshly baked, authentic pizzas. You can choose between two types of crust: "crispy" (thin) and "bread" (fluffy). This time, I ordered the classic "Margherita (¥1,300)" in bread crust. They also have vegan and vegetarian options, catering to a variety of dietary preferences.
This time, I ordered the "Tasting Set" for ¥1,800, which allows you to choose 3 out of 8 varieties.
I consulted with the staff, asking for a good balance of beers ranging from dry to medium-bodied, and those with fruity aromas, and they helped me select some.
From left to right, the order is dry → mild → fruity. That was the explanation I received, and I tasted them in that order.
"Tasting Set" ¥1,800
2. HALLERTAU RHAPSODY
Style: German Pilsner
Alcohol content: 4.81 TP3T
Price: ¥900
Features: A classic German-style pilsner with a pleasant hop bitterness and crisp finish.
With its refreshing finish and clean taste, it pairs well with food.
5. RIDE THE SWELL
Style: Hazy Pale Ale Alcohol Content: 5.51 TP3T
Price: ¥950 Features: A cloudy pale ale.
It offers a tropical aroma derived from hops, and has a smooth, easy-to-drink taste.
Recommended for those who prioritize fragrance.
4. LAZY SUMMER
Style: Fruited Gose
Alcohol content: 4.51 TP3T
Price: ¥950
Features: A summery drink that combines the subtle saltiness and acidity of a Gose-style beer with the refreshing taste of fruit.
It's light and refreshing.
The first sip of these chilled craft beers is truly like "a blissful drink after climbing a hill!"
Comparing different drinks and enjoying the differences in taste really enhanced the travel experience.
They use a "Carino electric pizza oven" that can quickly bake authentic Neapolitan pizzas at a maximum temperature of 500℃ and has excellent heat retention, and they serve freshly baked pizzas to order. Even though it was a weekday and they were busy with inbound tourists, the service was pleasant. It seems to be a one-person operation, so if you plan to go on a weekend or public holiday, it's best to go with plenty of time and patience.
"Margherita" ¥1,300
The balance with the chewy, fluffy, and fragrant cornicione (bread crust) is excellent, and the acidity of the tomato sauce, the creaminess of the melting mozzarella, and the aroma of fresh basil combine perfectly, making it a very satisfying dish.
For Chocolat, who loves bread, the crust is a treat. With permission from the staff, we shared a little bit with Chocolat. Her contented expression made our lunchtime even more enjoyable.
In addition to beer, we also offer wine, whiskey, sake, cocktails, and more, so you can enjoy whatever you like.
Water, napkins, and cutlery are self-service.
The gift corner is also well-stocked, selling not only craft beer but also NOBU's carefully selected olive oil, dried miso, mixed nuts, and original goods.
I'm planning to buy a popular 3-pack set that includes "HAKONE KOHAKU," a gold medal winner at the "International Beer Cup 2018," "HAZY JUICE," a silver medal winner at the "International Beer Cup 2020," and the classic "RISING SUN IPA," so I can enjoy them at home.
I also stopped by the counter-style "BEER BAR" located just before "PUB STOP" and took a look around the interior.
I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with a staff member from Bangladesh for a while.
I enjoyed a footbath on my way out. The outdoor footbath located next to the shop is free to use, so you can enjoy a luxurious moment of relaxation with a beer in hand while soothing your tired feet. Be careful, as the water temperature is extremely hot, possibly because they use the natural hot spring water directly.
Looking outside, you can see the slopes of Mt. Myojogatake (commonly known as Mt. Daimonji), famous for Hakone's famous "Daimonji-yaki" bonfire, and the open, nature-filled location is truly exceptional. With thoughtful considerations for pet owners, carefully selected beers and dishes, and exceptional hospitality, "PUB STOP" is a space where everything blends together harmoniously. When visiting Hakone and Gora, this is a place you should definitely stop by. It's sure to transform your travel moments into richer and more delicious experiences!
GORA BREWERY
PUB STOP PIZZA&BAR
Address: 1300-71 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
(Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway)
TEL: 0460-83-8307
Opening hours: Lunch 11:30–14:30 / Dinner 16:00–20:30 (※Subject to seasonal changes)
Closed on: None
Pets allowed: Dogs are welcome inside the store in a cart (standing terrace is also available).
Footbath available, English spoken, credit card payment accepted
https://itoh-dining.co.jp/
