Discover ROKU: Fujiyoshida's Premier Slow Food Dining Experience with Organic Yamanashi Ingredients
Mt.Fuji is known as the highest mountain in Japan, and its majestic appearance can be considered a symbol of the country. The surrounding area is filled with seasonal natural beauty, and it has been cherished since ancient times as a hub for faith and culture.
Another attraction of this region is the food culture nurtured by clean water and fertile soil. Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mt.Fuji is located, is famous for fruits, vegetables, wine, and more, and fresh ingredients harvested locally are loved by many chefs.
This time, we introduce ROKU Slowfood Restaurant, located in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, where you can enjoy local ingredients grown in the rich nature around Mt.Fuji. You can savor carefully crafted flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.
Table of Contents
-ROKU Slowfood Restaurant Is a Hub for Food Culture, Providing Dishes Committed to Yamanashi Prefecture Ingredients
-Explaining the Charms and Commitments of ROKU Slowfood Restaurant Along with Reasons for Its Popularity
-4 Highly Recommended Menu Items at ROKU Slowfood Restaurant
-3 Recommended Tourist Spots Around ROKU Slowfood Restaurant Worth Visiting Together
Ingredients Nurtured by the Magnificent Nature Around Mt.Fuji Are Reputed to Be Fresh and Delicious
The foothills of Mt.Fuji are blessed with clean water and rich soil, and have long been known as a treasure trove of ingredients. The temperature differences due to elevation bring out the sweetness of vegetables and fruits, nurturing highly nutritious ingredients. Ingredients from around Mt.Fuji have a reputation for being fresh and delicious.
Yamanashi Prefecture is one of Japan's leading fruit-growing regions, and fruits such as grapes and peaches are highly valued both domestically and internationally. Due to active grape production, winemaking is also famous. Yamanashi Prefecture is the birthplace of Japanese winemaking and is a major production area, producing approximately 30% of Japan's wine.
ROKU Slowfood Restaurant Is a Hub for Food Culture, Providing Dishes Committed to Yamanashi Prefecture Ingredients
ROKU Slowfood Restaurant is strongly committed to using carefully selected ingredients such as organic and pesticide-free agricultural products grown in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as local livestock products.
The cuisine, while respecting traditional Japanese food culture, incorporates innovative arrangements under the supervision of a chef trained in Italy, bringing surprise and culinary discoveries.
Furthermore, they not only use local ingredients but also work on building connections with producers and reducing food loss.
ROKU Slowfood Restaurant is attracting much attention as a place where you can enjoy new cuisine that respects the food culture that has been passed down in Fujiyoshida City since ancient times while also incorporating modern nuances.
Explaining the Charms and Commitments of ROKU Slowfood Restaurant Along with Reasons for Its Popularity
ROKU Slowfood Restaurant is a place where you can enjoy Yamanashi Prefecture's local ingredients and food culture in a stylish way. From here, we will explain its charms and commitments in detail.
Carefully Selected Use of Organic and Pesticide-Free Agricultural Products Grown in Yamanashi
Source:PR TIMES
At ROKU Slowfood Restaurant, dishes are composed mainly of organic and pesticide-free agricultural products grown in Yamanashi Prefecture's rich natural environment.
Vegetables and fruits produced by clean water and a climate with temperature differences are characterized by rich sweetness and aroma, allowing you to feel the strength of the ingredients themselves.
Ingredients grown with minimal use of pesticides not only can be enjoyed with peace of mind but also express the character of the land as it is.
And it's not just delicious—the restaurant also features a pursuit of sustainable food culture, such as aiming for zero food loss.
Additionally, by valuing relationships of trust with producers and making the most of local blessings, they realize "dishes that can only be tasted here."
Cuisine and Service in a Style That Fuses Tradition and Innovation
Source:Official website
One of the charms of ROKU Slowfood Restaurant is its unique style that fuses tradition and innovation.
While respecting Yamanashi Prefecture's local cuisine and Japanese food culture, the chef with overseas training experience incorporates new cooking methods and presentations.
For example, the menu that modernly arranges "Hoto"—a local dish of kneaded wheat flour noodles simmered in a miso-based soup with vegetables—allows you to enjoy a fresh experience while feeling the regional character.
And they also incorporate modern elements in service and ordering. They use a mobile ordering system as standard, where instead of calling staff at the table, you order from your smartphone.
It supports 5 languages, so visitors from overseas can use it with peace of mind.
Numerous Authentic Dishes Supervised by the Chef Who Created the Popular Hiroo Restaurant "Braceria Rotondo"
Source:PR TIMES
The cuisine at ROKU Slowfood Restaurant is supervised by the chef who created "Braceria Rotondo," a popular restaurant in Hiroo, Tokyo.
Born under a chef with solid achievements, including training in Piedmont, Italy, and experience as chef at a large facility with over 100 seats, the cuisine is characterized by authentic flavors that make the most of carefully selected Yamanashi Prefecture ingredients.
Not only simply cooking local meat and vegetables, but also incorporating Italian cooking techniques and finishing them into refined dishes.
For example, the grill using Mt.Fuji's lava stone brings out the umami of the ingredients and is visually impressive.
The chef is also committed to not using chemical seasonings, creating numerous dishes that bring out the deliciousness of local ingredients.
Events to Learn About Local Food Culture and Traditions Are Held, Deepening Exchange with the Region
Source:Kofu Keizai Shimbun
ROKU Slowfood Restaurant is not just a place to eat, but also a place that values dialogue with the region.
A shared space is set up in the restaurant, where exchange events with local people, farmers, and other stakeholders are held.
Through events where you can learn about local food culture and traditions, your understanding of the charm of Yamanashi Prefecture's land and lifestyle deepens.
If the timing is right, by participating in events, you can experience Yamanashi Prefecture and Japan's food culture firsthand.
Through these regional culture dissemination efforts, ROKU Slowfood Restaurant goes beyond being just a restaurant and has become a "hub for food culture."
4 Highly Recommended Menu Items at ROKU Slowfood Restaurant
ROKU Slowfood Restaurant offers a variety of exquisite dishes supervised by a chef with a proven track record. All of them make excellent use of Yamanashi Prefecture ingredients.
From among these, I'll introduce 4 specially selected recommended menu items.
Yamanashi Prefecture Brand Beef - Lava Stone Plate Grilling
Source:Official website
Lava stone plate grilling is a uniquely Japanese cooking method where black stone plates made from solidified volcanic lava are heated to high temperatures, and ingredients are cooked on top of them.
Because the stone retains heat for a long time, the outside becomes fragrant while the inside stays tender, and excess fat drips off, bringing out the natural umami of the meat.
At ROKU Slowfood Restaurant, they use lava stones from Mt. Fuji and serve local meats prepared this way, including Yamanashi Prefecture's brand beef "Koshu Wine Beef," local chicken "Shingen Chicken," and high-quality pork "Kai AK Pork."
I tried it myself, and the meat with grill marks sizzling on the hot plate was visually impressive, and I was moved by the juicy flavor and fragrant aroma that overflowed with every bite.
The unique visual of the black lava stone also has a strong impact that makes you want to take photos.
Grilled Lava Stone "Bomb" Shabu-Shabu
Source:PR TIMES
The "Grilled Lava Stone Bomb Shabu-Shabu" is an innovative menu item that adds visual and aromatic entertainment to traditional shabu-shabu.
Mt. Fuji lava stones heated to 250 degrees are dropped into an iron pot, and the moment the broth flows in, dramatic steam and sound rise up like a "bomb."
This is the only place that serves this cooking method, so you can enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind taste.
Like the lava stone plate grilling, it uses "Koshu Wine Beef," "Shingen Chicken," and "Kai AK Pork," which you dip in kelp broth to eat.
Since "shabu-shabu" involves heating the meat for only a short time, it's tender and the attractive point is that you can savor the original flavor of the meat. This deliciousness is only possible because they use fresh, high-quality meat.
The visual impact is so strong that when the broth was poured into the iron pot, I couldn't help but record a video.
Pasta Hoto - Sakekasu Pumpkin Cream
Source:PR TIMES
"Pasta Hoto - Sakekasu Pumpkin Cream" is a dish that beautifully fuses Yamanashi Prefecture's tradition with Italian culinary sensibility.
The local specialty "Hoto" features wide, flat noodles and is typically made by simmering vegetables together with miso.
This menu item treats Hoto noodles like pasta, combining the natural sweetness of pumpkin with smooth cream, and adding "Sakekasu" (a fermented food obtained during the Japanese sake-making process) as an accent.
The sauce is finished with fresh cream and milk, with a subtle aroma of Japanese sake drifting through, creating a deep flavor that fuses Japanese and Western elements.
It's considerate of vegetarian customers, and even without using meat, it has a satisfying richness and texture.
Pasta Hoto - Miso Meat Sauce
Source:Official website
"Pasta Hoto - Miso Bolognese" is a creative menu item that fuses Yamanashi Prefecture's food culture with Western meat sauce.
Traditional Hoto noodles are wide, soft yet elastic thick noodles, and you can really taste the flavor of wheat grown in Yamanashi Prefecture's temperature variations and abundant water.
This is then combined with a Bolognese sauce based on miso with sweetness and umami.
I've tried it before, and I was pleased that it contained plenty of large chunks of locally-sourced AK Pork, making it very satisfying to eat.
This dish is also original to ROKU Slowfood Restaurant, so it's a flavor you can only enjoy here. The miso flavor adds richness and depth, making it a popular dish for people of all ages.
Access to ROKU Slowfood Restaurant
Address: 3-6-38 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, FUJI Cross Gate 2nd Floor
Access: 8-minute walk from "Gekōji Station" or "Shimoyoshida Station" on the Fujikyu Railway Line
Official Website: https://fujixgate.jp/roku/
3 Recommended Tourist Spots Around ROKU Slowfood Restaurant Worth Visiting Together
ROKU Slowfood Restaurant is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and there are many attractive spots around Mt. Fuji.
Therefore, we will introduce three recommended tourist spots that we'd like you to visit together with ROKU Slowfood Restaurant.
Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Terrace
Source:Yamanaka Lake
Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Terrace is a stunning scenic spot that you should definitely stop by after visiting ROKU Slowfood Restaurant.
Located on the road from Lake Yamanaka to Mikuni Pass, it is known as a viewing spot where you can overlook both Lake Yamanaka and Mt. Fuji.
The observation deck was renovated in November 2024, and a spacious deck was established.
Except on cloudy or rainy days, you can see the surface of Lake Yamanaka spreading out in front of you, Mt. Fuji towering behind, and even the Southern Alps in the distance.
I have also visited, and the view from the wooden deck was so beautiful that I lost track of time and kept gazing at it.
There is a sightseeing bus that tours tourist spots in the Fujiyoshida City area. You can take it from Fujikyuko Line Kawaguchiko Station or Fuji Station, get off at the "Yamanakako Koryu Plaza" bus stop, and arrive on foot in about 30 minutes. You can enjoy hiking while experiencing nature.
The number of buses is limited to about 5 total from around 7 AM to around 3 PM, but it's convenient as it takes you nearby.
Also, every year from autumn to winter, a free shuttle bus operates from Yamanakako Koryu Plaza to Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Terrace on weekends and holidays only. Information for 2025 has not been released yet, but there's a possibility it will operate this year as well, so please check the information.
<Information>
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone Number: 0555-62-9977
Official Website: None
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a scenic spot consisting of eight spring-fed ponds where underground water from Mt. Fuji wells up, and it has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters.
The water has high transparency and is so clear that you can see to the bottom of the ponds. It has been an object of worship as "Mt. Fuji's sacred water" since ancient times.
Each pond has its own legend and history, and you can enjoy different scenic expressions while strolling.
Traditional thatched-roof houses and souvenir shops line the surroundings, and the old-fashioned rural landscape is preserved.
You can enjoy seasonal scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall, making it a popular spot for photography.
You can enjoy Mt. Fuji and traditional Japanese original landscapes simultaneously.
<Information>
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone Number: 0555-84-4222 (Oshino Village Tourism Association)
Official Website: http://www.oshino.jp/
Fuji-Q Highland
source：Google Map
Fuji-Q Highland is one of Japan's leading amusement parks located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and is known worldwide for its many thrilling rides.
It features a wealth of thrilling attractions, including "FUJIYAMA," which is said to have world-class scariness, and "Eejanaika," which has the world's most total inversions.
Not only thrilling rides, but areas for children and families are also well-developed, making it an attractive point that a wide range of generations can enjoy.
I enjoyed the thrilling rides, but my niece, who doesn't like thrilling rides, enjoyed the Thomas the Tank Engine-themed area and others.
From inside the park, you can enjoy the view of attractions with Mt. Fuji in the background, and it becomes an excellent photo spot especially on clear days.
While attractions are paid, admission is free, so it's okay to just go in and enjoy the atmosphere.
<Information>
Opening Hours: Varies by season and day of the week (please check the official website)
Closed: Open year-round
Phone Number: 0555-23-2111
Official Website: https://www.fujiq.jp/index.html
If You Want to Efficiently Enjoy Food and Tourist Spots Around Mt. Fuji, "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" is Also Recommended!
The "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" is an approximately 10-hour private tour where you can efficiently experience the nature and culture around Mt. Fuji.
If you're within the target area, there is hotel pick-up and drop-off service, and a dedicated driver accompanies you, so transportation is smooth and you can tour tourist spots without wasting time, which is an attractive point.
The itinerary includes breathtaking scenic spots overlooking Mt. Fuji, a World Heritage site, spring water areas such as Oshino Hakkai, and popular lake areas like Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi, where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
Since it's a private tour, you can freely discuss your destinations. After enjoying Mt. Fuji and its surroundings, you can of course also enjoy a meal at ROKU Slowfood Restaurant.
<Information>
Meeting Point: Meeting in Shinjuku or pick-up at your hotel (available if within the pickup area)
Tour Area: Mt. Fuji surrounding area
Start Time: 8:00