Head to Houtou Fudou for the region’s most famous dish

Fuji Five Lakes is best known for one dish in particular: hōtō noodles. These chunky wheat noodles are thicker than udon, and are prepared in a manner similar to dumplings. Chewy and soul-warming, they are usually served in a hearty, miso-based broth loaded with seasonal vegetables. One of the best places to try them is at Houtou Fudou, thanks to the quality of its ingredients, reasonable prices and generous portions. Its flagship restaurant on the north side of Lake Kawaguchi, close to the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art and Music Forest Museum, also offers striking views of Mount Fuji.