【Onsen Dining】At the foot of Yanagisawa Pass in Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, enjoy fresh mountain vegetables with "Soba only, cold" at the Koshu City Interaction and Health Center Daibosatsu no Yu

Reporting on first-class gourmet from a day-use hot spring along National Route 411. After savoring meticulously prepared cold soba at this hidden gem of a restaurant, I ascended the mountain road to enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji!

I had always been curious about the "Kōshu City Exchange and Healing Center Daibosatsu no Yu"

The onsen dining hall is basically only for onsen guests, so it rarely gets crowded, allowing you to enjoy local gourmet foods and simple, comforting dishes.

On this day, I visited "Kōshu City Exchange and Healing Center Daibosatsu no Yu" located in Kōshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Despite always being curious about this day-use onsen while traveling from Tokyo towards Kōfu along National Route 411, I had never stopped by, but I finally made the visit.

After relaxing in the high alkaline onsen, I went to the "Dining Hall with Owls"

The local atmosphere bustling with what seemed to be local onsen guests is created by the high alkaline onsen with a hydrogen ion concentration of 10.05, which is highly rated by experts. With its smooth and slippery texture, I was able to soak leisurely and relax deeply.

The menu at the uniquely named dining hall "Dining Hall with Owls" features a diverse lineup from set meals to noodle dishes and snacks. Since it was a summer day and I wanted something refreshing, I ordered "Soba Alone - Cold" (980 yen). It seems that if you order a set, it comes with rice and three small side dishes.

By the way, it might be unusual that the regular curry on the general menu is offered in limited quantities here.

The "soba a la carte, chilled," which showcases a commitment to wild mountain vegetables and thick fried tofu, is truly enjoyable

In contrast to its simple menu name, the dish is packed with so many ingredients that the noodles are almost invisible, and it even includes miso dengaku, making it a luxurious chilled soba. The meticulous preparation is evident at first glance.

The toppings include wakame, spinach, burdock tempura, thick fried tofu, shredded nori, and green onions. What impressed me the most was the crunchy and fresh-tasting wild mountain vegetables. Until now, I had only eaten mountain vegetables that were boiled and slightly tangy, but these had no distinctive flavor and a fresh taste. The thick fried tofu also has a homemade feel to it, showing attention to detail in the preparation.

It's an unassuming cafeteria located in a day-use hot spring, but the deep flavors reveal careful work, leaving me very satisfied. Discovering such hidden gem restaurants is one of the attractions of hot spring dining. Thank you for the meal.

There is a popular driving spot with a lookout where you can see Mount Fuji above the pass

As you ascend the mountain road of National Route 411 (Daisokyō Line) from the hot spring, you will find the "lookout point with a view of Mount Fuji," a seemingly casual scenic spot that I always stop by. On this day, it was a view I had never seen before, with Mount Fuji peeking out from behind the clouds. With circular seats arranged, you can enjoy your meal or a break while slowly taking in the sight of Mount Fuji.

Finally, I buy coffee at the Yanagisawa Pass tea house and head home. By coincidence, I witness a badger and a serow leisurely walking along the roadside in this area. It was a sight that made me realize once again that, despite being a popular driving route, it is also a spot that brings you closer to nature. I look forward to the next drive, aiming for new discoveries as I take the Jimny out for a spin.

Facility Name / Koshu City Interaction and Health Center Daibosatsu no Yu
Location / 730-1 Kamiodawara, Enzan, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
TEL / 0553-32-4126
Business Hours / 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Reception Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Closed / Every Tuesday *Closure dates may change temporarily

Reported and written by Kazuma Tanaka

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【Onsen Dining】At the foot of Yanagisawa Pass in Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, enjoy fresh mountain vegetables with "Soba only, cold" at the Koshu City Interaction and Health Center Daibosatsu no Yu

I had always been curious about the "Kōshu City Exchange and Healing Center Daibosatsu no Yu"

After relaxing in the high alkaline onsen, I went to the "Dining Hall with Owls"

The "soba a la carte, chilled," which showcases a commitment to wild mountain vegetables and thick fried tofu, is truly enjoyable

There is a popular driving spot with a lookout where you can see Mount Fuji above the pass

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