Hakone Amazake Tea House

The Hakone Amazake Tea House was established 400 years ago during the Edo period and is currently operated by the 13th generation of the Yamamoto family. This historic teahouse stands as one of the few remaining of hundreds that once lined the ancient Tokaido Highway, the major route connecting Tokyo with the former capital Kyoto. The building features traditional earthen floors and weathered walls that provide an authentic window into the lives of Japanese travelers from centuries past.

The teahouse holds significant cultural importance as part of the Hakone Hachiri area, which has been designated a Japan Heritage Area. Nestled between the steep walls of Hakone mountain peaks, the structure maintains its original atmosphere and offers visitors a genuine taste of historical Japan. The location served as a crucial rest stop for travelers navigating the challenging mountain passes of the old highway system.

Visitors experience the teahouse's signature drink, amazake, prepared using a recipe that has remained unchanged since opening. This sweet, non-alcoholic rice wine contains no added sugar and offers a gentle, natural sweetness. The establishment also serves hand-pounded, char-grilled mochi (sticky rice cakes) made with traditional methods. The amazake costs 400 yen and is suitable for children, while takeout versions are available for 750 yen. The simple, unchanged menu of amazake and mochi completes the authentic historical experience.

The teahouse is accessible via Hakone Tozan Bus Route K from Hakone-Yumoto Station bound for Motohakone Port, with buses running twice hourly. The journey takes approximately 25-26 minutes and costs 710 yen from Hakone-Yumoto. Visitors should exit at the Amazake-chaya bus stop, where the teahouse sits directly in front of the stop. The location also serves as a starting point for walking the historic Cedar Avenue along the Old Tokaido trail to Motohakone-ko port, a scenic 30-minute walk. No admission fee is required to enter the teahouse itself.