Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan｜彩呼亭

Quiet and unassuming soba shop by Lake Saiko. Worth a short drive if you're visiting from Lake Kawaguchi. Run by a family, they don't really speak English but you can get by with an English menu and they only accept cash. The lady who served us was so welcoming and tried her best to explain the options available. Tried one set with fish and another with the duck and both were amazing. Sat for a while after our meal to enjoy the view of the lake from our seats.

Very cozy authentic Japanese Soba noodle restaurant with a nice atmosphere and beautiful lake view. The owners of the restaurant are a lovely 94-year-old woman and her daughter. Very welcoming and friendly. I ordered a set with fish that melted in my mouth. Soba was also very good. I recommend this place to everyone for a homely Japanese atmosphere in a quiet place with delicious food.

Driving back from the Ice caves, we decided to take the scenic route along the lake. we stopped off for pictures, met a fisherman, admired the reflection of Fuji in the lake, contemplated things in a philosophical way, and just wound down from tokyo town. we passed this little spot on the lake and thought we'd pop in and have Soba, because I'd been told one had to have Soba in the five lakes area. But as we were parking the car, the delightful owner of this charming establishment came out and gestured to us that she was closed. so we didn't exit the car, we sat there for a bit wondering if we would have our dream of Saiko Soba dashed, and checking the twatnav for food alternatives. Out pops Granma Soba, and she beckons us inside with a smile. as we were taking our seats, the lovely Obaachan hands us some menus and points to a choice, and as we were there at her inconvenience, we let her choose our dishes. also my grasp of Kanji at the time was woeful, so i didn't even pretend to understand the menu she spoke little to no English, and my Japanese is awful, so between us we had a right laugh, she is delightful! she disappeared out back to prepare our meals and we sat for a bit to admire the view. This restaurant is located right on the lake, the views out of the window are spectacular, and we had the pleasure of seeing the approaching dusk from our window. she returned with our meals, and with a series of gestures and inference, showed us how we should eat them, and what to do with the Barley tea and buckwheat. she then left us for a bit, and waited with serene patience for us to finish. we were in the process of eating a bit faster than usual, when another Obaachan came through the door. this tiny ladies English was a touch better, and it transpired that this lady was a friend of the owner, coming to check on her friend who was late, making sure she was OK. so cute! she told us to not rush, now that she was here they could have tea together and we could take our time. so they sat and had some tea, and we sat and had some tea, and we just chilled. and it was something special. a memory that will stay with me always. The Soba was wonderful, the tea was a perfect accompaniment, the duck was delicious, the view was spectacular and our host was serenely gracious. above and beyond your usual great Japanese service. do not drive past this restaurant without a visit....