Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
When people think of a Hakone trip, the first things that usually come to mind are hot springs, art museums, or the stunning lakeside torii gate. But to me, there’s something else just as essential: indulging in Hakone’s local food! One of the absolute must-tries is the long-established Tamura Ginkatsutei (田むら銀かつ亭), a restaurant highly recommended by locals. This place had been sitting on my foodie bucket list for ages, and on my recent return to Hakone, I finally got to try it!
In this article, I want to share with you Hakone’s special dish called Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew (豆腐かつ煮｜Tofu Katsu-ni). Hopefully, this little food diary helps you plan your own Hakone adventure!
Hakone’s Must-Eat: Tamura Ginkatsutei
Located just a short walk from Gora Station, this restaurant has been drawing crowds for years. It’s one of those classic stops many travelers include in their Hakone itinerary, not only because the food is delicious, but also because it was the birthplace of the unique dish Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew. The name alone might not sound all that impressive, but once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why foodies from all over Japan and abroad keep coming back for more.
✔️ Tamura Ginkatsutei (田むら銀かつ亭)
Address: 1300-739 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408（Google Maps）
Google Map Code：722X+6P Hakone, Kanagawa
Access: 3–5 minutes on foot from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Opening Hours: Thu–Mon 11:00–14:30, 17:00–19:00｜Tue 11:00–14:30｜Closed Wed
Official Website: Tamura Ginkatsutei
What Makes Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew Different from Regular Tonkatsu?
When we think of tonkatsu, it’s usually a thick pork cutlet, breaded and deep-fried until golden. But Tamura Ginkatsutei does things differently. Here, they season ground pork, sandwich it between slices of tofu, coat it in breadcrumbs, and deep-fry it to a crispy finish. But that’s not all, after frying, the cutlet is placed in a cast-iron pan and simmered in their house broth with a soft-boiled egg, creating a dish that’s a cross between tonkatsu and simmered tofu.
The result is Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew, a dish that combines the smooth texture of tofu, the rich flavor of pork, and the warm zing of grated ginger. It’s beautifully layered in flavor and surprisingly light, so much so that even those who usually avoid fried foods end up loving it. Just a word of caution: because it’s both fried and simmered, it arrives at your table piping hot. Be sure to let it cool slightly before digging in… unlike me, who got a bit too excited and ended up burning my tongue, haha!
Repeatedly Featured in Tabelog’s Top 100 Tonkatsu Restaurants
This signature dish isn’t just popular among tourists, locals love it too. Tamura Ginkatsutei is consistently ranked in Tabelog’s annual list of Japan’s Top 100 Tonkatsu Restaurants, even though technically, it’s not your typical pork cutlet.
Here’s why it’s rated so highly:
・Ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully paired, the tofu and pork blend together seamlessly.
・Perfectly fried without being greasy, and the juicy interior releases flavor with every bite.
・Simmering in a cast-iron pan adds depth, making it an ideal match for a bowl of hot rice.
Combine all that with the restaurant’s warm atmosphere and friendly service, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.
Tabelog – Tamura Ginkatsutei
Where Is Tamura Ginkatsutei and How to Avoid the Lines?
Tamura Ginkatsutei’s main branch is just a 3-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, super convenient. But because of its popularity and the fact that they don’t accept reservations, there’s almost always a line at lunchtime, especially on weekends.
I went on a Saturday, arriving just before noon, and the place was already packed. When I grabbed my queue ticket, there were still seven groups ahead of me. It’s safe to assume people line up as soon as the doors open at 11:00 AM.
If you’d rather not wait in line, arriving before the 11:00 AM opening or around 4:45 PM before the dinner slot at 5:00 PM is your best bet.
Better yet, Tamura Ginkatsutei offers a “Fast Pass” priority seating system for 500 yen per person (about USD 3.20). With the pass, you get to skip the line and be seated faster, perfect if you’re trying to maximize your time during your Hakone trip.
Tamura Ginkatsutei Parking Lot
There’s a dedicated parking lot right next to the main Tamura Ginkatsutei branch, so if you’re driving during your Hakone trip, you can park here with ease, there seems to be a decent number of spaces available.
And here’s a bonus: next to the parking area, there’s a dessert café operated by the same owner, called Hakone Tenku no Terrace (はこね天空のテラス). It’s likely set up to give waiting customers somewhere to relax, especially since lines can get quite long. A clever way to pass the time while waiting for your number to be called!
Real Visit Review: What It’s Like Dining at Tamura Ginkatsutei
Get your queue number!
Tamura Ginkatsutei has both a main branch and an older original location, but no matter which one you want to eat at, you’ll need to grab a queue number from the machine at the main branch entrance.
I got there around 12 PM on a Saturday and waited roughly 30 minutes before being seated, which isn’t bad considering how popular the place is!
Here’s a little tip: if you already know you want to order only the Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew (豆腐かつ煮) or the Tofu Pork Cutlet Set Meal (豆腐かつ煮御膳), you can get the queue machine and them write your name down on the clipboard in front of the original shop. That gives you a better chance of getting seated earlier.
When your number is called, the staff will guide you to your seat, but take note that they call numbers in Japanese, so if you don’t understand Japanese, you’ll need to keep an eye on the ticket machine display or show your ticket to a staff member for help.
Inside the Restaurant: Casual and Cozy
There are quite a few seats inside, including both regular table seating and traditional tatami floor seating. When you pull your queue number, you can choose your preferred seating type, or mark that you’re open to either.
I opted for a table seat. Once seated, I wasted no time and immediately ordered the restaurant’s signature dish: the Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew.
The Star Dish: Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew
One thing that really stood out to me was how fast the service is. Right after I placed my order, the staff brought over the tray and utensils. And in less than five minutes, my meal arrived, still bubbling hot! It’s clear this dish is so popular that they have a streamlined system for preparing it in advance.
This dish costs 1,793 yen (roughly USD 11.50). While it’s slightly more expensive than a standard tonkatsu meal, once you consider the amount of prep work that goes into it, stuffing the tofu with seasoned pork and cooking it to perfection, it feels absolutely worth it.
A Flavorful, Thoughtful Dish Worth the Wait
The most distinctive part of this dish is the layer of seasoned ground pork sandwiched between the tofu. You can tell the meat has been carefully marinated and prepped to remove any gaminess, and the subtle ginger flavor blends perfectly with the slightly sweet and savory sauce used for the stew.
It’s incredibly satisfying with rice, you’ll find yourself scooping up bite after bite without even realizing it. But again, be careful: it really is that hot! I kept burning my mouth between excited bites, haha.
✔️ Tamura Ginkatsutei (田むら銀かつ亭)
Address: 1300-739 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408（Google Maps）
Google Map Code：722X+6P Hakone, Kanagawa
Access: 3–5 minutes on foot from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Opening Hours: Thu–Mon 11:00–14:30, 17:00–19:00｜Tue 11:00–14:30｜Closed Wed
Official Website: Tamura Ginkatsutei
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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