Hakone, located in the picturesque Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, is renowned for its scenic beauty and hot springs. We were lucky enough to spend an incredible weekend there, a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. If you’re lucky with the weather when visiting Hakone, on a clear day standing in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you get one of the most picturesque views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. Hakone holds a special place in my heart as a favourite travel destination, enriched by its historical significance as a traditional waypoint for samurai and travellers. Its ancient trails, volcanic geothermal valleys, and age-old shrines make it a pivotal cultural and historical site. I frequently find myself longing to return, so I was thrilled to discover that this month’s Sakuraco Japanese Snack Box included delightful treats from Hakone. It was like revisiting those culinary delights and regional gastronomic traditions right from the comfort of my living room!
I received this subscription box from Sakuraco for free to review, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
About Sakuraco
Sakuraco is a monthly authentic Japanese snack subscription box that supports local Japanese snack makers. Each box has 20 traditional, authentic, and artisan Japanese snacks, including Japanese teas and special tableware. The treats in each box are authentic, as seen in this month’s collections, which were made in collaboration with the Kanagawa prefectural government.
What sets Sakuraco apart is the authentic snacks you receive and the stories behind them. Each box comes with a beautifully illustrated guide that outlines each item’s origin and ingredients and highlights the cultural significance of the selection. This makes each bite a journey through Japan’s rich culinary landscape.
Hakone’s Onsen Culinary Traditions
Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, known as onsens. Nestled in a volcanic region that gifts it with abundant geothermal activity, Hakone offers a diverse range of onsen experiences. The onsens are scattered throughout the area, from secluded springs in the mountains to grand bathhouses that are part of luxurious ryokan (traditional inns). We participated in both of these experiences while we were in Hakone and found the mineral-rich waters, believed to have healing properties, to be a profoundly relaxing experience that also felt like an immersive Japanese cultural experience. I loved how we received this beautifully illustrated woodcut print of Hakone’s Hayakawa River inside Sakuraco’s Hakone Box. I walked along this river when I visited Hakone and was mesmerized to see how this landscape remains the same even hundreds of years later.
Hakone Sweets
When we booked our private onsen, we were treated to some traditional savouries and sweets to make the experience even more indulgent. If you want to have the same experience, take a hot bath and relax with some of the Hakone treats included in this month’s Sakuraco Japanese Treat Box. The Tsuru no Sato Marshmallow is a soft, fluffy marshmallow treat that charmingly resembles a petite egg yet is filled with a luscious yellow bean paste, offering a subtly sweet flavour. One of the most popular treats in Onsens in Hakone is Onsen Tamagos. These eggs are slow-cooked in the naturally hot waters of the onsen, resulting in a creamy, soft texture. The egg whites are just firm enough, while the yolks remain runny. Therefore, the Tsuru no Sato Marshmallow feels like such a perfect sweet reminiscent of those onsen eggs.
The perfect accompaniment to your relaxing at-home onsen experience is a Matcha Konjac Warabimochi. Warabimochi is made from bracken starch, giving it a jelly-like texture that is slightly chewy. This dessert is particularly popular during the summer months in Japan due to its refreshing quality. It is also popular in Onsens for the same reason.
Hakone Savouries and Tea
For a savoury addition to your snacking session, the Wasabi Okaki
Minoya Arare are rice crackers coated in bold and addictive flavour, combining savoury soy sauce with a tantalizing hint of wasabi! I love the spicy flavour alongside the sweets, as they feel like the perfect juxtaposition.
The perfect complement to these treats is the Hakone Story Ryokucha, a luxurious green tea revered for its fresh flavour and health benefits. This tea uses authentic, deep-steamed leaves cultivated in the Makinohara Plateau in Shizuoka.
In every box, you’ll also receive a Japanese Home Good, such as ceramics, chopsticks or furoshiki (gift wrap cloths). In this month’s box, we received a Marquetry Plate. Marquetry is a woodworking tradition that originated in Hakone centuries ago. Artisans use various naturally coloured wood pieces to make intricately beautiful geometric designs. The same marquetry woodwork’s meticulous craftsmanship and art are mirrored here on the pltes, which makes the perfect serving platter to hold all your delicious treats.
If you’re as enchanted by Japanese culture and cuisine as I am, Sakuraco offers a delightful taste of Japan. I invite you to discover the joy and tradition of Japanese snacks with me. Check out their offerings, and let’s travel together through each savoury and sweet bite.
For more info on Sakuraco’s Japanese Snacks & Candy Subscription Boxes, head to sakura.co
Happy Culinary Travels, Adventurers!
Leave a Comment