Teahouses like Amazake-chaya were once common sights along the old Edo-era (1603–1868) foot highways that criss-crossed Japan. This one, with a thatched roof, is one of only a few that remain, and run by the same family for 13 generations (and nearly four centuries). The speciality here is the namesake amazake (¥400), a sweet, nonalcoholic, fermented rice milk.
Amazake-chaya can be reached on foot via the Old Hakone Highway in about 30 minutes from Moto-Hakone. It's also a stop on the Hakone Kyū-kaidō (K) bus line, which travels between Hakone-Yumoto and Moto-Hakone. If you visit in the chillier months, you can warm yourself around the irori (sunken fireplace).
