Climb to great heights with Mount Fuji treats. Don’t even think twice!

As the Summer season has already struck, it officially brought forth an extra season, which is none other than the climbing season. Yes! It’s quite possible to scale the sides of this majestic mountain, and the view at the top is even more rewarding.
However, preparations are quite the handful, but one thing for sure we cannot miss out on is the food preparation (don’t want to starve now, do we?).

Sorry today’s blog will not cover hiking Mount Fuji, but we still got you covered as you can read more about it here. 

With that being said, let’s discover the many ways the national symbol of Japan made it into our hearts……I mean our stomachs (lol) to make awesome Mount Fuji themed treats. Not every item may be shaped to look like Mt. Fuji, but the vast mountain still plays a huge part in the theme.  行きましょう (Ikimashou) Let’s go!

Food on the Road!

Fuji curry

Not really a picture of your usual curry and rice; the most popular consumed meal of the Japanese. I know this blue looks quite……different, but don’t shy away from this Instagrammable meal! In fact, it took over 6 months to create this dish and has now become a popular item you must try when it comes to eating Fujisan! (teehee)

A red version was even created for all those spicy lovers out there (yes that’s me!), which portrays the scene of the sun’s rays against Mt. Fuji. If you are in the adventurous mode to try this out, visit the Lava cafe in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Fujinomiya Yakisoba

What makes this different from other Yakisoba? This dish may not have been shaped to look like Mt. Fuji, except for the charming seaweed stuck in, but Mt. Fuji can still be found in this dish. 

The authenticity of this dish lies not only in the chewy noodles which are only made by 4 designated factories in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, but also uses a bit of Mt. Fuji in cooking by taking advantage of its spring water. It plays an important part to the body of the dish and therefore makes it such a unique Mt. Fuji dish.

Fuji Onigiri

Rice is culturally significant in the Japanese diet as it stands as a symbol of creation, providence, blessing and joy. Not a day goes by without having a steaming hot bowl of rice at the table (yum!). 

Onigiri, as everyone calls it a rice ball, is a simple meal made of rice with fillings tucked inside. From being a quick lunch for Samurai at war to now being a popular item in a picnic bento, it’s no surprise they reinvented this food to represent the iconic Mt. Fuji. 

As the name suggests, this rice ball is not made fully of plain white rice. Instead, one portion is blue while the top remains white to resemble Fuji’s peak. Find these at a local Conbini (Convenience store), as the two colours hold a variety of different fillings for your enjoyment!

The Traditional Finds

Mt. Fuji Shokupan

I am a super fan of bread and honestly go wild at times, but this Fuji bread is unreal! With the shortage of food after World war II, Japan turned to their wheat supplies in which bread steadily climbed into the popularity ranks. Now, in today’s society there is no denying that stepping into a Japanese bakery has now turned into a bread haven!

With so many amazing creations, this Mt. Fuji bread is nothing short of creative. Shokupan, otherwise known as Japanese milk bread, is a huge favourite among the list of breakfast items as its soft, fluffy interior tops your plate as the star of the show! This milk bread recipe was therefore used to create fluffy peaks of Mt. Fuji to be showcased on your next breakfast menu. (I need this!)

Mt. Fuji Melonpan

Please tell me I’m not the only one who thought melonpan was a bread made with melons? (I think a lot of people did…lol). Ever since I watched the anime Chihayafuru, season 1, episode 8 and saw one of the characters eating this, I’ve been intrigued and now, it’s a favourite at my home when it is baked fresh out the oven. 

I kid you not, it’s really delicious and a creative invention consisting of a soft bread covered with a crunchy cookie layer. 

How’d they make the Fuji version though? The shape is definitely unique to present the beauty of Fujisan. Baked into its volcano shape, it is dusted afterwards to represent the snow-capped peak. Definitely a must have for your next hiking experience or a simple road trip, but it can only be found locally so look out for it on your next trip near the mountain!

Chiffon Fuji

The star to almost any party; a cake! Celebrations are meant to be remembered with a delicious cake. But who says we always need a reason to celebrate and have delicious cake? This beautiful cake should be enough reason that we must buy one and try! 

This pastry shop sells these beautifully hand made cakes made with local eggs and milk fresh each day. It also comes with a variety of flavours as freshly pressed raw fruit juice is integrated into the recipe to give a fruitful experience.

Fuji cookie

Should I go to see Mt. Fuji this year, or should I just eat this delicious looking Fuji cookie? Why not do both? It may make for the perfect little souvenir while adventuring, but this time, we can not share….right? (hides a stash away). 

The rugged surface of this cookie with its snowy white peak is no coincidence. In fact, extra attention is placed to such details as this cookie was being created. Coming in a variety of flavours, make sure to grab one of each kind if you definitely don’t want to miss out on this cute delicacy!

Mt. Fuji Rice cake

I cannot speak for everyone when it comes to the chewy texture of mochi. I, for one, personally love it and will try any treat involved with that mochi texture. Which brings me to this treat of the “peak” (teehee)! 

Baked into an elegant shape to represent the Fuji mountain, rice cake flour is used to create that chewy dough while inside is filled with delicious red bean paste to complete the sweet treat!

Mt. Fuji Jelly

Jelly is one treat I will never miss the chance to try because it’s just too awesome of a simple snack, won’t you say so? To get my hands though on this Mt. Fuji jelly will be quite the feat. Should I eat the peak first? Maybe the base or just eat around it all and save Fuji for last? (#lifedecisions- lol)

With jellied desserts being enjoyed in Japan for over 400 years, it’s no surprise to see the various new creations that just keep popping up.

Mt. Fuji Senbei

Everyone loves the simple Japanese rice cracker snack, known as senbei. It’s a casual snack that would usually be served to house visiting guests alongside a cup of green tea for refreshment. However you can find it all over Japan now as it’s quite popular, coming in several shapes and sizes, but also in a diverse range of flavours. 

This Mt. Fuji rice cracker is not only delicious but makes an adorable souvenir to carry for your loved ones back home (unless someone eats it first…teehee). They even come in a variety of flavours from matcha, to red chilli pepper and even a mix of mayonnaise and sesame seeds. You can find a box filled of flavours here.

Drinks

Definitely not shaped like the infamous Fuji, but….drinks in Japan still find amazing ways to use the water that gives you a taste of the beautiful mountain.

Fujinomiya beer

A fine foamy drink brewed with utter care and attention to produce a drink that’s refreshingly deep in its flavour profile. Mount Fuji is forever beaming with a flow of natural spring water, and it comes as no surprise that many locals use this key ingredient to add that Fuji touch to their culinary adventures.

Surrounding the foothills and Mt. Fuji, you can now find multiple breweries that have  taken advantage of this superior resource to create Fujinomiya beer that travellers far and wide come to partake of!

Kimura Mt. Fuji soda pop

Not your standard soft drink, as this Japanese cider can refresh your energy and mood for your next travelling trip! 

Known for their famous marble balled, sparkling drinks, Kimura company produced the sparkling Fuji soda that wields the magical power of Fujisan’s natural water. Satisfy your thirst on the hottest days of your travels as it comes with a marvellous vintage design for your authentic enjoyment of Fuji cider.

Check out their Yuzu flavour as well! Would you try it? (count me in!)

Fuji mineral water

Does the location Mt. Fuji feel like it’s oceans away (tell me about it), but you still want to enjoy the luxury of its natural, crystal, flowing water? 

Fuji water is actually bottled and is easy to grasp within your hold to savour the refreshing taste of the great peak!

Mount Fuji at home

Overall, we have discovered that Mt. Fuji remains not only as the pinnacle of Japan, but is shaped into so many different treats to reach a large audience for enjoyment. We’ve also come across that not every amazing treat will be in your usual Fuji shape, but it can still carry the flavour of Fujisan itself. 

Nevertheless, the Fuji mania does not end here!

Fuji Kit Kat – not shaped but it’s a seasonal find

Not really a mountain shaped chocolate, nor does it capture the taste of Mt. Fuji but it does come in the most adorable Fuji shaped box. Kit Kat never misses the chance to attract its customers and I’d say this box does a pretty good job at it!

Filled with mini strawberry cheesecake flavoured chocolates, it’s a perfect item to gift to your family or friends, or maybe just keep all to yourself (lol).

Mt. Fuji Hi-Chews

When you get to Fuji’s summit, don’t forget to reward yourself and you can do so with this snack! Definitely grab a Fuji shaped box of Japan’s famous, fruity, chewy candy that comes in two prefectural flavours; Shizuoka orange and Yamanashi peach. 

The candies are not Fuji shaped themselves, however, the flavours are quite significant to both prefectures of this structural landscape, which lies at the border between the two.

A Mt. Fuji glass 

Admire the beauty of Fujisan through the looking glass! (lol)

Seriously though, it’s quite a beauty to even enjoy your favourite drink in one of these. Tajima’s Edo glass collection features a stunning miniature Mt. Fuji embedded at the base of the glass itself, which makes you wonder how skilled they are to capture a world heritage site in glass art by just using their hands! (mind-blown!)

A Mount Fuji Bowl

Why not slurp some noodles out of Mt. Fuji, or maybe dig into some delicious Gyūdon from this beautiful keepsake (yes to food always!). This attractive dish is shaped and made to depict the mountain and its snow capped peak when flipped over. What a lovely addition to your collection!

Was you mind-blown that Mount Fuji is not only the mountain as we know it, but has been used as an icon behind so many delicious treats and drinks. It’s quite amazing honestly how Japan gets into the themed culture and just keeps on leaving us amazed! 

Remember, “every mountaintop is within reach if you just keep climbing” – Barry Finley. Whether it’s the summit of Fujisan or munching on the mountaintop of your adorable Fuji cookie, you can always reach those mountaintops of life as well! Keep aiming for the skies!

 

Feature photo credit: Explore shizuoka

 

Join us on a culinary adventure in Fujinomiya with an expert to enjoy local dishes and learn more about the area!

 

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