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Why I Tried a Venison Burger at DEAR DEER
What is DEAR DEER Fujisan Gibier Center?
Located just a short walk from Michi-no-Eki Fujiyoshida (the local roadside station), DEAR DEER Fujisan Gibier Center is a small but unique spot specializing in locally-sourced venison and wild boar meat from the Mt. Fuji area.
In Japan, it’s common to eat beef, chicken, or pork, but venison is still considered rare—and finding a place that prepares it properly can be difficult. DEAR DEER works with local hunters and meat processors to offer safe, delicious, and sustainable wild game dishes, turning what’s often seen as pest control into a tasty culinary experience.
They even have a mission to help maintain the natural balance around Mt. Fuji by utilizing deer and wild boar that damage local crops and forests, making it a truly meaningful and environmentally-conscious choice.
Why I Wanted to Try a Venison Burger
In the Fujikawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida area, you’ll find plenty of soba, udon, and hoto noodles — but hardly any places where you can try venison.
When I learned that DEAR DEER offers a venison burger made from Mt. Fuji-area deer, I knew I had to try it at least once.
For me, it wasn’t just about tasting something new — it was about experiencing a part of the local food culture that’s often overlooked by tourists. And where better to try it than at the foot of Mt. Fuji, in a place dedicated to promoting sustainable and local ingredients?
My Experience at DEAR DEER
Atmosphere and Location
Surrounded by a lush forest, DEAR DEER is nestled in a quiet, natural setting that really makes you feel the beauty of Mt. Fuji’s wilderness. The inside of the shop is clean, simple, and welcoming, with a cozy atmosphere.
There are also terrace seats outside, perfect for enjoying your meal while soaking in the fresh air and calm surroundings. It’s the kind of place where you can really take your time and relax, away from the busier tourist spots.
What I Ordered
I went for the Venison Hamburger Set (¥1,580), which came with a drink and crispy fries. The menu also offers a Venison Cheese Hamburger, a Domestic Beef Hamburger, and even venison hot dogs — all available as a set or à la carte.
The variety surprised me — it’s not just a gimmick; you can tell they put real thought into creating a proper menu showcasing local game meat.
How It Tasted
The burger itself was generously sized, juicy, and full of flavor. What really stood out to me was how tender and mild the venison was — no strong gamey taste at all.
According to DEAR DEER, this is thanks to their strict, in-house processing: they handle everything from field dressing to final preparation under careful quality control, ensuring that the meat is fresh, safe, and delicious. You can really taste that care and expertise in every bite.
Why You Should Try Local Gibier in Japan
Sustainable and Local Food Culture
Eating venison and wild boar in Japan isn’t just about trying something new — it’s also about supporting a more sustainable food culture. In many rural areas, deer and boar populations have grown too large, damaging forests, farmland, and even threatening other wildlife.
By turning this challenge into an opportunity, places like DEAR DEER help control these populations responsibly, while also giving visitors a chance to taste truly local, seasonal meat that reflects the natural surroundings of Mt. Fuji.
A Unique Culinary Experience You Can’t Get Elsewhere
In Japan, venison isn’t nearly as common as beef, pork, or chicken — and in most places, you’d never find it on the menu at all. That’s what makes trying gibier here such a memorable experience.
It’s a chance to step outside of the usual tourist food spots and enjoy something authentic, rare, and deeply connected to the land and local traditions. And when you enjoy it right at the foot of Mt. Fuji, in a place dedicated to quality and sustainability, it becomes even more meaningful.
Practical Info for Visiting DEAR DEER
Location, Hours, and Parking
📍 Address : 725-3 Araya, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0006, Japan
🚗 Parking:
You can park for free at either the Michi-no-Eki Fujiyoshida lot or the Fujisan Radar Dome Park parking lot. Both are just a short walk to DEAR DEER and easy to find.
🚙 By Car:
- About 1 minute from Higashi-Fujigoko Road, Fujiyoshida-Oshino Smart IC
- About 10 minutes from Chuo Expressway, Kawaguchiko IC
- About 15 minutes from Chuo Expressway, Fujiyoshida-Nishikatsura Smart IC
🚉 By Public Transport:
- From Fujisan Station (Fujikyu Railway), take a local bus (15 min) and get off at Fujisan Museum Park-mae, then walk about 15 minutes
- Or take the Fujikko-go sightseeing bus (15 min) and get off at Fujisan Radar Dome-kan-mae, then walk about 2 minutes
🚄 From Tokyo (by train):
- From Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express Azusa/Kaiji to Otsuki Station (~1 hour), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station (~40 min)
- Or take the direct Limited Express Fuji Excursion from Shinjuku to Fujisan Station (~1 hour 45 min)
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Tips for First-Time Visitor
🕐 Arrive early, especially on weekends, as seating is limited and it’s a popular stop.
🦌 If you’re not used to game meat, start with the classic Venison Hamburger — it’s mild and easy to enjoy.
📷 Don’t forget to bring your camera — the forest setting and beautifully plated burgers make for great photos.
💬 The menu has both Japanese and English, so you can order with confidence even if you don’t speak Japanese. The staff are friendly and happy to help if you have any questions.
🪑 If the terrace is open, definitely grab a seat outside for the full nature experience.
Final Thoughts – Would I Eat Here Again?
Would I Eat Here Again?
Yes — absolutely! I’d happily come back here for another lunch and enjoy that venison burger all over again. Next time, I’d also love to try their hot dog — it looked just as good. They even sell their venison sausages separately, so it might be fun to take some home and cook them myself!
Who I Recommend This To
If you’re interested in experiencing Japanese traditions and culture through food, this is a must-try.
Even though it’s a burger or a hot dog, the flavors are uniquely Japanese — a perfect way to enjoy something familiar yet very local.
Suggested Reads:
If you’re interested in more local food and unique experiences around Mt. Fuji, check out these guides too:
- What to Eat in Japan: Local Food Guide — Discover more Japanese dishes you must try.
- Itoriki Curry: Local Japanese Curry in Fujiyoshida — Another tasty and authentic meal near Mt. Fuji.
- Yamanashi’s Local Food Culture — Dive deeper into Yamanashi’s regional flavors.
