”ROCK” Curry in Hokuto: A Local’s Food Experience in Yamanashi

When people talk about food in Yamanashi, one of the first names that comes up is ROCK, the legendary curry restaurant in Kiyosato, Hokuto City. It’s been a local landmark for decades, attracting travelers from all over Japan.

As someone who actually lives in Yamanashi, I decided to finally make the trip myself. I visited on a summer weekday, tried their famous bacon curry, and even explored a nearby sunflower field after lunch. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience of visiting ROCK—what makes it so special, what to expect when you go, and why it’s worth adding to your Hokuto itinerary.

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What Makes ROCK Special?

A Local Landmark in Kiyosato (history, why it’s famous)

A Local Landmark in Kiyosato (history, why it’s famous)

ROCK isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a landmark in Kiyosato. Established in 1971, the place has been serving hearty meals to travelers, families, and locals for decades. The building itself feels like part of the Kiyosato landscape, with its wooden mountain-lodge style and spacious interior. Many Japanese people know about ROCK as a “must-stop” spot when driving through Yatsugatake or Hokuto. It’s famous not only for its huge plates of curry, but also for being a gathering place where people relax after hiking or sightseeing.

Why Everyone Talks About the Curry

The curry here is legendary in Yamanashi. It’s not just about spice—it’s thick, rich, and loaded with local ingredients like vegetables and beef. When you order, you’ll notice the portions are massive (big enough to share, though most people finish it themselves). The flavor is deep and comforting, almost like a stew, which makes it different from the lighter Japanese curries you might find elsewhere. For many people, this curry is the main reason they drive out to Hokuto, even from hours away.

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My Visit to ROCK

First Impressions (building, atmosphere, vibe of the place)

When I first walked into ROCK, the atmosphere felt warm and lively. The wooden interior, high ceilings, and the smell of spices instantly made me hungry. Even on a weekday, the place was busy with families, couples, and groups of friends. It felt more like a mountain lodge restaurant than a typical curry shop, which gave it a unique charm.

What I Ordered (the curry set, portion size)

I ordered the Bacon Curry (Regular Size), one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. When it arrived, I was honestly surprised—the plate was huge. Even the regular size was enough to completely fill me up, and I consider myself someone with a pretty good appetite. The bacon slices were thick and smoky, sitting on top of the rich curry sauce. It looked more like a feast than a single dish.

Taste Review – Rich, Local, and Filling

The curry itself was rich and flavorful, with a deep taste that balanced spices and sweetness. The bacon added a salty, smoky punch that made every bite satisfying. Combined with the soft rice and hearty portion, it was the kind of meal that leaves you both happy and heavy. I couldn’t imagine finishing a large size—regular was more than enough!

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More Than Just Curry – The Menu & Beer Brewery

Craft Beer from Yatsugatake Brewery

the restaurant, you can actually see the tanks where the beer is made. Many visitors pair their curry with a glass of freshly brewed craft beer, which gives the meal an even more local flavor. I didn’t try the beer this time since I was driving, but the menu had a wide selection of lagers, ales, and seasonal brews. For anyone staying overnight in Hokuto, it’s definitely worth trying.

Other Dishes Worth Trying

Although curry is the star, ROCK’s menu goes beyond that. They also serve hamburg steaks, sausages, and hearty side dishes that match perfectly with beer. Some locals come just for the brewery and the food that pairs with it. If you’re traveling in a group, it’s fun to order different dishes and share. The menu size itself shows that ROCK is more than just a curry restaurant—it’s more like a mountain dining hall where everyone can find something they like.

For more details on the full menu and seasonal dishes, you can also check ROCK’s official website.

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Practical Information for Travelers

Location & How to Get There from Mt. Fuji Area

ROCK is located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi, within the Kiyosato resort area. From the Mt. Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes area, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car, making it a good stop on a road trip toward Yatsugatake.
If you’re coming by train, you can take the JR Chuo Line to Kobuchizawa Station and then transfer to the Koumi Line to reach Kiyosato Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute taxi ride.

Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit (avoid crowds)

I visited on a weekday around 1:00 PM, and even then I had to wait about 30–40 minutes to get a table. When I left after finishing my meal, the line was still long. If you want to avoid waiting, it’s best to come right around opening time.

That said, the restaurant is very spacious inside, and the kitchen works quickly, so even when there’s a line the turnover is smooth. You might not have to wait as long as it looks from the outside.

Useful Tips (payment methods, English menu or not, family-friendly?)

There’s plenty of parking space around the restaurant, which is convenient for road trippers.

The menu is available in Japanese, and while there isn’t always a full English menu, the dishes are easy to order with photos.

Ordering is done by scanning a QR code with your smartphone and choosing from the digital menu. If you’re not sure how to use it, the staff are very kind and will happily guide you, so even if you don’t speak Japanese you don’t need to worry.

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Final Thoughts – Why ROCK Is Worth a Visit

For Curry Lovers and Foodies

If you love curry—or just big, hearty meals—ROCK is absolutely worth the trip. The portions are generous, the flavor is rich, and the atmosphere makes it feel more like a mountain lodge than a regular restaurant. It’s not only about food, but also about experiencing a local landmark that has been loved for decades.

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A Perfect Stop on a Yatsugatake / Hokuto Road Trip

What makes ROCK even better is its location. Hokuto is full of beautiful nature and seasonal attractions. On this visit, after enjoying my Bacon Curry at ROCK, I went to see the Akeno Sunflower Fields, one of the most famous summer spots in Yamanashi. Thousands of sunflowers bloom against the backdrop of the Yatsugatake mountains, creating an amazing view that feels almost unreal.

Combining a filling curry lunch at ROCK with a visit to the sunflower fields makes for the perfect summer day trip in Hokuto. It’s the kind of experience you’ll remember as one of the highlights of traveling in Yamanashi.