CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Bringing a refreshed identity that’s both familiar and elevated, Hakone has opened its flagship store at The Orchard Community Place in Barangay Telabastagan here.
With a new interior, spacious parking, and a much bigger space, the beloved Japanese-inspired café welcomes guests to an experience that blends calm elegance with flavorful innovation.
What started as a passion project between software engineer turned food artisan Queency Koh and her family co-owner Mia Dy has grown into a well-loved name in the local dining scene. They started a store in Friendship, Angeles City and now they are ready to serve in San Fernando.
Rooted in tradition, Hakone continues to craft all its offerings from scratch, using quality ingredients sourced straight from Japan. The same heart and soul that drew people to their original space remain, but now with new exclusives to discover.
Among the additions to their menu are refreshing poke bowls in bold new flavors such as miso spam, spicy salmon, wasabi tuna, and kani corn. Their dessert lineup also grows sweeter with the introduction of the matcha pistachio bar, matcha black sesame pistachio cookies, and the elegant Montblanc chestnut and matcha dessert.
Of course, their iconic mochi and matcha drinks continue to be bestsellers, perfect for satisfying any craving.
“We can assure them that the experience they had at Hakone is the same—plus more new flavors,” shares Queency, now dedicating her full time to the brand’s growth and flavor development.
As they open their doors to a bigger home, Hakone celebrates the weekend launch with a lively flea market and a featured Angulo photobooth, inviting guests to enjoy both community and cuisine in one vibrant space.
Now open daily from 1 PM to 10 PM, Hakone’s flagship store is more than just an expansion. It’s a statement of passion, progress, and a deeper commitment to the craft of Japanese comfort food in Pampanga.
