Mishima Korokke, Fluffy Croquettes from Local Potatoes

Mishima korokke is a local specialty made with May Queen potatoes grown in the western foothills of Hakone. Nurtured by the underground waters of Mount Fuji and rich soil, the potatoes are creamy and sweet, turning fluffy when fried. Easily enjoyed at local shopping streets and eateries, it is also cherished as a specialty for revitalizing the town.

Highlights

The crisp coating and the gentle natural sweetness of the potato inside are its charm. It carries a backstory of local producers and shops working together to protect and grow the brand, and it is notable that it is served at certified shops. From a simple salted version to ones dressed with sauce, each shop has its own character. The ease of eating fresh-fried croquettes while strolling is a way to enjoy them unique to Mishima.

Enjoying the Seasons

In early summer, the potato harvest season, you can enjoy croquettes made with even fresher potatoes. In the cold season the warmth of the fresh-fried croquette seeps through the body, perfect between walks. Available all year, it is easy to drop by during sightseeing.

Access and Basic Information

You can taste it along the shopping streets near Mishima Station and the approach to Mishima Taisha shrine. Many shops sell them cheaply from around a hundred-odd yen each, just the right price for eating as you walk. Shops are scattered within walking distance of the station, pairing well with a stroll. Eating as you walk through the townscape laced with the spring water of Mount Fuji is also recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

Mishima is compact around the station and offers the convenience of a Tokaido Shinkansen stop. Korokke shops are scattered along the shopping streets and the approach to Mishima Taisha, so the fitting style is to buy one at a time at shops that catch your eye as you head from the station to the shrine. Fresh-fried croquettes are hot, so if you eat while walking it is easier to let them cool a little first. Mishima is also known as a town of water, where the spring water of Mount Fuji flows through many parts of the city, and eating as you stroll the walkways along clear streams such as the Genbei River is an experience unique to this land. Mishima Taisha is known as one of the leading old shrines of Izu, and combining a visit with korokke as you walk makes for a deeply satisfying half-day trip. Nearby, eastern specialties such as Numazu shirasu and Izu wasabi bowl are scattered about, so it also suits a starting point for a day of eating around the eastern area.

A Quick Tip

First try the simple plain version to confirm the sweetness of the potato. Each certified shop has its own seasoning and shape, so comparing a few is one way to enjoy it. Mishima is also a town of spring water and shrines, so combining it with a walk makes for a deeply satisfying trip.