Japan

2026/10/19

Auberge Fontaine Bleau Atami Review: Private Onsen & French Dining

I recently stayed at Auberge Fontaine Bleau Atami, a peaceful hotel in Izu-Taga, a seaside area of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture. This auberge combines fine French dining with private, free-flowing natural hot spring baths in the guest rooms. What I loved most was the spacious room, the semi-open-air onsen overlooking the ocean, and, of course, the delicious French cuisine! During my stay, I mostly saw couples and other adult guests, and I didn't notice any families with young children. I think it's a wonderful choice for travelers looking for a peaceful, indulgent getaway with good food and a relaxing hot spring bath. In this review, I'll take you inside my room, Lumière Twin 202, and share the private onsen, complimentary drinks, French dinner, and breakfast, along with practical tips for your stay. What Is Auberge Fontaine Bleau Atami? Auberge Fontaine Bleau Atami sits on a hillside in Shimotaga, Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture. It's a small hotel where guests can enjoy French cuisine and natural hot springs. An auberge is essentially a restaurant with guest accommodations, where dining is a central part of the experience. Here, you can enjoy French cuisine featuring ingredients from Izu's mountains and sea, alongside natural, free-flowing onsen baths. One of the biggest attractions is that every guest room has its own private hot spring bath! You can bathe whenever you like without having to go to a shared bathing area. Some rooms also offer ocean views, making it easy to relax and take in the scenery. It's an especially appealing place if ...

Japan Shizuoka

2026/10/15

Izu-Taga from Atami: Seaside Walk, Soba & a Scenic Train

Just two train stops from Atami is a quiet seaside town called Izu-Taga. Unlike the busy area around Atami Station, Izu-Taga felt much calmer, with fewer tourists and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. This time, we travelled from Tokyo Station to Atami by Shinkansen, then spent the day in Izu-Taga enjoying a soba lunch and a peaceful walk by the sea. Along the way, we were also lucky enough to unexpectedly board the adorable sightseeing train known as the Kinme Train. We enjoyed a leisurely meal at a traditional soba restaurant, drank freshly brewed coffee by the sea and simply slowed down for a while. For adults who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed side of Japan, Izu-Taga is a lovely place to visit. In this article, I’ll also share practical tips on how to get there, Shinkansen crowds and what to know if you are travelling with large luggage. From Tokyo Station to Atami by Kodama Shinkansen Our trip to Izu-Taga began at Tokyo Station, where we boarded a Kodama service on the Tokaido Shinkansen. We travelled on the morning of the first day of a three-day holiday weekend. As expected, Tokyo Station was extremely crowded. There are also many international visitors travelling around Japan now, and Shinkansen services can become especially busy on weekends and public holidays, so buying your ticket in advance is a good idea. SmartEX Made Boarding Easy Even at Busy Tokyo Station We bought our tickets the day before using SmartEX, the online reservation service for ...

Buffet/Afternoontea Tokyo

2026/10/15

Conrad Tokyo Afternoon Tea 2026: Art of Autumn Review

With the cooperation of Conrad Tokyo, our editorial team experienced its autumn afternoon tea. This time, we enjoyed the Art of Autumn Afternoon Tea, available from October 1 to November 30, 2026. The theme is “Autumn of Art.” The moment the plate arrived at our table, the first thing that caught our attention was the beauty of the purple-themed sweets. Inspired by antique jewellery, cameos and wax seals, the delicate designs really did look like tiny works of art. They almost looked too beautiful to eat, but of course, we enjoyed all those autumn flavours anyway. In this article, I’ll introduce the sweets that left the biggest impression on us, an unusual way to enjoy Mont Blanc, and even the limited-edition Conrad Bear available in October. This article was produced with the cooperation of Conrad Tokyo, which provided the afternoon tea experience complimentary. All opinions and impressions are based on our editorial team’s actual experience. Conrad Tokyo “Art of Autumn Afternoon Tea” The afternoon tea is served at TwentyEight Bar & Lounge on the 28th floor of Conrad Tokyo. The standard plan we experienced included five sweets and three savouries arranged on a flat glass plate, plus a separate Mont Blanc cone, scones and drinks. The first thing that drew our eyes was the collection of sweets on the glass plate. The autumnal purple colours were so beautiful that I wanted to stop and look at each piece individually. We have enjoyed afternoon tea at Conrad Tokyo several times before, and once again, the presentation ...

Buffet/Afternoontea Kanagawa

2026/10/11

Westin Yokohama Halloween Buffet 2026 Review: Ghost Sweets, Food & Prices

The Westin Yokohama is celebrating Halloween with a special Halloween Dessert Buffet, available for a limited time from September 17 to October 30, 2026. After enjoying their popular strawberry dessert buffet earlier this year, I was excited to see how the restaurant would transform for Halloween. And this time, the atmosphere is completely different 🎃 Ghosts, witches, Frankenstein, vampires... Halloween is supposed to be a little spooky, but the desserts here are actually incredibly cute. Some of the ghost-shaped sweets were so adorable that I almost felt guilty eating them! Seasonal ingredients such as pumpkin, purple sweet potato, chestnut, apple, and hazelnut are also used throughout the buffet. I visited the buffet myself, so in this article I’ll share the sweets that made me think, “That's so cute!” “This is delicious!” and sometimes, “This is hilarious!” 😆 with plenty of photos. Halloween at Pacific Table, Westin Yokohama The buffet is held at Pacific Table, the restaurant located on the third floor of the Westin Yokohama in the Minato Mirai area. The restaurant has high ceilings and plenty of space between tables, so it feels calm and comfortable rather than crowded. During the Halloween season, orange decorations are added throughout the restaurant, giving the elegant dining space a playful seasonal atmosphere. The Pink Dessert Buffet Area Is So Cute! The first thing that caught my eye was the pink dessert buffet area. When you think of Halloween, black and orange probably come to mind. But at the Westin Yokohama, the buffet area is based around soft ...

Buffet/Afternoontea Japan Tokyo

2026/10/11

The Kitano Hotel Tokyo Afternoon Tea: Gluten-Free Chestnut Menu

We were invited to experience The Fragrant Chestnut Afternoon Tea at The Kitano Hotel Tokyo, available for a limited time from September 1 to November 30, 2026. The entire afternoon tea is gluten-free and celebrates one of autumn’s most popular flavors in Japan: chestnuts. The menu combines Japanese and Western sweets, warm and chilled desserts, and a variety of textures. Highlights include Mont Blanc, chestnut yokan, a warm fondant chocolate dessert, and a soufflé cheesecake served with a dramatic smoky aroma. Even the scones are made with rice flour. They were so moist and satisfying that it was easy to forget they were gluten-free. It was a lovely autumn experience for mothers and daughters, couples, or friends looking for a slightly luxurious afternoon in Tokyo. Here is our detailed firsthand review. What Is The Kitano Hotel Tokyo’s Fragrant Chestnut Afternoon Tea? The Kitano Hotel Tokyo is a luxury hotel in Hirakawacho, Tokyo, and a member of Relais & Châteaux. Once you enter the hotel, you are welcomed by an airy lobby and a calm, refined interior. The afternoon tea is served at Tea Lounge Kafu on the second floor. The lounge includes a Japanese-style tea space, and outside the windows you can see bamboo, creating a quiet atmosphere that almost makes you forget you are in central Tokyo. The Fragrant Chestnut Afternoon Tea features several desserts made with chestnuts, including Mont Blanc, chestnut yokan, a warm fondant-style choux dessert, and a cheesecake served with smoky aromas. Seasonal fruits such as grapes and pears are ...

Buffet/Afternoontea Japan Tokyo

2026/9/27

InterContinental Tokyo Bay Afternoon Tea with Bacha Coffee: Review & Menu

A gorgeous afternoon tea featuring Bacha Coffee, the traditional coffee brand originating in Marrakech, Morocco, is coming to InterContinental Tokyo Bay from September 15 to November 16, 2026. This time, the Kanreki Travel editorial team was invited to experience the Autumn Palace Afternoon Tea with Bacha Coffee at the New York Lounge on the first floor of the hotel. Our editor-in-chief, Mamarin, who is in her 60s, was especially impressed. “This may be the most beautiful afternoon tea I’ve ever experienced!” It is a wonderful option for birthdays, anniversaries, a special mother-daughter outing, or simply a day when you want to give someone an experience rather than a physical gift. In this article, I’ll share our firsthand experience, the full menu, drinks, prices and the special plans we found most appealing. What Is the Autumn Palace Afternoon Tea with Bacha Coffee? The theme of the Autumn Palace Afternoon Tea with Bacha Coffee is “an elegant autumn moment in a Marrakech palace.” Bacha Coffee, which first arrived in Japan in 2025, is a coffee brand originating in Marrakech, Morocco. This limited-time afternoon tea combines the fragrance of Bacha Coffee with seasonal autumn flavors such as chestnut, pear and Shine Muscat grapes. Bacha Coffee specializes in 100% Arabica coffee sourced from renowned coffee-growing regions around the world. Four different coffees are featured throughout the afternoon tea: Sidamo Mountain Coffee, 1910 Coffee, Seville Orange Coffee and Autumn Holiday Coffee. A Luxurious Escape at InterContinental Tokyo Bay InterContinental Tokyo Bay is a luxury hotel in Takeshiba, Tokyo, where you ...

Japan Tokyo

2026/9/16

The Peninsula Tokyo Peter Bar Afternoon Tea Review: Champagne & Skyline Views

We experienced the weekday-only Mini Afternoon Tea with Champagne at Peter, the bar located on the top floor of The Peninsula Tokyo in Marunouchi. With beautiful views toward Ginza and Shiodome, you can enjoy savory bites and sweets together with champagne in a refined setting designed for adults. It is an elegant and relaxing way to spend an afternoon in Tokyo. In this article, we share our firsthand experience, including the menu, drinks, price, portion size, and reservation details. Compared with a traditional afternoon tea served on a large three-tier stand, this version is more compact. So if you are wondering, “How much food is there?” “Is it enough for lunch?” or “What do you get for ¥7,500?” this review should help. Our Review of the Mini Afternoon Tea at Peter, The Peninsula Tokyo This is the view from Peter, located on the top floor of The Peninsula Tokyo. The skyline toward Ginza and Shiodome stretches out in front of you, and the open, beautiful city view is one of the biggest attractions. The modern interior features an illuminated art installation that looks almost holographic, giving the space a sophisticated feel. At the same time, the atmosphere is quiet and calm. My first impression was that this is a place where adults can truly slow down and relax. It feels very different from a lively or crowded afternoon tea venue. This is the full Mini Afternoon Tea with Champagne. Instead of a traditional large three-tier stand, each item is carefully presented in elegant black lacquer-style ...

Japan Oita

2026/9/15

5 Cool Places to Visit in Oita, Japan in Summer

“Oita is famous for hot springs, but isn’t summer too hot for onsen?” That question from our editor-in-chief Mamarin inspired us to look for cool and refreshing places to enjoy in Oita Prefecture. Oita is known as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations, but not every hot spring is hot. You can also find refreshingly cool hot springs, including a 32°C naturally carbonated outdoor bath. And there is much more than onsen. From limestone caves and mountain scenery to dolphin experiences and ropeways, Oita has plenty of places where you can enjoy a cooler side of Japan. Here are five refreshing places in Oita that are also easy to enjoy for travelers in their 60s. Tsukumi Dolphin Island｜Meet and Swim with Dolphins in Tsukumi If swimming with dolphins has always been on your wish list, Tsukumi Dolphin Island is a fun place to visit. Located in Tsukumi City, this ocean-side attraction offers dolphin performances, trainer experiences, feeding programs, and even “Swim with Dolphins” experiences. Compared with similar attractions near Tokyo, the prices also feel relatively accessible. If you do not want to start with a more active experience, you can simply watch the dolphins or try feeding them first. Then, depending on your energy level and comfort, you can gradually try more interactive programs. The dolphin feeding experience is ¥500 per cup. One of the most memorable experiences here is taking a boat ride while dolphins swim right beside you. It feels very different from watching them from a platform. You can see ...

Japan Kanagawa

2026/10/11

Aura Tachibana Hakone Review: Private Onsen, Kaiseki Dining & Romancecar Access

If you are looking for an easy Hakone getaway from Tokyo by Romancecar, this is a ryokan worth considering. It is especially suitable for adult mother-and-daughter trips, multigenerational family trips, and international travelers looking for a relaxing Japanese onsen experience. This time, we stayed at Aura Tachibana, a hot spring ryokan in Hakone. Hakone was busy with both Japanese and international visitors during our August trip. In this review, we will share our experience traveling from Shinjuku by Romancecar, as well as the guest room, private open-air bath, dinner, breakfast, and public onsen. Hakone is also a popular destination for mother-and-daughter trips and multigenerational family travel. We saw many families traveling together during our stay. If you are planning a relaxing Hakone trip, we hope this review helps you choose where to stay. Tokyo to Hakone in About 75 Minutes by Romancecar We traveled from Shinjuku to Hakone by Romancecar. Even during the busy August travel season, we were able to purchase reserved seats online the day before our trip, which was very convenient. We purchased our tickets here: Odakyu Romancecar Online Booking You can book without creating an account. The seats were comfortable, and power outlets made it easy to charge a phone or laptop during the journey. However, when we sat in Seat D by the window, the afternoon sunlight was quite strong. Even with the curtain closed, some light still came through. For an afternoon departure from Shinjuku, we personally preferred the A and B side, which had less direct sunlight during ...

Japan Tokyo

2026/9/16

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Hokkaido Buffet 2026: Dinner Review

At Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, the seasonal Hokkaido Fair is being held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from July 3 to September 27, 2026. The buffet brings together a wide range of specialties inspired by Hokkaido, including Hokkaido beef roast beef, Kushiro-style kattedon seafood bowls, Sapporo soup curry, Sapporo miso ramen, and Asahikawa soy sauce ramen. It is a fun way to enjoy many different flavors of northern Japan without leaving Tokyo. We visited the dinner buffet and tried as many dishes as possible. Here is our firsthand review of the 2026 Hokkaido Fair at GARDEN DINING. GARDEN DINING at Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is one of the landmark hotels in Tokyo’s Odaiba area. The Hokkaido Fair is served at GARDEN DINING, a bright and spacious buffet restaurant filled with natural light and greenery. The tables are comfortably spaced, so the restaurant feels relaxed rather than crowded. Sofa seating can also be convenient for families traveling with younger children. Highlights of the 2026 Hokkaido Fair Buffet We tried many of the main dishes at the Hokkaido Fair. There was everything from scallops and roast beef to seafood bowls, ramen, and soup curry. Hokkaido Vegetable Cheese Fondue One of the new dishes for 2026 was Hokkaido vegetable cheese fondue. Guests can choose vegetables and sausages and dip them into the creamy cheese sauce. We especially liked the Hokkaido vegetables, including young corn and asparagus. My favorite was the asparagus. Grilled Hokkaido Scallops with Butter Soy Sauce The grilled Hokkaido scallops ...

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