Tag Archives: Itadakimasu

Japan: Hakone Suishoen

  

Konichiwa Hakone!

Onsen Adventure

Bye bye Tokyo crowd and frantic pace! What a joy to be in Hakone nature! Two hours from Tokyo: after the train, we take the bus and stop in the middle of nowhere. Then a black limousine, driven by the concierge who will take care of us during our stay, drops us off at the Hakone Suishoen ryokan. There is worse as arrival, isn’t it? 

In the duplex suite, we enjoy our private onsen (thermal bath) overlooking the forest. The modern bathroom is really convenient. The wood walls and panels of the bedroom and living room adding a warm cocooning touch.

On the ground floor, the small terrace with a lazy hammock, opens on high pine trees. Green color everywhere! In a drawer, a guide explaining how to properly adjust your yukata. So I take the opportunity to put on a superb yukata! Both comfortable and so elegant! 

      

Heritage

Lovely Surprise

At the center of the different buildings, a traditional house dating from 1925, is listed as a “Registered Cultural Property” by the Japanese government (photos below). Inside, there is the great Momiji restaurant, as well as a bar with a cosy atmosphere. I have the feeling of being in a movie of the early twentieth century.

  

The dinner

The Elegance

If you are an esthete, you will be more than happy! The elegance by the finesse of flavors and the refinement of presentation. All is said! Unfortunately, I lost my notes with the name of the discreet chef. Thank you also to our concierge, a young woman who explained us with patience and kindness, the composition each dish in every detail. 

Itadakimasu!

      

Nos petits déjeuners

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Hakone Suishoen

Planning your trip with Exclusif Voyages

Flying to Japan : direct flights from Brussels & Paris with ANA

Related articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks to Exclusif Voyages, Ryokan Collection and all the team of the Hakone Suishoen, for this beautiful invitation. As always theses are my opnions.

Japon: Hakone Suishoen

  

Konichiwa Hakone!

L’aventure onsen

Oubliés, la foule et le rythme effréné de Tokyo! Quel bonheur de nous retrouver en pleine nature à Hakone! A deux heures de Tokyo : après une partie du trajet en train, nous prenons le bus. Descendons à un arrêt au milieu de nulle part. Puis une limousine noire, conduite par le concierge qui s’occupera de nous durant notre séjour, nous dépose au ryokan Hakone Suishoen. Il y a pire comme arrivée (lol).

Dans la suite en duplex, nous profitons de notre onsen (bain thermal) privé avec vue sur la forêt. A l’exception de la salle de bain moderne, les murs et panneaux de la chambre et salon sont en bois, ajoutant un côté cocooning et réconfortant à l’ensemble.

La petite terrasse au rez de chaussée, avec un paresseux hamac, s’ouvre sur de longilignes conifères : des pins. Le vert prédomine. Dans un tiroir, un guide expliquant comment bien ceinturer son yukata. Et j’en profite pour enfiler un superbe yukata! A la fois confortable et tellement élégant! 

      

Patrimoine

Belle surprise

Au centre des différents bâtiments : une maison traditionnelle datant de 1925, répertoriée comme un “Bien Culturel Enregistré” par le gouvernement japonais (photos ci-dessous). Où se trouvent l’excellent restaurant Momiji, ainsi qu’un bar à l’atmosphère feutrée. On se croirait dans un film d’époque, début du XX e siècle. 

  

Le dîner

L’élégance

Si vous êtes esthète, vous serez comblé! L’élégance par la finesse des saveurs et le raffinement de la présentation. Tout est dit! Malheureusement, j’ai perdu mes notes avec le nom du discret chef. Merci aussi à notre concierge, une jeune femme qui nous a expliqué avec patience et gentillesse, la composition chaque plat dans les moindres détails.

Itadakimasu!

      

Nos petits déjeuners

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Hakone Suishoen

Organiser son voyage avec Exclusif Voyages

Se rendre au Japon : vols directs depuis Bruxelles & Paris avec ANA

Autres articles : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Un grand merci à Exclusif Voyages, à Ryokan Collection et à toute l’équipe du ryokan Hakone Suishoen pour cette superbe invitation. Comme toujours ce sont mes opinions.

Four amazing restaurants in Tokyo

TOKYO CITY GUIDE : RESTAURANTS / DINNER

Tokyo-Japan-Restaurant-Keyakizaka-Grand Hyatt Tokyo-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Keyakizaka

is one of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo‘s restaurants. This innovative Teppanyaki (literally “grilled on iron sheet”) features fresh seasonal meats, seafood and vegetables. The cuisine is a meeting between Japan and the world. I’m not a gourmet, but I can recognize an amazing quality of food. The cooking respects the original flavours of ingredients. Everything is light and tasteful, so perfect, including the dishes presentation. The atmosphere of the Keyakizaka is chic and laid back, with a cosmopolite young crowd. More: HERE.

DISTRICT: ROPPONGI HILLS

Kozue

Tokyo-Japan-Restaurant-Kozue-Park Hyatt Tokyo-Fuji San View-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

I was invited for a dinner at the 40th floor restaurant of the Park Hyatt Tokyo (yes, the famous hotel of “Lost in Translation”!), Kozue. I really enjoyed the delicious Japanese cooking and the fantastic view of Fuji San and Tokyo! Could you imagine eating in front of  Fuji San? This is an outstanding culinary experience. I also had a huge crush for the superb earthenware plates and dishes created by craftsmen throughout Japan. Beautiful dinner. More: HERE

DISTRICT: SHINJUKU 

Design Festa Gallery & Café 

Tokyo-Japan-Restaurant-Design-Festa-Gallery-Cafe-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Two friends brought me in this crazy space (very organized too): the Design Festa Gallery & Café. This gallery building looks like an arty squatt with a café-restaurant. Exciting paintings on walls. Uplifting vibe, we felt so comfortable. The speciality: Okonomiyake that you cook on the hotplate in the center of tables. Well to be honest, I‘ve never liked Okonomiyake (lol), especially the Japanese mayonnaise. But I have to post a video showing how to cook it, because everybody loves Okonomiyake and I’m sure you will!

DISTRICT: HARAJUKU

Small Alley Near JR Shibuya Station

Tokyo-Japan-Restaurant-Shibuya Small Alley-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

As recommended by the insider, Dan Ushikubo, I went to “a very small alley near the main exit of the JR Shibuya station, where salary men drink sake and have dinner after work. Less famous, but very local”. I had a dinner with a westerner friend, expat in Tokyo, in a tiny restaurant: great experience! The food was okay (lots of tofu). Go there for the local vibe! More: HERE.

DISTRICT: SHIBUYA

Itadakimasu: bon appetit!

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2014, tous droits réservés.

I was a guest of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo and Park Hyatt Tokyo. Do I need to mention that all my opinions are mine? Yes they are!

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