As autumn deepens, the Kanto region is coming alive in full color with vibrant foliage everywhere. During this beautiful autumn season, we visited Hakone, one of Japan’s most beloved travel destinations. It’s an easy trip from Tokyo, surrounded by mountains, rich nature, and peaceful scenery. Because of its accessibility and beauty, Hakone attracts visitors from all over the world.
The reason we came to Hakone was to visit Naraya Café.
The café is part of a charming complex created by renovating a group of buildings over 50 years old. This Naraya space now includes a cafe, an onsen footbath, a small gallery, a shop, and even a sauna. Everywhere you go, you can admire the beautiful mountain views that define Hakone’s landscape.
The atmosphere feels like a hidden retreat.
One of the highlights is that you can enjoy your tea while soaking your feet in the onsen footbath.
In the café, they serve matcha we offers. I enjoyed the matcha latte with their signature monaka（最中）, a traditional Japanese sweet. They originally started offering matcha because it goes so well with the monaka. Besides matcha, the café offers a variety of teas, sweets, and light meals.
In the sauna, they use roasted hojicha for the löyly steam, creating a relaxing atmosphere.They also host workshops onsusuricha,a special style of enyoing tea without a teapot(kyusu), where you sip through the small gap between the tea cup and its lid.
You might get lucky and come across such a special experience when you visit. For more details, check their website.
Naraya café Information
Address: Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo, Hakone, Miyanoshita 404-13 [Google Maps ]
Official site: information in Japanese. http://naraya-cafe.com/en/
Today's Recommendations
Matcha
#0971.K2 Matsuda Seicha: Yachiyo - Naturally Grown Kagoshima Matcha, Premium Barista Grade
You can make Anko (Sweet red bean paste) easily with this powder.
Hokkaido Azuki Bean Powder for Red Bean Paste, Kyo no Kanbutsuya 京の乾物屋 北海道産小豆 あずきあん
Japanese Sweets Recipes
Nama Yatsuhashi (Famous confectionary of Kyoto) Recipe
Anko, Japanese Sweet Red Bean Paste, Recipe
