Hakone Italian Restaurant "Hakone Retreat före": An Italian restaurant in a resort hotel surrounded by the forests of Sengokuhara.

In mid-May, after the Golden Week hustle and bustle had subsided and the fresh greenery was beginning to shine even more beautifully, I set off on a "first summer dog trip" with my beloved dog, Chocolat, drawn by the crisp air and gentle early summer breeze. I drove my Maserati along the way, a leisurely three-hour drive from Hamamatsu. Along the way, we stopped at the Fujikawa Service Area (upbound) for a bathroom break for Chocolat. Enjoying the view of the majestic Mt. Fuji in the crisp early summer air was one of the highlights of this trip, and we safely arrived at our destination, Sengokuhara.

“Experience the luxury of doing nothing at "Hakone Retreat före".

The place I visited this time is a hidden resort for adults, nestled in the lush forest of Sengokuhara, Hakone.Hakone Retreat före / Faure". Actually, I had stopped by this place once before during my last winter trip to Hakone. The winter forest scenery, enveloped in silence, was very impressive, and we talked about how it would surely be lovely in the season of fresh greenery. And now, on this early summer trip to Hakone, the trees are covered in lush green, a gentle breeze blows through the forest, and it shows a completely different face from winter. Even though it is the same place, the atmosphere changes with the seasons, and I am once again reminded of the unique charm of a Hakone retreat that is in harmony with nature.

“"Före" is a Swedish word meaning "before the flow" or "origin." As the name suggests, a quiet time flows here, allowing you to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rediscover your own natural rhythm.

Despite being located in the popular tourist destination of Hakone, stepping onto the grounds reveals not the typical hustle and bustle of a tourist spot, but the tranquility of a forest. The rustling of trees, the chirping of birds, the scent of a gentle breeze—this is a special place where you can slowly experience the healing power of nature with all your senses.

A space that resonates with the forest, a place to unwind.

The grounds are dotted with spaces that gently soothe the senses, such as warm guest rooms reminiscent of Scandinavian lodges, a lounge designed to blend seamlessly with nature, and a terrace where you can relax around a bonfire. Every corner is refined, yet never pretentious. I felt that the greatest charm of this place is the comfortable feeling of being able to be yourself. It's a place you'll want to visit not "to do something," but "simply to be here." It feels like such a luxurious time flows here.

Enjoy lunch at "WOODSIDE dining" while overlooking the forest.

Our main objective this time is the restaurant located on the premisesWOODSIDE9」。

A half-dome restaurant nestled in the forest. Through its large windows, you can see the forest scenery that changes with the seasons. You'll be enveloped in a sense of openness, as if you were dining in nature itself. The interior is a natural modern space with the warmth of wood. The relaxed atmosphere is comfortable, and a space awaits you where you can forget about time and relax at your leisure.

The spacious main dining area, with its high ceilings and open layout, seats 66 people and is bathed in soft natural light streaming through large windows, creating a tranquil atmosphere that makes you feel as if you're blending into a forest. The warm wood flooring and natural-colored interior create a comfortable and sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance. Artwork displayed by the windows and soft lighting add to the space, creating a natural modern dining area that harmonizes with the nature of Hakone.

The open kitchen allows you to feel the lively atmosphere as the food is being prepared, creating a pleasant mix of tranquility and liveliness.

This restaurant is open for lunch only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and reservations are required. They offer wood-fired hamburgers, grilled seasonal fish, and special desserts, all made with seasonal ingredients mainly from the Suruga area.

The dish I had this time was the "Pasta Lunch Course," which is a casual and enjoyable option, priced at 3,080 yen.

Grilled vegetable salad, choice of pasta, two types of bread, plum jelly paired with fruit, and coffee or tea.

We were able to spend time with our dog, Chocolat, on the terrace where a pleasant breeze was blowing. Although it was a sunny day, the temperature was a comfortable 24℃, and we enjoyed a relaxing time while looking at the greenery of the trees. The open space surrounded by nature felt as comfortable as staying at a summer resort. Since there is no roof or parasol on the terrace, it is best to visit during mild seasons such as spring, early summer, or autumn. You may need to be a little careful on sunny days in midsummer or when it is raining.

"Adult Ginger Ale 'Extra Spicy'" made with ginger syrup from "Kohodo" that is infused with the aroma of 9 kinds of spices.

First, we tried the ginger ale recommended by the staff. It's from a ginger ale specialty shop in Kudan, Tokyo.KohodoIt is made using a ginger syrup made with nine kinds of spices. You can choose from mild, spicy, or extra spicy, but this time I ordered the "extra spicy" version with a strong ginger flavor. With one sip, the stimulating sensation of ginger and the aroma of spices spread all at once, giving me a feeling of being refreshed from the inside out. It paired perfectly with the refreshing air of the new greenery, and it was a delicious taste that could only be enjoyed in this location. This ginger syrup is also sold at the "cafe & lounge" on the premises.

I decided to compare it to regular ginger ale.

Ginger Ale 990 yen x 2

The pasta lunch course was more satisfying than I expected.

There are many wonderful shops in the Hakone area, but it's rare to find a place where you can spend such a comfortable time with your dog in such a high-quality space surrounded by nature. It's only open on weekends and holidays, but I'm so glad that the timing worked out with our travel dates.

 

"Grilled vegetable salad"

Enjoy a colorful and well-balanced selection of grilled vegetables and leafy greens cooked over a wood fire.

"Two kinds of bread"

We offer two types of bread: baguette and ciabatta. They are served with butter cream, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Your dog can sit nicely in the dog cart, allowing you to enjoy a fun time with them. We hope that by following proper etiquette, more places will become dog-friendly in the future.

The glassware, sparkling in the early summer sunlight, adds a refreshing touch to the table. The fresh vegetables are beautifully reflected in the transparent dishes, creating a visually refreshing plate. The careful presentation, which even captures the atmosphere of the season, conveys the delicate hospitality unique to this place. Combined with the natural light streaming onto the white tablecloth, it creates a feeling of comfort as if you are experiencing early summer itself.

For pasta, I chose "Penne with Lemon Cream," which uses my favorite lemon, and the classic "Spaghetti Bolognese."

Penne with lemon cream

The lemon cream penne offers a delightful combination of refreshing acidity and creamy sauce, making it a dish you can enjoy to the very last bite.

Spaghetti Bolognese

The Bolognese was a classic, delicious dish with a perfect balance of tomato acidity and minced meat flavor.

This location, this space, and this quality at this price – it's a highly satisfying restaurant for lunch in the Hakone area.

The warm hospitality of the staff was also impressive, creating a comfortable atmosphere that naturally made me want to visit again. Among them was a staff member who had come to Japan from Nepal and had been working here for a long time. They spoke fluent Japanese and provided courteous service, and their gentle personality and meticulous attention to detail made me feel the warmth of this place even more. While it is a sophisticated space, you can feel the warmth of the people, and this comfortable atmosphere may be one of the reasons why this place is so beloved.

"Plum jelly paired with fruit"

For dessert after the meal, we recommend the "Plum Jelly with Fruit." The beautifully translucent jelly is adorned with a colorful array of fresh fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, creating a refreshing dish perfect for early summer. The plum jelly, with its gentle acidity and understated sweetness, offers a refined flavor that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. The smooth, rich ice cream, combined with the juiciness of the fruit, creates a light and refreshing dessert, a fitting conclusion to the course.

"coffee"

After the meal, enjoy a moment of relaxation while savoring a fragrant cup of coffee.

Spending time gazing at the lush greenery spread out before me and feeling the pleasant breeze was truly the epitome of "the luxury of doing nothing." Forgetting the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I quietly rejuvenated my mind and body in nature, enjoying a peaceful lunch that is uniquely Hakone.

To prevent Chocolat from getting too hot, we moved her to a shady spot away from the sun, and she finally seemed to relax. Seeing her enjoying the breeze and relaxing with a peaceful expression on her face, it naturally soothed my own heart. I realized that this quiet space surrounded by fresh greenery is a comfortable place not only for people but also for beloved dogs.

A comfortable place that naturally makes you want to come back. Not a trip packed with sightseeing, but a trip to enjoy your stay and rejuvenate your mind and body in nature. Hakone Retreat is a place that those seeking such a trip should definitely visit. Next, on the premises...cafe & lounge"fart.

Hakone Retreat före / Faure
WOODSIDE9
Address: 1286-116 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631
TEL: 0460-83-9090
Breakfast: 7:30 – 10:00 (Last order 9:30)
Dinner: 17:30 – 19:20 and 19:45 – 22:00 (Last order 21:30)
Weekend Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 (Last Order 14:00) *Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (excluding New Year's Day)
https://www.hakone-retreat.com/