I spent time in Sengokuhara, Hakone in early summer.Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone SengokuharaMy stay at "[location]" is almost over.
The more enjoyable a trip is, the faster time seems to pass.
Even after finishing breakfast, I wanted to savor the tranquil atmosphere unique to this inn until the very end, so I strolled around the building and admired the artwork. The hotel displays numerous works by Japanese painter Masakazu Goma, and walking down the corridors felt like I was touring an art museum. I felt that the time spent contemplating the thoughts and words embedded in each piece, rather than just seeing them as mere decoration, was a unique charm of this inn.
Among them, the works that left the deepest impression on me were those with the phrase "Heaven rewards diligence." This phrase means "Heaven rewards those who work hard." The teachings contained within it are all important lessons that seem obvious but are not so obvious, and they are teachings that I want to engrave in my heart as I reflect on this journey.
Stopping in front of the artwork and rereading the thoughts embedded in the words, it's a moment that quietly reminds you of important things that you tend to forget in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
From there, you can step into the courtyard, where the sunshine feels wonderful. The garden in the center of the building is overflowing with lush new greenery, and a refreshing breeze of early summer blows through it.
I enjoyed a leisurely morning stroll along the promenade, which I had walked along several times during my stay, listening to the rustling of leaves in the trees, and savoring the peaceful atmosphere with Chocolat.
After enjoying a stroll in the courtyard, we decided to spend the time before check-out relaxing in our room. Check-out time at Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone Sengokuhara is 11:00 AM. It's nice that there's no need to rush to get ready after breakfast, allowing you to fully enjoy the lingering memories of your stay.
Outside the window, the fresh greenery is bathed in the morning sun. On the balcony, enveloped in a pleasant tranquility, it feels as if time itself has slowed down. A refreshing breeze blows through, and I relax alongside Chocolat, gazing at the view. My husband and I reminisce about our trip and enjoy casual conversation... It's a peaceful time that brings contentment without needing to do anything special.
Since we had a room with a private open-air bath, we made the most of it and enjoyed the hot springs to the very last moment. Having already gotten ready, we enjoyed a footbath while breathing in the crisp Hakone air. As we warmed up slowly, enveloped in the warmth of the water, the early summer scenery we gazed upon was exceptional, and it was such a pleasant feeling that we wished time would stop right then and there.
One of the joys before checking out is choosing souvenirs to take home as mementos of our trip.
The hotel shop offers a wide variety of souvenirs, including original hotel products and items typical of Hakone.
"Beni Takosen" and "Takowasabi," which are also placed as welcome sweets in the rooms and are popular as Hakone souvenirs, and also from the popular shop "Grand Rivière HakoneYou can also purchase rusks and other items here.
I've bought these hot spring steamed buns with Hakone marquetry designs before, and I highly recommend them as they really capture the essence of Hakone.
As a special gift for someone special, or as a memento for yourself, you'll find a pair of cut glass glasses modeled after Mount Fuji, as well as lucky charms like gold and silver crane chopstick rests, and even alcoholic beverages such as wine and craft gin.
I'll introduce the souvenirs I bought this time in more detail later in an Instagram Reels video.
Since I had paid in advance, I paid the hot spring tax, additional charges, and souvenir costs, and then checked out.
Finally, to the manager who took care of meRyota SuganumaI took a commemorative photo with Mr. [Name]. Looking back,Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone SengokuharaThe time spent at [Hotel Name] was a wonderful blend of a hot spring inn, the openness of a resort hotel, and the cultural charm of an art museum. This Hakone trip, where I was able to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and slowly rejuvenate my mind and body, was truly a "healing stay for adults." As I left the hotel with a heavy heart, it was a warm and high-quality Hakone experience that made me want to visit again in a different season.
Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone Sengokuhara
Address: 817-444 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631
TEL: 0120-489-166
https://www.morinokaze-hakone-sengokuhara.com/
