Luxury in Japan

I treated my parents a 5-day trip in Japan last week. Part of the itinerary is a stay at a traditional Japanese onsen in Hakone. This is not their first time visiting Hakone, but the main purpose of staying at an onsen is to enjoy the hot spring and kaiseki meal. I've done a lot of research on web and eventually took the recommendation of my local friend, I made the reservation at #1 rated onsen, Gora Kadan.

Everything comes with a price and this one is not an exception. With the price ranges between 55000yen to 75000 per person, it would easily cost more than 1000USD per night. The price range implies the difference in room size and facilities, and the kaiseki menu remains the same. The more expensive ones have better view, more spacious, bigger open-air bath, etc. I chose the mid-end one with a private stone open-air bath, just in case if they don't want to dip into a public hot spring.


All in all, they came back with a rave review of the onsen. The service was impeccable, their room had a gorgeous view, very spacious room that could fit 2 more people. The main highlight would be the two meals they had, one kaiseki dinner and one breakfast before they checked out. They praised the freshest seasonal dishes, everything was in the right portion, the homemade choya, tender beef steak, fatty otoro, toro fish ball, grilled fish, etc.. I would really love to spend a night there as well....

They brought back a lot of fruits for me to enjoy. These are my favorite, 巨峰 grapes. I love how the meat inside so tender and quickly transform into grape juice inside my mouth. The distinct aroma is almost like some fruity merlot, with sharper freshness and sweetness, with a hint of alcohol. The white powdery mold (not mold exactly) reminds me of a misty rain forest, that make me wonder how come they can be so naturally looking.