Afternoon Tea Set at Fujiyama Hotel Lounge (12 PM Limited)

After visiting Fujiyama Hotel, Japan's first Western-style hotel and a cultural heritage site located in Hakone, back in 2014, I returned 11 years later. This time, my itinerary included stops in Incheon, Kagoshima, Tokyo, Yokohama, and Odawara, culminating in a one-night, two-day stay. To reach the hotel via public transportation, you can take the mountain train from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Miyanoshita Station, followed by a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, buses from Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station drop you off right at the hotel entrance. Remembering the steep incline near Miyanoshita Station, I opted for the bus from Odawara Station this time. I had reserved the exclusive Afternoon Tea set, which is available only once a day at precisely 12 PM. Upon arrival, I was struck by how the scenery from the village entrance to the hotel remained unchanged from 11 years ago. Nostalgia washed over me as I entered through the main gate, checked in under my reservation, and was guided to the restaurant. The lounge is located next to the reception area in the main building. During my previous stay, I had stayed in a room in this very building, which dates back to 1891 (Meiji 24). The hotel comprises four buildings, with the main building being the oldest. I was seated by the window, offering a stunning view of the Flower Palace (Hanagoten), a symbol of Hakone and a masterpiece of Japanese architecture. The weather was perfect, making the scenery even more breathtaking. The Afternoon Tea began with a welcome tea—a sweet hojicha-based blend. The set included five savory items, nine sweets, and two types of scones served on a separate plate. Having fond memories of the hotel's heavenly bakery from my previous stay, my expectations were high, and I was not disappointed. The savory dishes were impeccable, and the scones paired with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam were delightful. The tea selection was diverse, featuring brands like BETJEMAN & BARTON, Ronnefeldt, and Nina's Tea, as well as exclusive green teas sourced from Yoshida Tea Garden in Ibaraki Prefecture and Kakegawa in Shizuoka Prefecture. The hotel also offers various coffee options, including decaf. I was thrilled to rediscover BETJEMAN & BARTON tea, which I first encountered at Okura Tokyo two years ago. The sweets were melt-in-your-mouth delicious, reminiscent of the unforgettable flavors I experienced 11 years ago. The bakery's excellence is unmatched, and I left with a renewed confidence in its quality. Unfortunately, I only had an hour to enjoy the tea, which limited the number of cups I could try. The lounge allows for a leisurely 2.5-hour experience, but I had a flight to catch from Shizuoka Airport in 5.5 hours. I managed to enjoy four cups of tea, including the welcome tea. For those visiting next, I recommend trying Nina's Tea, as well as the teas from Ibaraki and Shizuoka. Thank you for the wonderful experience. ※ The tea ware used at Fujiyama Hotel is exclusively crafted by Noritake's Okura Art China, akin to the prestige of Toyota's Lexus. This detail underscores the hotel's grandeur.