熱海の海を一望できる絶景カフェ｜お腹も心も満たされる日帰りクリスマスデート

A beautifully sunny and pleasant holiday. Today, I've come to Atami. My destination is here: "ACAO FOREST". It's a garden on a hill overlooking Atami's ocean, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers, herbs, and beautiful scenery. The garden also has lovely cafes and restaurants. Since it's around lunchtime, I first head to the restaurant "CODA ROSSA". Here, you can enjoy a lunch buffet on weekends and holidays. The dishes are vibrant and make abundant use of local ingredients from Izu. At first, I thought these were beautiful decorations... but they're actually edible roasted vegetables! 🍴 Even the appetizers are so tempting that I can't decide where to start. The selection of main dishes, including pasta, meats, and pizzas, is just as diverse. You can also enjoy freshly baked hot pizza from the pizza oven. I was completely distracted by the array of food, but the view from my seat is also incredibly luxurious…! All the seats have an ocean view! Delicious food while gazing at the sea. Each bite is so authentic that I can't help but exclaim "Delicious!" with every mouthful. We kept recommending dishes to each other, saying things like, "This is so good!" "Try this one too!" Even though we were both stuffed, we kept going back for more…🫠 This store will be renovated from December 7th. During the evening, it will transform into a casual, homey trattoria, like a public dining hall, where you can drop by anytime. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back to try it. Next, we take the shuttle bus within the garden to the hill where the garden and cafes are located. While waiting for the bus, I take a few pictures at a Christmas-themed photo spot ✴︎ Once we get off the bus, we head straight to ACAO FOREST's main attraction: the "English Rose Garden". The autumn roses and other flowers bloom gracefully, filling the garden with an elegant fragrance. Walking through this serene atmosphere, I feel so at peace… There was also this adorable photo spot~ 🏠 This is the popular "Flying Swing". It's a swing where you can feel like you're soaring toward the sea. It almost feels like I could fly off into the sky… 🕊️ I can't remember the last time I swung with such excitement. There were several photo spots where you can take pictures with the ocean as a backdrop. Next, we visit a cafe called "COEDA HOUSE". It has the silhouette of a giant tree. This cafe was designed by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan's most renowned architects. As the name "COEDA" suggests, the center of the cafe has columns made of small branches stacked together, symbolizing the beautiful message: "People gather under trees". The showcase is filled with delightful sweets. Each one is tempting, and I have a hard time deciding which one to pick… This is the "Bûche de Noël", available only during the Christmas season 🎄 The rich chocolate cream and tangy raspberries are a perfect match! And this is the "ATAMI Orange Cheesecake". Made with locally grown oranges from Atami, the cheesecake is rich yet refreshing, and I couldn't stop taking bite after bite. On the ocean deck, which offers a panoramic view of Atami's sea, there is a huge Christmas tree that's many times taller than me! Against the backdrop of a sky and ocean slowly turning orange, the red tree is simply stunning. It's hard to sum up the beauty of the scene with just one word like "pretty". It's truly moving. I also take a walk through the Japanese garden, where the world's largest bonsai, the "Phoenix Pine", stands. I also visited the "Soga Asama Shrine", which symbolizes family, marriage, and friendship. The shrine's symbol is a torii gate made of mirror, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. It's meant to reflect away impurities and evil spirits, bringing good health and wellbeing. In keeping with the flower-filled theme of ACAO FOREST, there were ema (wooden plaques) decorated with sakura and rose designs available for purchase. Lastly, I visit "nagisArt café". Originally based in Atami's Nagisamachi, the cafe will be relocating to ACAO FOREST starting December 26. Though it's not officially open yet, I had the chance to visit early. The owner, who loves antiques, has created a charming interior filled with items that reflect their personal taste. The sparkle of glass, the warmth of wood, the luster of brass, and the soft texture of pottery… The various materials harmonize beautifully, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind space. Enjoying coffee while gazing at the sea, which looks so different from the day, I try a shortcake decorated with jewel-like fruits. The fluffy, light sponge and smooth cream make it a treat that brings a smile to my face. And then there's the rich, decadent chocolate cake with a slightly crumbly outside and moist inside. I also try the Atami lemon confiture from ACAO FOREST, which pairs wonderfully with the cake. The perfect balance of tartness and subtle bitterness enhances the richness of the cake and sweet cream—so delicious…! 🍋 Desserts, drinks, utensils, and the space itself, Every detail shows deep care and dedication, and I can feel the passion that's been poured into it all. When I'm surrounded by such heartfelt things, it makes my own heart feel warm. Thank you for such a wonderful time!