🛍️ Lake Hamana Warm Forest (Forest of Passion)

Hamanako Warm Forest is nestled within the forests near Lake Hamanako, exuding a romantic charm reminiscent of medieval Europe. The moment you step onto this land, it feels as if you've inadvertently walked into a fairy tale world described in a picture book. The late architect Shigeru Sasaki spent over 20 years personally crafting this warm and dreamy sanctuary. Using stone cottages similar to those found in England's most beautiful village, Bibury, and antique furniture sourced from Europe, he created an atmosphere akin to a medieval European village. The various specialty shops scattered throughout the forest have unique appearances, resembling the charming cottages found in fairy tales. Among them are houses that look like watermills and those shaped like mushrooms. This place is also a popular spot for taking romantic wedding photos. Within the small village filled with fairy tale cottages, there are several restaurants where you can enjoy exquisite dishes made with local ingredients. One of them is a French restaurant run by Chef Terada, known for its creative French cuisine that is very popular. The chef actively inquires about diners' food allergies and taste preferences to select ingredients and cooking methods, ensuring that every guest can dine with peace of mind. Due to limited seating, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. Among them, the "Forest Cheesecake House" is a famous dessert shop in the Warm Forest, with the cheesecake being the top recommendation. The desserts here use locally sourced fruits and vegetables along with cream cheese from Hokkaido, all handcrafted by artisans in the workshop. The desserts from the cake shop can also be purchased online. The small village also features an ice cream shop, a spice shop, a grocery store, and well-maintained gardens. Additionally, visitors celebrating their birthday on the day of their visit can enter for free, allowing them to spend an unforgettable birthday celebration in this fairy tale-like world.

It exudes the romantic charm of medieval Europe. Antique European furniture and stone cottages are scattered throughout the forest. There is a seasonal set menu prepared by a French chef. Bottled cheesecake made from local fruits and vegetables is also very popular.