Atami's Hidden Gem: Kashi Besso's Moonlit Magic!
Atami's Kashi Besso: Moonlit Magic? More Like Moonlit… Complicated. A Review. (With LOTS of Details)
Okay, so I just got back from Kashi Besso in Atami, and honestly, I'm still processing the experience. This place is touted as a hidden gem, a slice of paradise, a… well, you get the picture. I’m here to be real, though, because let's face it, perfection is boring, and sometimes a little chaos makes a story. So, here’s the lowdown, warts and all, because you deserve the truth.
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Accessibility: The Uneven Path to Paradise
Let's start with the practical stuff because, for me, that's usually the make-or-break. I'll be brutally honest: Accessibility is… a mixed bag. They say they cater to disabled guests, which is promising. They’ve got an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. However, while they mentioned ‘facilities for disabled guests’ and even have some ‘handicapped-accessible rooms’, I didn't see detailed accessibility information on their website. More importantly, the general layout felt a bit… well, challenging. There are levels and steps EVERYWHERE. Cute, traditional, but not necessarily user-friendly for someone with mobility issues. I spent a LOT of time navigating (and occasionally bumping into) the beautifully carved wooden walkways. I definitely did not witness a wheelchair navigating the grounds. So, be warned. Double-check and call ahead if this is crucial for you.
The Good (Maybe): On-site restaurants and lounges
They have several dining options, I think. One is a formal Japanese restaurant (which, let’s be honest, felt intimidating), one a more casual place, and they offered room service. They also had a bar area, and the main lounge was BEAUTIFUL, with incredible views, especially at… well, you guessed it, MOONLIGHT.
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Food, Glorious, and Sometimes Confusing, Food
Right, let’s talk eating. The Asian breakfast was… an experience. I'm not usually a breakfast person, but I figured, "Japan! Everything will be amazing!" And some of it was. The miso soup was gorgeous. The grilled fish? Sublime. But then came things I couldn’t name and textures I wasn't always prepared for. (Honestly, I might have shrieked a little at the sea urchin. Just… texture issues, okay?)
I opted for the breakfast buffet a couple of times, which offered a decent range of choices. I'm no buffet expert, but I’m happy to give it kudos. It had the 'essentials' – which included bread, eggs and fruit. I'm fairly sure there was international cuisine on offer, based on some photos.
The restaurants themselves are… fancy. I’m talking starched white tablecloths, hushed tones, and a menu that required a degree in Japanese poetry to decipher. The a la carte options sound divine, but I'm not sure I always knew what I was ordering!
The happy hour in the bar was a definite highlight. The cocktails were STRONG, the views were stunning, and it was a perfect way to unwind after a day traipsing up and down those little steps.
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Things to Do and Ways to Relax: The Spa and the Steep Slopes
Okay, the ‘ways to relax’… THIS is where Kashi Besso shines. Emphasis on shines, despite the step situation.
The Spa: The spa itself? Honestly, probably the highlight of the whole trip. Several different treatment rooms, a sauna (glorious!), and a steamroom (perfectly steamy!). I went for a massage. They use traditional techniques, and the masseuse managed to work out knots I didn't even know I had. The body scrub was good too. Definitely book a treatment!
The Pool with a View: Sadly, I think they closed the swimming pool when I was there, I think. A pity - the view would have been worth it.
The Foot Bath: I did enjoy a foot bath. At least it was relaxing, despite the hills.
The Gym/Fitness: I peeked at the fitness center – it was small, but had enough equipment.
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Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-Era Concerns
Alright, let's get serious. The world is… you know. How does Kashi Besso handle the whole COVID thing?
I noticed they had a LOT of hand sanitizer stations and lots of sanitizing. They cleaned things ALL the time. They had daily disinfection in common areas. And, good news people, they had anti-viral cleaning products
Also, they had a few things to help make people feel safe with contactless check-in/out, individually-wrapped food options, and safe dining setup. It's what you'd expect these days.
They also have a doctor/nurse on call, and a first aid kit.
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Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the Pillows
My room? Available in all rooms? Let's see:
- Air conditioning – check!
- Free Wi-Fi – check! (and it worked!)
- A Mini-bar – check! (and expensive, but hey, it’s a mini-bar!)
The bed was extra long (a massive win for the taller among us), the blackout curtains were… well, blackout, perfect for sleeping off the jet lag (or the cocktails!). The small touches matter too: the bathrobes, the slippers, and the complimentary tea and coffee.
They even had in-room safe box.
My room was a non-smoking one, which was great.
The internet access – wireless was great too - it worked (mostly). Not a fan of the carpeting though.
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Oh Wait, Room for Improvement (and Some Imperfections)
Okay, time for the honest bits.
- I didn't notice the laptop workspace. Not even sure I saw a desk.
- They could have extra towels. And maybe more toiletries. I had to ask for extra.
- My view, while high floor, was okay - some of the views were amazing, but mine wasn't one.
- The reading light wasn’t great. I had to find a better source of light to read in the dark.
- The room decorations were a little… well, old. I was hoping for something more "wow".
- I didn't see a scale. (Maybe that's a good thing!)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Cash withdrawal, currency exchange and all that jazz, they have it.
- Daily housekeeping were impeccable. You'll notice that.
- They have a concierge. They were helpful. Laundry service, dry cleaning etc.
- Luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, elevator…all good.
- Car park [free of charge] is a win!
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For the Kids:
I’m not a parent, but I noticed they have babysitting service. They’re definitely family/child friendly.
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Getting Around:
- They have taxi service.
- Car park [on-site] is great.
- Unfortunately, no bicycle parking.
- I didn't see car power charging station.
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Overall Impression: Worth It? (Maybe, If You Know What You're Getting Into)
Kashi Besso is… a unique experience. It’s beautiful, it’s luxurious in parts, it’s relaxing, and the staff are incredibly polite.
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But, and this is a big but: it's not perfect.
If you're looking for a perfectly smooth, easily accessible stay, think twice. If you're seeking a modern,
Tres Marias Vila Nova de Milfontes: Portugal's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious mess that is my trip planning for Kashi Besso Seafront Moon and Sand, Atami, Japan. Forget your pristine, bullet-pointed itineraries – this is going to be a travel diary written while simultaneously wrestling a rogue octopus (metaphorically, of course, unless…). Wish me luck, I might need it.
Arrival - Holy Moly, I'm Actually Doing This! (And Navigating the Airport Jitters)
Day 1: The Pre-Trip Panic and Trans-Pacific Prayer Circle
- Morning: Wake up in a cold sweat, convinced I forgot to pack ALL the things. Start frantically scrolling through travel blogs, realizing I'm massively underprepared. End up ordering a travel adapter that looks suspiciously like a tiny, angry robot. This is going to be either genius or a complete disaster, right?
- Afternoon: Flights booked! Holy. Crap. This is happening. Attempt to pack. Fail miserably. The only thing neatly organized is my collection of emergency snacks (dark chocolate and instant coffee – survival essentials). Spend an hour staring at my passport, feeling a strange mix of excitement and existential dread. Will I survive the flight? Will my luggage? Will I accidentally wear the same outfit for 3 days straight? Only time will tell.
- Evening: Final panicked check of all documents. Say a prayer to the travel gods for smooth connections and no lost luggage. Visualize myself sipping sake under a full moon. That is the goal right now.
Day 2: The Great Descent & Atami Adventure Beginnings
- Morning: Ah, the jet lag! That wonderful feeling of being awake at 3 am and convinced the world is ending. Wander around hotel room, attempting to re-wire brain.
- Afternoon: Finally board the bullet train to Atami. The scenery! Breathtaking. The sheer efficiency! Mind-blowing. Vague panic that I'm supposed to be Japanese in a past life. Attempt to order something from one of the vendors, end up pointing wildly and hoping for the best. Acquire a delicious and mysterious pastry. Success!
- Evening: Check into Kashi Besso. The pictures…they don't do it justice. The ocean! The moon! My jaw is currently somewhere on the floor. The welcome tea is a perfect moment of zen, until I realize I forgot to order a drink menu. Panic starts over my head because of some food. My anxiety-induced indecisiveness is in full swing and I'm starting to feel a little silly. Now, time to get some ramen and hit the sack.
Atami Immersion - Moon, Sand, and a Whole Lot of Sea Breeze
Day 3: Soaking in (Literally) - Onsen Bliss and Sensory Overload
- Morning: Onsen time! Finally face my fear of public nudity (or, at least, partial public nudity). The water is divine. The view out over the ocean is even better. Spend an hour just staring at the waves, letting all my worries wash away. Decide I need a daily onsen in all aspects of my life.
- Afternoon: Explore Atami's seaside town. Get hopelessly lost (as per usual). Discover a tiny, hidden alley with the most amazing tempura I've ever tasted. The elderly chef gives me a knowing smile and makes my heart sing.
- Evening: Attempt to follow a meticulously planned walking route. Fail. Instead, stumble upon a festival with music, food stalls, and a general air of joyful chaos. Eat way too many takoyaki. Dance badly. Laugh a lot. These are definitely the core memory moments here.
Day 4: Artsy Fartsy & Seafood Stomachs
- Morning: Visit the MOA Museum of Art. Art is cool. The exhibits are… well, let's just say that it's worth it for the view overlooking the ocean alone.
- Afternoon: The Atami seafood market. Eat sushi. Eat all the sushi. Then eat more sushi. Feel pleasantly seasick.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel. Prepare for another mental breakdown while trying to decipher the menu. Luckily, the staff are incredibly helpful and patient with my limited Japanese and questionable food preferences. Enjoying the silence now is the hardest thing.
Day 5: The Deep Dive: Kashi Besso's Heart & Soul (and Maybe Some Tears)
- Morning: Embrace that slow Japanese morning. Breakfast on the terrace, watching the sunrise paint the ocean gold. Spend a ridiculous amount of time feeling like a character in a Studio Ghibli film (the good kind, not the terrifying ones).
- Afternoon: Doubling Down: This is the day I'm going to really feel Kashi Besso. I'm booking every single treatment. Going for the full spa treatment. I even have a private meditation session planned. I tell myself this is a self-care day. I tell myself I deserve it. I'm hoping to find some inner peace… or at least a decent massage.
- Evening: The massage was incredible. The meditation session brought up… a lot. Tears. Laughter. More tears. I left feeling raw, exposed, but also… lighter? Like a tiny weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Dinner is a quiet affair, savouring every flavour. The moon hangs large in the sky. This is perfect.
Departure - The Big Goodbye (but with a Snack Backup)
Day 6: Reflection, Ramen, and a Sad Departure
- Morning: One last soak in the onsen. One last delicious Japanese breakfast. Try to memorize every detail. This place…it's special. Feel a pang of sadness as I pack my bag.
- Afternoon: One last ramen meal. The perfect farewell. Say goodbye to my new favourite town, the perfect place to get me to relax.
- Evening: On the bullet train journey back. Watch the scenery whiz by. Feel a quiet sense of gratitude. Vow to come back. Oh, and I have to get a souvenir. One more snack. This time a box of the best matcha-flavoured biscuits. I learned a lot during this trip. The best part? I now appreciate my own company.
Day 7: Unpacking, Reliving, and the Post-Trip Blues
- Morning: Back to reality. Unpack. The adapter did work! Everything's a bit chaotic, my bag is covered in crumbs. Feel a strange mix of elation and sadness.
- Afternoon: Go through photos. Relive the best moments. Start planning my next adventure. The travel bug bites.
- Evening: Eat those matcha biscuits. They're perfect. Think I could eat a whole box.
- End: The next trip will hopefully be bigger, but no better than this trip.
Okay, so...Online Dating. Is it actually *dating*? Or just...filtering?
Ugh. The eternal question. Honestly? It's a bit of both. It's like... you're browsing a deli counter, but instead of pre-packaged potato salad, you're assessing the potential for future heartbreak. You get a *taste* of everything, but the only taste that truly sticks is the one that leaves you feeling… well, *something*. Whether that's joy, disappointment, or "I can't believe he *actually* wore Crocs on our date," is anyone's guess.
What's the *best* profile picture? Like, what's the *secret*?
Oh, honey, if I had the *secret* to a perfect profile picture, I'd be selling it for millions, not giving it away in some free FAQ. The "best" picture? It's probably not the one where you're awkwardly angled in front of a sunset, desperately smiling. (Trust me, I've tried, and the sunset just looked… judgy). No, it's probably something *real*. A picture of you genuinely laughing, maybe doing something you love. A picture of you with your dog. (Dogs are basically dating profile catnip. Unless you're allergic, then… well, good luck).
**Anecdote Time:** I remember one guy, his profile picture was just a blurry photo of his dog sleeping. That was it. *I swiped right*. And we ended up having the most ridiculously fun date. It wasn't the *photo* per se, it was the *vibe* of the photo. You know, it's about who you are and what you feel, so be yourself.
How long should I *actually* chat before meeting up? 'Cause I've heard horror stories…
Ah, the Goldilocks conundrum. Too short, and you're practically meeting a stranger. Too long, and you've built up expectations that are impossible to meet. There's no magic number, honestly. But I'd say, aim for a few days to a week of decent chatting. Get a feel for their communication style, their sense of humor, and whether they can actually *string together* a coherent sentence. (Seriously, the bar is low, people). If they seem evasive or like they’re leading you on, that could be really bad. Also, try to have a conversation.
**Confession time:** I once spent *months* chatting with a guy. MONTHS. He was witty, charming, and made me laugh constantly. When we finally met? He was... a completely different person. Turns out, he was a master of the online persona. The lesson? Trust your gut. If something feels *off*, it probably is.
What are the red flags? Besides the obvious (serial killer, etc.)...
Red flags? Oh, we could write a BOOK on this. Besides running if they mention skinning people, here are a few to watch out for:
- **Love bombing:** Overwhelming affection, compliments, and declarations of love *too* early on. It’s a manipulation tactic. Run!
- **Vague answers:** Dodging questions about their past, their job, their life in general. Suspect!
- **Constant negativity:** A consistent stream of complaints, pessimism, and drama. Life's too short for that noise.
- **The "I'm not like other girls/guys" trope:** Makes you feel so special, but it's usually a sign of major ego and potential issues.
- **Demanding you give them a compliment.** Seriously?
**A personal red flag anecdote:** I met a guy who, on our first date, told me he'd been "burned" by *every single* woman he'd ever dated. Every. Single. One. Redest flag ever. I should have run. I didn't. It did not end well. Lesson learned: listen to your gut. And maybe run. Always run.
What should I *actually* do on a first date? Dinner? Drinks? Escape Room?
Ugh, the first date dilemma. I’m not a fan of elaborate dinners. Too much pressure! Drinks are a classic, but if you're not much of a drinker, it can be awkward. The escape room idea? Genius if you *both* like escape rooms. Otherwise, it could be pure torture. (I went on an escape room date once. We failed. Miserably. It was still better than the date where he talked about his ex the entire time, mind you...).
Ultimately, the "best" first date is something relatively casual, something that allows for conversation, and something that gives you an easy out if things go south. Coffee, a walk in the park (weather permitting), visiting a local art gallery, a farmers market... Things you could actually do if you weren't dating. Think about that.
How do I handle rejection? Because, let's be honest... it's gonna happen.
Oh, rejection. The inevitable side dish to online dating. It stings. It's frustrating. It makes you question everything (your looks, your personality, your life choices…). So, what do you do?
**Short answer:** Allow yourself to feel your feelings. Don't beat yourself up. Remember that it's usually *not* about you. They might be bad at dating or not into you.
**Long answer:** Cry. Scream into a pillow. Eat a tub of ice cream. Binge-watch something terrible on Netflix. Talk to a friend. Then, when you're done wallowing (and it's okay to wallow!), dust yourself off and move on. This might be harder than it sounds.
**My personal rejection therapy:** I once got ghosted after a date I thought went *fantastically*. I mean, we were practically soulmates, right? I spent a week obsessing. Then, I made a list of all the terrible things he did (he talked about his ex, he kept touching his hair, he was wearing *questionable* shoes…). Suddenly, the rejection felt less like a personal failing and more like dodging a bullet. It kinda helps.
Is it ever okay to "ghost" someone? I mean, *really* okay?
Ghosting? The cowardly act of disappearing from someone’s life without a trace. In most cases, *no*. It’s just plain rude. If you’re just not feeling it, a simpleMy Hotel Reviewst
