While visiting the beautiful hot spring town of Hakone not far from Tokyo, I happened to pass by an adorable pastry shop and restaurant called Bakery & Table. I grabbed a few of their delectable pastries and took them to the second floor seating area that overlooked Ashinoko–a lake that formed after Mt. Hakone erupted over 3,000 years ago.
After indulging in one of my pastries (I highly recommend their signature “curry donut” made of rice flour and filled with housemade curry as well as an entire creamy egg at the center), I noticed they had a foot bath on the terrace! So, naturally, that was my next stop.
Soaking my bare feet in the warm hot spring water felt incredibly healing after a long day of sightseeing. Bakery & Table reminded me of the kind of hidden gems one can find when they’re open to spontaneity–a true highlight of my trip!
Bakery & Table: https://www.bthjapan.com/hakone.php
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/goLutHrQToGF7cZN8