Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court will be offering "Forest Afternoon Tea Winter" from December 1st to February 24th, and a Christmas-only dessert course "Dessert de Noël" from December 22nd to 25th. In addition, the adjacent Karuizawa Kogen Church will be holding "Christmas Candle Night 2018" from December 1st to 25th.


The 2018 Christmas dessert course, "Dessert de Noël," evokes the Christmas scenes of Karuizawa, featuring tranquil snow-covered forests, snow-capped Mount Asama, and the usually quiet city at night, illuminated by Christmas trees and illuminations, with lovers walking side by side. The four desserts available include "Candle Night," a blancmange (a milk-based frozen dessert) topped with pear and apple compote, inspired by the twinkling of candles lit on a white Christmas night; "Christmas Rose," a cremet d'Anjou (a type of cheesecake) combined with plenty of strawberries and a faint rose scent; "Winter Mount Asama," a smoked Mont Blanc inspired by Mount Asama, the symbol of Karuizawa; and "Gifts from the Forest," three types of mignardises (bite-sized sweets) with delicate flavors and designs, made with fruits and spices such as wild grapes, apples, walnuts, and Japanese pepper.

"Christmas Rose"
"Forest Afternoon Tea Winter" allows you to relax and savor warm vegetables and charcuterie (sausages and pate) along with hot black or herbal tea.

When you open the door of the Afternoon Tea Box, you'll find a selection of adorable finger foods such as madeleine sandwiches with yuzu and beetroot kneaded into the dough, mini burgers, and mini crepes. There's also a cocotte filled with warm vegetables like flaky broccoli and sweet potato, as well as charcuterie, and 10 kinds of mignardises, including red-fleshed apples, pear tarts, and chocolate sables, all of which are recommended for a light lunch.


From December 1st to 25th, Karuizawa Kogen Church, adjacent to the hotel, will host "Christmas Candle Night 2018," where countless candles will illuminate the church's forest.

The "Lantern Candle and Crossroads of Light" event will feature warmly glowing lantern candles and a 6-meter-tall fir tree, creating a magical sight. Also featured will be a "Lantern Stroll" where you can stroll through the forest while illuminating lanterns. There will also be a Christmas music service combining a pastor's sermon with gospel music, and a handbell and harp ensemble. In this day and age when messages can be easily sent via email, you can enjoy Christmas memories that you can't experience in the city, such as ``Christmas Letters Expressing Your Feelings,'' which are designed to give you the time to think about the recipient and write a letter.
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