Echoes of Ghibli at Auberge French Forest

Studio Ghibli’s animated otherworldly tales have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. While many places in Japan evoke a similar sense of enchantment, there is one place on Awaji Island where you can truly immerse yourself in a magical world reminiscent of Miyazaki’s masterpieces: Auberge French Forest.

Step into a Captivating Ghibli-esque World

The richly imagined worlds of Ghibli are characterized by meticulously crafted, immersive fantasy settings of magic realism. Whimsical creativity abounds, with flying castles, forest spirits, and talking animals captivating audiences and inviting them into a world of wonder and imagination.

Auberge French Forest on Awaji Island offers a glimpse into this kind of magical realm. The luxurious hotel and restaurant complex comprises 3 distinct chalets, each offering a unique culinary experience. La Rose blends French cuisine with Japanese flair, Grand Baobab combines French and Italian influences, while Prince Etoile showcases a captivating fusion of French and Basque gastronomy.

The restaurant itself exudes a charming yet luxurious ambiance, reminiscent of Ghibli tales. The surrounding garden envelops the restaurant’s picturesque structures in lush island foliage, creating a fairy-tale setting. The horse-drawn carriage in the garden adds to the aura of magic and wonder at Auberge French Forest.

Delightfully Decadent Dining  

While traditionally an “auberge” referred to quaint French-style inns, the concept has evolved to encompass the modern trend of “destination dining”, where culinary experiences become the main focus of travel. Guests can indulge in an overnight stay combined with the innovative French cuisine at Auberge French Forest that brings out the best in the finest local ingredients sourced from Awaji Island, renowned as one of Japan’s premier culinary destinations.

At La Rose, Certified Sommelier and Chef Ryotaro Murakami, who honed his skills at a prestigious three Michelin-starred French restaurant, meticulously curates a wine selection to complement the exceptional dishes. Down the garden path, Prince Etoile accentuates Awaji Island’s rich ingredients with special emphasis on the craft of sauces. Meanwhile, Grand Baobab has garnered acclaim for a unique fusion of Italian and French cooking.

After a delightful dinner, unwind in the comfort of your spacious room on the second floor. Open the window to breathtaking views of the rolling island hills. Enjoying this unhurried pace of life woven into a rare island landscape, everyday life seems so far away. For tonight, escape reality and become the starring character of a delightful tale filled with beautiful, delicious surprises at every turn.

Read this article for more about the dining experiences offered at Auberge.

Also, for firsthand accounts of stays at Auberge, this is the perfect read for you.

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