7 best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo

Named after the Finnish word for forest, Metsä Village is a large Nordic-themed park in Saitama prefecture. The free-entry park provides a calm, stress-free environment on the shore of Lake Miyazawa, with a thick, lush forest just across the water. Parents can relax at a café or shop for genuine Nordic homewares.
For something a little more active, hire a canoe and paddle around the lake. And for the kids, there's the Panza Lake Miyazawa – an adventure playground with a difference. Up in the trees, thick woven nets are stretched out to create undulating platforms for kids to run, jump and walk on. These so-called 'funmocks' – that's a disconcerting blend of 'fun' and 'hammock' – turn into walls, floors, slides and tunnels. It's an ingenious play park in the sky, and they won't want to come down.

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Dad shares eye-watering bill after taking family for breakfast at Disneyland

A dad could not believe the price he was charged for dining at Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures, at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, earlier this month A dad "almost spat out" his coffee when he was handed an eye-watering bill after going out for breakfast with his family at Disneyland. John Tolkien shared a snap of the nearly $1,000 receipt on social media after his family's breakfast at Disneyland California. The Disneyland Princess Breakfast totalled $937.65 for three children and two adults, which included a $150 tip — just over 20% of the original amount. ‌ ''Princess Breakfast' at Disneyland with my kids,' John wrote on X. 'Almost spit out my coffee.' The post has been viewed more than 16 million times on the social media platform, with thousands of users expressing their horror at the cost. ‌ Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is offered at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.. Prices start at $142, with the Disneyland website stating: "Treat your child to an unforgettable 3-course breakfast and enchanting encounters with some favorite Disney Princesses." It adds: "Dreams come true in the Trillium Room inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where you'll be served a sumptuous three-course breakfast. Kids can let their imaginations soar during one-of-a-kind Princess-themed activities. "Upon arrival, Disney Princesses are waiting to greet you and share in your hopes and dreams prior to taking a photo on a beautiful private patio. You may take part in storytime with Belle or learn some fierce warrior poses with Mulan." Guests enjoy a three-course breakfast, with tiered appetizer towers including lobster rolls, beignets and cornbread. Children can enjoy mains like chicken and waffles and macaroni and cheese. Adults can choose from scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, deviled eggs and braised short ribs. The restaurant serves a selection of desserts, including cake pops, sorbet and macarons. ‌ Following John's post on social media about the breakfast, thousands of people shared their views on the pricing. 'Please tell me you have 35 kids,' one person commented. Another wrote: 'That's ridiculous. So torn about going to Disney — could literally go to Italy for a month for the same amount.' A third said: "This is one of those moments I'm not tipping a single penny, and you can all call me a monster for it." A fourth commented: "The restaurant saw you coming from a mile away, huh? Poorly plated food sold at premium prices. You could have eaten at a 3 star Michelin restaurant for cheaper." Appearing to see the funny side, John replied to his original post: "I'll just take a gas station burrito & sugar-free Red Bull and hang onto the remaining… $930." The dad later added: "Service was attentive and enthusiastic, princesses were all trained pro-actresses and spent a lot of time with the kids. I enjoyed it."

Time Out

13 hours ago

• Time Out

7 best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo

Named after the Finnish word for forest, Metsä Village is a large Nordic-themed park in Saitama prefecture. The free-entry park provides a calm, stress-free environment on the shore of Lake Miyazawa, with a thick, lush forest just across the water. Parents can relax at a café or shop for genuine Nordic homewares. For something a little more active, hire a canoe and paddle around the lake. And for the kids, there's the Panza Lake Miyazawa – an adventure playground with a difference. Up in the trees, thick woven nets are stretched out to create undulating platforms for kids to run, jump and walk on. These so-called 'funmocks' – that's a disconcerting blend of 'fun' and 'hammock' – turn into walls, floors, slides and tunnels. It's an ingenious play park in the sky, and they won't want to come down.

Scottish Sun

a day ago

• Scottish Sun

English seaside cocktail bar that ‘feels like being in Miami' is right by the beach

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE sun is blazing, you have a spritz in your hand and you're surrounded by beachy-vibe interiors with pale blues and vibrant pinks - it feels like Miami, but actually you're in a bar in Bournemouth. South Beach Restaurant and Bar at The NICI Hotel in Bournemouth is an all-day drinking and dining venue. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 South Beach Restaurant and Bar at The NICI Hotel in Bournemouth is an all-day drinking and dining venue 7 The bar has a Miami-themed interior with sleek designs 7 They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea The terrace is also the ultimate suntrap, where guests can sip on a summer-themed tipple or snack on light bites by the pool. Located in The NICI hotel on Bournemouth's West Cliff, the resort has a luxury spa, 30 metre outdoor pool and cabana area, fire pits and more. At the bar and restaurant, individuals can enjoy "Champagne afternoon teas and classics with a Miami twist", according to The NICI's website. The bar's Afternoon Tea is served daily between 3pm and 5pm for £29 per person. However you can upgrade the Afternoon Tea to include prosecco for £35 per person or to include Moet and Chandon for £40 per person. In addition, the venue serves up creative desserts including a strawberry cake with candy floss, tropical Eton Mess and peanut butter and rum bananas. Sunday lunch costs £27 for two courses or £35 for three courses. One recent visitor said: "We loved the excellent attention to detail with the Miami theme running throughout. "Dinner and breakfast at the South Beach Restaurant didn't disappoint. "Seated by the window so we could enjoy the view - such a perfect spot. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' Another added: "The NICI has been a wonderful experience. "Beautiful setting and very cool decor. Feels like Miami!" Whilst guests heading to the restaurant and bar can't use the pool, the pool water and vibrant sunbeds nearby transport you to a Miami-like destination with great views. Inside the hotel itself, there are over 80 guest rooms and suites, including Sea View Suites with modern interiors. 7 The afternoon tea can even be upgraded to include champagne Credit: Instagram 7 Whilst dining, guests can look out to views of the pool and beyond, Bournemouth 7 The hotel itself has a luxury spa and over 80 rooms and suites The spa embraces the theme of coastal calm, with indoor and outdoor pools, a hydrotherapy suite and bespoke treatments. And in addition to South Beach Bar and Restaurant, there is also Old Harry Rocks which embraces a laid-back vibe with bold flavours and live DJs every weekend. For an added bonus, the hotel is also dog friendly. What is it like to stay at the hotel? The Sun's Fabulous Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley recently visited. As well as the beautiful pool, there's a dinky cinema showing four films each day and a petite playroom with table football, giant Jenga and board games. Some rooms come with hot tubs, while others have freestanding baths – bag one with a sea view and you'll wake up thinking you're in the South of France! Its chic-as interiors are super-Instagrammable – rooms are fresh white with bold, palm-print textiles and brass lighting, while ice-cream pastels, glitterballs and eye-catching artwork adorn the communal areas. But really, it's the outdoor heated pool that steals the show. The Sun's travel reporter Cyann Fielding also headed to a unique pub with a real beach in central London. Plus, the English pub where the beer garden is on the beach and people say feels 'more like Miami'.