【Accommodation Review】What Makes Atami Onsen “Hotel New Akao” So Special? Enjoy Showa-Era Retro Architecture and Stunning Ocean Views

Atami City, in Shizuoka Prefecture, is an easily accessible hot spring destination, just about 45 minutes from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen. The Atami onsen area, which stretches from around Atami Station to the seaside, is blessed with beautiful views of both the sea and mountains, and is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy onsen, local cuisine, and walks around town.

"Hotel New Akao" is about 10 minutes from Atami Station by free shuttle bus. Built on the dramatic cliffs of Nishikigaura, this resort hotel offers an extraordinary setting where its retro Showa-era architecture and the ocean stretching out before you create a unique atmosphere. You can fully enjoy the onsen, dining, and exploring the hotel, as if you have stepped into a movie scene.

This time, a hotel writer who stays at 100 hotels a year visited the hotel and explored its guest rooms, restaurants, and scenic cafés. For those who want to enjoy a uniquely Japanese onsen trip, we will report in detail on the hotel's highlights based on the writer's experience during the stay.

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Who is Hotel New Akao Recommended For? | Perfect for Relaxing at an Onsen Resort

• Location: Situated in the popular tourist destination of Atami. About 10 minutes by car from Atami Station, with excellent access.
• Guest Rooms: 353 rooms in two buildings. A wide variety of rooms are available, from Japanese-style and Western-style rooms to Japanese-Western-style rooms and even kids' rooms.
• Recommended for: Those who want to enjoy several types of onsen, or those who want to relax at a resort hotel by the sea.
• Highlights: Luxurious spaces such as retro Showa-era architecture and theater-like restaurants.
• Impressions from the visit: With breathtaking ocean views, architecture that reflects history, and extensive facilities, the hotel itself becomes a destination. Stays of two nights or more are also recommended.

About an Hour from Tokyo: Access and Features of Atami's Scenic Resort, "Hotel New Akao"

Hotel New Akao is located in Nishikigaura, a scenic spot in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Set along the coast overlooking Sagami Bay, you can enjoy both the power of nature and the openness unique to a resort.

From Tokyo Station to Atami Station, it takes about 45 minutes on the Tokaido Shinkansen. From the station, it's about 10 minutes by free shuttle bus, making it easy to visit even by public transportation.

The hotel has two buildings: the "Ocean Wing," which juts out over the sea, and the "Horizon Wing," perched atop a cliff. Each has its own unique architecture and atmosphere, and the hotel is equipped with facilities to enhance your stay, such as guest rooms and restaurants with ocean views, as well as large public baths fed by hot spring water.

Guests can enjoy a variety of spaces within the property, so there is plenty to enjoy even if you spend your entire stay at the hotel, from check-in to check-out.

Showa-Era Retro Architecture Preserving the Charm of the Original Design

One of the highlights when visiting Hotel New Akao is its glamorous architecture and interior, which offer a different charm from modern hotel designs.

The "Ocean Wing," which opened in 1973 and where I stayed during this visit, retains the atmosphere of a grand Showa-era resort hotel, with features such as red carpets, large chandeliers, and stately furnishings.

On the other hand, the "Horizon Wing," which opened in 1994 and can be accessed via a connecting corridor from the "Ocean Wing," features an elegant blend of modern and retro styles.

Each building offers its own unique design and atmosphere, making it a wonderful place for architecture lovers. As you move between the buildings to use the restaurants or public baths, you’ll be able to appreciate their distinct personalities even more.

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[Room Review] Relaxing Moments in a Japanese-Style Room with Ocean View

Spaciousness and Layout of the 10-Tatami Japanese-Style Room

This time, I stayed in a 10-tatami Japanese-style room in the "Ocean Wing." The room features tatami flooring, creating a calm, quintessentially Japanese atmosphere, and the low furniture makes the space feel even more open. Unlike Western-style rooms with beds, you can sit and stretch out your legs on the tatami, which is part of the appeal. The bedding consists of futons, which you lay out yourself at bedtime, as is customary in Japanese inns.

As I walked to the back of the room, I was amazed by the expansive ocean view through the window!

Unfortunately, it was raining, but the view from the mist-shrouded cliffs was magical. Watching the ever-changing sky and sea, which shift with the time of day and weather, you can truly feel the grandeur of nature.

In-Room Facilities: Refrigerator, Outlets, Amenities, and More

The shelves are equipped with a refrigerator with a freezer, an electric kettle, sencha green tea, and teacups, providing everything you need.

The power outlets are mainly Type A, the standard type used in Japan. Bringing a plug adapter is therefore recommended if your devices use a different plug type. Extension cords and multi-charging cables are also available.

The bathroom and toilet are separate, making it comfortable to use. If you want to soak and warm up thoroughly, head to the onsen large public bath. If you just want to quickly rinse off, you can use the bathroom in your room.

Amenities such as toothbrushes, combs, and razors are provided.

A Japanese-brand hair dryer is also provided.

Wi-Fi was readily available not only in the guest rooms but also in the shared areas throughout the hotel.

Comfortable Loungewear and Special Bags for Use Inside the Hotel

Loungewear is provided in the guest rooms, with smaller and larger sizes as well as children's sizes available. You can wear the loungewear and slippers when going to the public baths or restaurants, so you can spend your stay in a relaxed outfit.

When going to the public baths, you can carry your towels and other items in a dedicated basket bag.

The hotel provides everything you need for a stress-free stay. Even if you arrive with only the bare minimum of luggage, such as a change of clothes, you can fully enjoy your stay.

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【Onsen Review】Enjoy the Ocean-View Public Baths as Many Times as You Like During Your Stay

Hotel New Akao offers several onsen facilities, including private baths.

Among them, “Spalium Nishiki” on the 15th floor of the Ocean Wing features an open-air infinity bath that feels as if it merges with the sea. Right in front of you, the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, and you can enjoy the changing colors of the sea throughout the day.

Meanwhile, at “Saikai” on the 3rd floor of the Horizon Wing, you can relax in a soothing cypress bath (hinoki-buro).

Guests can use the onsen facilities in both the Horizon Wing and Ocean Wing, and enjoy the onsen as many times as they like during their stay.

[Dining Review] A Spectacular Theatre-Style Dining Experience at “Main Dining Nishiki”

Hotel New Akao features eight food and drink venues, including Japanese and French restaurants, as well as bars and cafés.

If you are staying in the Ocean Wing, the buffet restaurant “Main Dining Nishiki” is the place to visit for breakfast or dinner. The theatre-style space, reminiscent of an opera house, is adorned with red carpets and draped curtains, creating a glamorous atmosphere. Depending on the timing, you may also be able to enjoy live piano music.

What’s more, the windows offer a stunning ocean view. Surrounded by the magnificent interior and the sea, you can enjoy a truly special dining experience unique to Hotel New Akao.

Enjoy Local Flavors! A Lavish Dinner Buffet with Around 90 Dishes

The dinner buffet, which makes generous use of local Izu ingredients, features Shizuoka specialties such as “Shizuoka Oden,” “Fujinomiya Yakisoba,” “Tempura made with Sachi-ebi shrimp from Shizuoka Prefecture,” and “Shizuoka Green Tea Soba.”

At the live kitchen, you can enjoy wagyu steak, as well as make your own kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), choosing from a wide variety of seafood.

With around 90 dishes available, you can enjoy a wide range of local flavours to your heart’s content.

Please note that the menu may change depending on the season.

Special Breakfast Buffet Showcasing Ingredients from Shizuoka and Izu

At the breakfast buffet, you can enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes featuring local ingredients, such as adding aonori seaweed from Lake Hamana in Shizuoka Prefecture to Izu miso soup, or pairing fried horse mackerel with tartar sauce made with Izu lemons.

You can also enjoy Japanese dishes with a special touch, such as tofu that you can serve yourself in your preferred amount and rice topped with freshly shaved katsuobushi (bonito flakes). These dishes offer a taste of the rich food culture of Shizuoka and Izu from the start of the day.

How to Enjoy Hotel New Akao｜Recommended Shops & Cafés

There are several spots within the hotel worth visiting to make memories of your stay. We’ve picked out three places that will enrich your hotel experience: a bar where you can enjoy drinks and canned snacks, a shop where you can find souvenirs, and a café with a spectacular ocean view.

Kantsume BAR KANZO

Located in the Ocean Wing, “Kantsume BAR KANZO” is a unique bar where you can enjoy drinks with canned food as a snack. The selection includes the local specialty “Shizuoka Oden” and “Yakitori”, both perfect accompaniments to your drinks.

The retro Showa-era atmosphere is also part of its charm. It’s a casual spot to drop by for a drink after enjoying the onsen or when you feel a bit hungry at night.

Shop Corner｜Hotel Original Goods Available

The shop corner in the Ocean Wing offers a wide selection of Izu’s local specialties, making it perfect for souvenir shopping. You’ll also find Hotel New Akao merchandise, such as T-shirts and tote bags featuring the hotel’s logo, which make great mementos of your trip.

Hana no Yosei｜A Café with a Spectacular Ocean View

About a five-minute walk from the Ocean Wing, “Hana no Yosei” is a café in a spectacular seaside location within the grounds of Hotel New Akao. Known as one of Izu’s most scenic cafés, it offers sweets and lunch with views of the ocean.

Seasonal parfaits with carefully crafted combinations are featured throughout the year. During our visit, the café was serving the “Shine Muscat and Kyoho Grape Parfait – A Harmony of Refreshing Sweetness and Rich Aroma”.

In addition to its gorgeous appearance, with plenty of seasonal Shine Muscat grapes, the creamy taste of the mascarpone left a lasting impression.

5 Highlights of Hotel New Akao, Discovered During My Stay

1. A Dynamic Location That Feels One with the Ocean

The hotel’s greatest appeal is its unparalleled location, built on the cliffs of the scenic Nishikigaura. From guest rooms, restaurants, and onsen facilities, you can enjoy views of the sea from various spots throughout the hotel. During your stay, you’ll feel the ocean close at hand even in everyday moments, providing an environment where you can refresh your mind and body away from daily life.

2. Photogenic Showa-Era Retro Architecture

As you walk through the hotel, you’ll be captivated by the striking presence and architectural beauty of its Showa-era retro design. Finding your favourite spot and taking photos is also a great way to enjoy your stay.

3. A Variety of Large Onsen Baths to Enjoy

The extensive onsen facilities, befitting a large resort hotel, are another highlight of your stay. In several large baths where you can fully experience Atami’s hot springs, you can enjoy different atmospheres and views. If you try the different baths at different times of day, such as around sunrise or sunset, your stay will become even more enjoyable.

4. Gourmet Cuisine Showcasing the Flavors of Shizuoka and Izu

At the dinner and breakfast buffets, you can fully savor the unique flavors of Shizuoka and Izu, including dishes made with local ingredients and regional specialties. Sampling a variety of dishes little by little allows you to experience the local food culture.

5. A Variety of Activities to Enrich Your Stay

The hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance your stay, including a canned-food bar with a Showa-era retro atmosphere, shops where you can find souvenirs, and a kids’ park. In summer, you can even go straight from the hotel into the sea for swimming or snorkelling. The many ways to enjoy your stay are another part of Hotel New Akao’s appeal.

Summary｜Make Unforgettable Memories at a Resort Stay in Atami Onsen

Hotel New Akao is a resort hotel offering a wide range of experiences, including breathtaking views of the sea in Atami, Showa-era retro architecture, onsen, delicious meals, and sweets at the café. It’s conveniently accessible from Tokyo in about an hour via the Tokaido Shinkansen and a free shuttle bus, making it easy to visit as part of a trip that includes sightseeing in Tokyo. If you want to experience Japan’s unique onsen culture and create unforgettable travel memories, why not make the time spent at the hotel itself the highlight of your trip?

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Hotel New Akao｜Basic Information & Access

• Address: 1993-250 Atami, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Access: About 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Atami Station

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