Hotel New Akao

Facilities: This hotel has an old-money charm, and you can really see its past luxury. Everything is very well-maintained, and the rooms are clean. There aren't many power outlets, but they thoughtfully provided power strips. The tatami mattress was very comfortable, and the cleaning staff did a thorough job every day. The view from the window was beautiful, and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean waves was a dream. Service: The hotel offers a shuttle service to Atami JR Station, departing every half hour from in front of McDonald's. There are two vans per shuttle, clearly marked with the hotel's name in red, and managed by hotel staff. They drop off at both the old and new wings, which makes up for the slightly inconvenient location. Environment: The hotel boasts three large hot springs, all with both indoor and outdoor baths. I tried them all, and each has its own unique character. My skin felt so smooth afterwards! The walkway on the 15th floor of the Ocean Wing (old building) offers panoramic ocean views, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. Dining: The buffet dinner was absolutely, incredibly amazing! Unlimited tuna belly! All-you-can-eat scallops and roe! Shrimp, sea bream, squid, salmon – there was so much I couldn't even try it all. The cooked dishes were also delicious, but my stomach just couldn't fit any more. I saw some not-so-great reviews before checking in, but perhaps everyone has different preferences. We, however, highly recommend it!

The hotel is huge with an amazing sea view. You can watch the sunrise from your room in the morning, and there are three hot springs directly facing the ocean. The buffet breakfast is also incredibly diverse and plentiful.

Turns out, this hotel is where I stayed on my very first trip to Japan! I didn't realize it when I booked, but it hit me after checking in. What a pleasant surprise and a wonderful coincidence! Soaking in the hot springs right on the ocean's horizon, facing the entire Pacific Ocean, the view was expansive, and my heart felt so free. It was an absolute treat 😎

This onsen hotel harks back to Japan's 'bubble era' opulence, boasting a magnificent, three-story restaurant. The views are absolutely breathtaking. I tried out all three hot springs, and for me, the best was the open-air bath on the 12th floor. It has three tiered pools outdoors, directly overlooking the ocean and Izu Oshima island.

Fantastic! The only minor drawback was the small toilet in the room, but everything else was impeccable. The service was also excellent.

There were very few Chinese guests, mostly Japanese families on vacation. We were probably among the rare Chinese guests at this hotel. We chose the Horizon room type, which comes with two private onsen baths. They aren't huge, but they are impeccably clean. Dining was at Ocean, about a 15-minute walk away. The upside is that it's perfect for a leisurely stroll back to your room after dinner to digest your meal. Atami feels like a mini-Chongqing, with very genuine and friendly locals. I'd definitely visit again.

The views from the hotel are absolutely stunning, and it's especially pleasant when the weather is nice. The hotel's location isn't very convenient, as it's quite a distance from Atami city center. If you're relying on public transport, you'll need to keep a close eye on the bus schedule. There are two bus stops about a ten-minute walk away. A major plus is the free shuttle service to Atami Station, which runs at set times. The hotel itself has an old-money, Showa-era charm, though the decor is a bit dated. It's quite a large property with several different bathhouses. The breakfast restaurant is incredibly grand.