Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Akao Atami's Hidden Paradise!
Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Akao Atami - My Brain's Got Blown! (SEO-ed Review – Trust Me, You Want This)
Okay, deep breaths. I've just got back from Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Akao Atami, and honestly, my brain feels like it’s been through a spa day. Like, a really good spa day. This place… it’s not just a hotel, it's a whole experience. And you're not gonna get this from a dry, bullet-pointed list. This is the real, slightly messy, and definitely opinionated truth.
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First Impressions & A Big, Fat "Wow!"
So, picture this: you've just gotten off the train in Atami, a charming seaside town. The hotel’s a bit of a climb, but when you arrive, BAM! The view. Just… the view. The ocean stretches out forever, the sun glinting on the water. I’m not usually a "view" person, but seriously, this knocked my socks off. It's like the whole world just… breathes.
And the lobby? Not your typical sterile hotel reception. There are flowers, the subtle scent of something amazing (maybe jasmine?), and a genuinely friendly face at the front desk. Check-in? Smooth as silk. They call it "contactless check-in/out," but it feels more like a welcoming hug from the future. (Okay, maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but the point is, it was easy.)
Accessibility - They Really Get It!
Okay, this is important. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always look for hotels that are mindful of accessibility. And Akao Atami absolutely nails it. They've got:
- Elevator: A lifesaver, especially after a long travel day.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I didn't personally check, but I saw clearly marked and thoughtfully designed spaces. The website also does a great job of explaining their accessibility.
- Helpful Staff: They’re attentive, approachable, and genuinely seem wanting to assist.
- (They have) Car park [free of charge]: Parking is a nightmare, but this place has dedicated parking and it's free. I'm not saying it's perfect (no place is), but they are clearly making a strong effort.
The Rooms – So Much More Than Just a Bed
I stayed in a room with a sea view (seriously, get the sea view!) and it was like stepping into a different world.
- Air Conditioning: Yep, thank goodness for that.
- Blackout Curtains: Crucial for a good night's sleep. And the best part? The natural light in the morning, like a gentle wake up call.
- Mini Bar: (Important for my late-night snacking).
- Complimentary Tea and Coffee: Yes, please.
- Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!) and Internet Access – Wireless/LAN: (Though honestly, I mostly used their Wi-Fi. It's fast.)
- Bathtub and Separate Shower/Bathtub: Talk about luxury. After a long day of exploring, a hot bath with bathrobes and slippers was pure bliss.
- Soundproofing and non-smoking rooms a MUST!
The decor? Modern, clean, and calming (although someone had probably had my exact sofa before!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, prepare for a food coma. Seriously. Akao Atami has got the dining situation down.
- Restaurants: Multiple options, including Japanese and International cuisines.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Don't even get me started. It's a massive buffet. A glorious, delicious, overflowing buffet. There were so many choices:
- Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Your tastebuds will have options.
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and crisp.
- Desserts in restaurant: Be warned, you will overeat.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Perfectly brewed.
- Room service [24-hour]: For those lazy moments, or when late night cravings hit.
- Poolside bar: Sipping a cocktail while gazing at the ocean? Pure heaven.
- Snack bar: Great for a quick bite.
- Vegetarian restaurant: They cater to all tastes.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Perfect for special needs.
I'm still dreaming of the sushi. Honestly, it was some of the best I've ever had. (They also have a delicious happy hour, so you can get your drinks fix at a decent price).
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – My Personal Paradise
This is where Akao Atami really shines. It's not just a hotel, it's a spa, a wellness retreat, and a general escape from the real world.
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The main pool is incredible – infinity edge, with the ocean right in front of you. Sunbathing there? Literal perfection.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom: Treat yourself! They have a huge spa area with all kinds of treatments. I got a massage, and… honestly, I think I may have melted into the massage table. It was that good.
- Foot bath: A lovely, relaxing experience.
- Fitness center: if you're one of those people who actually work out on vacation (I'm not judging!), they have a very decent gym.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: More ways to pamper yourself.
- Things to do: Shrine, terrace
- Proposal spot: Want to add a little romance?
Seriously, I could have spent a week just existing in the spa. So, whatever you do, make sure you book a treatment. You won't regret it.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound
Okay, let's get practical. In this new age, safety is paramount. Akao Atami gets it.
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They're taking it seriously.
- Individually-wrapped food options: In the buffet, so you can feel comfortable about your food.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Excellent.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: If you want to opt out of cleaning.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Excellent.
- (They have) CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms The whole bit.
I felt completely safe and comfortable throughout my stay.
Service and Conveniences – The Little Things Matter
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping: Spot-on.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning: Essential.
- Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]: (Yes, I mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating. Free parking!)
- Currency exchange: If you need it.
- Convenience store: For those little essentials.
- Cash withdrawal: Always handy.
They really thought of everything. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. I'd forgotten my charger and the woman at the front desk not only solved the issue but did it with such kindness.
For the Kids
- Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Family/child friendly: If you’re travelling with kids, this is a great place.
Getting Around
- Airport transfer: They can arrange that.
- Taxi service/Valet parking:
My Random Thoughts and Quirks
Okay, so I’m trying to be objective, but I can’t help it. Akao Atami just… got to me. I’m not even a "spa person," but I was converted. I loved that they removed shared stationery from the business center, and offered so many of the items, it just makes you feel better, safer!
Here are some things I wish I’d known:
- Bring a bathing suit: For the pool!
- Book your spa treatments in advance: They get booked up quickly.
- Don't be afraid to wander: The hotel has so much to offer.
- I almost walked out with the bathrobe. (Don't tell anyone!)
The One Imperfection
If there's one slight nitpick, it's that the Wi-Fi signal can be a little spotty in certain areas. Otherwise, I'd change nothing.
The Verdict – Book It! (Seriously!)
**Here’s the thing: Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Akao Atami is just that -
Cameron Highlands Muslim-Only Gem: Abah Apartment's 2-Bedroom Haven!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your average, meticulously-planned robotic travel schedule. This is the diary of a human being, possibly slightly unhinged from jet lag and sheer, unadulterated beauty, attempting to navigate the Hotel New Akao in Atami, Japan. Prepare for a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Astonishment, and the Quest for Onsen Bliss
14:00 - Landed at Narita, Tokyo. Survived the Shinkansen. Barely. Okay, this train is ridiculously fast. Like, the bullet practically whizzed past my existential dread. The tiny seat. The polite, almost-too-perfect Japanese passengers… My internal monologue was a chaotic symphony of "wow," "what did I just eat?" and "am I even worthy of this?"
- Anecdote: Getting lost in the Tokyo station. Google Maps was giving me attitude. Managed to find a convenience store. Bought a weird, possibly sentient jelly drink. Still not sure what it was, but it tasted… interesting.
17:00 - Check-in at Hotel New Akao: Jaw. Dropped. The lobby is pure, unadulterated kitsch, a glorious mishmash of giant fake flowers, seashell chandeliers, and enough gold trim to make Liberace blush. My jaw actually dropped. I think I might need a tetanus shot from my open mouth. This place is a sensory overload in the best possible way.
- Observation: The elevator music. Oh. My. GOD. It's like a never-ending loop of easy listening cheese, punctuated by the occasional, unexpected, and slightly unsettling, "ding." I'm pretty sure I can't escape this elevator. Ever.
18:00 - Room Reconnaissance + Balcony Panic: The room? Standard Japanese efficiency. Small, clean, and with a view that nearly made me weep. The Pacific Ocean stretched out as far as the eye could see. But then… the balcony. I'm not usually afraid of heights, but the balcony is high. I spent a good five minutes clinging to the railing, muttering, "I hope I don't fall" repeatedly.
19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant – The Unexpected Curry Revelation: Okay, so I went for the buffet (because, duh). Expected the usual hotel food - bland, forgettable. WRONG. This place had the best curry I've EVER tasted. Like, seriously. It was the kind of curry that makes you reconsider your life choices. I think I ate enough to feed a small family. No regrets.
20:30 - The Onsen! The Onsen! The Almost-Naked Trauma! This. This is what I'd come for. But the onsen… Oh, sweet baby Jesus, the onsen. I was terrified. Naked? In a communal bath? With strangers? I spent half an hour circling the entrance, psyching myself up. Finally, I took the plunge. The water was heavenly. The other women were… very zen. Me? I was secretly mortified that I'd forgotten to shave my legs. And then, the unexpected – the view! The ocean! Sunset! I swear, for a moment, the world stopped. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Worth the pre-onsen terror.
- Emotional Reaction: After the onsen I felt a strange sense of peace. I swear, for a moment, the world stopped. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. Like all my sins had been washed away by the hot water. It was a very spiritual experience.
Day 2: Art, Sea Caves, and the Perpetual Search for the Perfect Souvenir
07:00 - Breakfast Buffet - Part Two: Yes, another buffet. I blame the jet lag. And that incredible curry. This time, I went for the Japanese options: miso soup, seaweed, a weird little omelet thing. Everything was delicious. My stomach is very pleased, and I am starting to feel like I can actually leave the hotel.
08:30 - Exploration of the Hotel Grounds: The Weird, Wonderful World of New Akao. This hotel is an entire ecosystem of its own. A massive fake castle and a garden that's a symphony of color and a bunch of strange bronze statues. It's like someone took a theme park, a botanical garden, and a slightly bizarre art gallery and slammed them all together. I'm here for it. Even though I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking at half the time.
09:30 - Akao Herb & Rose Garden. Smelling the Roses and Slightly Questioning Life Choices: Beautiful roses. The air is heavy with perfume, and I'm pretty sure I just got a contact high from the sheer floral intensity. The view from the top of the garden is breathtaking.
11:00 – Sea Cave Exploration – Almost Drowned in Awesome: The hotel's Sea Cave tour was pretty cool, I had to be pulled under a low area, which was terrifying. Seeing the ocean from that angle was amazing, truly unbelievable.
- Imperfection: I forgot my waterproof camera and the photos are dark.
12:00 - Lunch - Ramen or Bust: Found a tiny ramen shop (definitely not in the hotel). The guy behind the counter spoke no English. I pointed, smiled, and hoped for the best. The ramen was perfect. The best meal of the trip so far.
14:00 - Souvenir Hunt - The Quest for the Perfect Trinket: Okay, I have a serious problem. I need to find the perfect souvenir. Something quirky, something unique, something that will perfectly encapsulate this entire trip. So, of course, I spend two hours wandering around the hotel shop, feeling utterly overwhelmed. I ended up buying a small, plastic statue of a cat that supposedly brings good luck. Don't judge me.
15:00 - Relaxation? Yes! The Room Has a View: I went back to my room, cracked the window, closed the door, and just laid in my bed, looking at the ocean. It was the best.
- Quirky Observation: The TV. Is it just me, or do all Japanese hotel TVs have 500 channels, all in Japanese? I spent a good fifteen minutes cycling through them, mostly just staring at the colorful graphics.
19:00 - Dinner. The Curry is Calling. I went back for the curry at a buffet. I'm not sure why I didn't try anything else.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Lingering Scent of Curry
07:00 – Final Breakfast Buffet & Farewell to the Curry: Okay, one last plate of curry. And some more miso soup. I'm not sure what I'm going to eat when I get back home. Farewell my sweet curry. I'll never forget you.
08:00 - Packing Panic: I'd Forgotten Everything. I actually spent more time packing because I forgot I did my laundry yesterday.
09:00 - Check-out: Embracing the Kitsch: I left the hotel to return to the Shinkansen. I bid goodbye to the hotel. It was amazing.
19:00 - The Journey Home Begins: Narita Airport. Plane. Another long flight. Sleep. Back to real life.
Emotional Reaction: I feel a little sad to leave. The Hotel New Akao was a bizarre, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable experience. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, from sheer awe to mild panic, and everywhere in between.
Final Observation: I need to learn some Japanese. And I need to figure out where I can get more of that curry…
Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Akao Atami's Hidden Paradise! - Messy FAQs & Honest Musings
Okay, so... Akao Atami? What's the *deal*? Is it actually "paradise"? (Spoiler Alert: It's complicated...)
Alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a strong word. Akao Atami... it's *trying* to be paradise. And honestly? It gets pretty darn close. Think: a sprawling network of gardens cascading down a hillside overlooking the Pacific. Like, seriously, picture that, and then add a hotel seemingly *built into* the landscape. It's breathtaking. But paradise? Nah, not *quite*.
It's got imperfections. Small ones. Like, the map they give you is… let's just say, "open to interpretation." I got lost. A lot. But, and this is important, the getting lost was kind of… nice? I stumbled upon a hidden tea house, and the views were absolutely killer. So maybe, just *maybe*, the whole thing is designed to make you wander and discover.
Anecdote time: I swear, one of the gardeners, this tiny, wizened woman with the most infectious laugh, led me through a bamboo forest I wouldn't have found otherwise. She only spoke Japanese, and my Japanese is… let's call it "enthusiastic." But we managed. We *connected*. And THAT, my friends, is closer to paradise than the perfect Insta-worthy infinity pool, which, by the way, they also have.
The Gardens. The Gardens! Are they truly as amazing as everyone says? (And are there... *dragons*?)
Okay, the gardens. Yes. They *are* as amazing as everyone says. Prepare to have your jaw on the floor. And YES! There are dragons! Well, not real fire-breathing ones (unfortunately). But there are statues. Sculptures. The whole place is a sensory overload in the BEST way possible. From the rose garden to the cypress forest… each turn reveals a new vista, a new scent, a new "wow." It's like being in a living, breathing Monet painting.
I spent, like, an entire afternoon just wandering around, getting lost in the fragrance of a thousand roses. I felt like I was living in some kind of whimsical dream. Then, I had to drag myself back to reality because I had a dinner reservation. And now, I'm regretting not spending even MORE time. Dammit.
Quirky Observation: The sheer *variety* of plants is insane. I felt like I was taking botanical notes! One minute I'm surrounded by cherry blossoms, the next something that looks like it fell out of a Dr. Seuss book. My inner plant nerd was having a FIELD DAY.
Let's talk Rooms: Are the Views REALLY worth it? (And is the bed comfy?)
The views? ABSOLUTELY. Worth every single penny. I booked a room, specifically the one with the ocean view (obviously!), and I could have spent the entire trip just staring out the window. The sunrise was… I don't even have words. It painted the sky in these crazy, vibrant colors. Seriously, someone should make a film of just the sunrises.
And the bed? Okay, this is important. I’m a picky sleeper. The bed was actually AMAZING. So fluffy. So comfy. I slept like a baby. The only downside? I didn't want to *leave* the bed! I think I spent a little too much time in that bed.
Imperfection Alert Okay, one tiny little annoyance. The room service menu was…extensive. To the point of being overwhelming. I sat there for ages trying to decide. First world problems. I got confused and just ordered everything. Too much food. But the food was good! Maybe don't order everything. Or, you know, *do*. Depends on your personality.
Onsen Time! What's the spa situation like? (And what can I wear?)
Okay, the onsen situation? Heavenly. Seriously. The hot springs are a major highlight. You can choose from indoor and outdoor baths. The outdoor ones are just… magical. You're soaking in the hot water, surrounded by nature, with the ocean breeze on your skin. It's pure bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
As for what to wear, well, nothing! You're naked. It is a nude bathing experience. Don't be shy. Everyone is naked. It's part of the experience. Embrace it. Be free. And if you're feeling unsure, I was too. But after a few sakes, I was totally fine!
Rambling Thought: Okay, quick tangent: The whole ritual of the onsen is so calming. You wash beforehand, you slowly ease yourself into the water… it's all very meditative. It's like they've created the perfect formula for maximum relaxation. Which makes them a very good spa, with a very good onsen. Still, can’t deny it felt a little weird to have to wash when the waters are meant to be pure.
Side Note The spa also has massages and treatments. I got a massage. It was… *divine*. My body felt like it was made of jelly afterwards. Seriously, book a massage. You won't regret it. Just be prepared to almost fall asleep on the table like I did.
The Food! What's the dining experience like? (And is it all raw fish?)
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting! The dining experience is… varied. Look, it's Japan. There's definitely a *lot* of raw fish. But don't worry, it's not *all* raw fish. They have options. The food is presented beautifully, like tiny works of art. It's fresh, it's flavorful, and the presentation alone is worth the price of admission.
The main restaurant has all sorts of options, and the breakfast buffet is a MUST. Seriously, the breakfast buffet is legendary. They have everything you could possibly imagine, from traditional Japanese dishes to Western-style fare. I may have had three plates of pancakes. Don’t judge me. They were *delicious*.
Emotionally Charged Observation: There was one tiny misstep. One. The seafood restaurant. I ordered something that looked amazing. And... it was not. I think I was expecting something different. It was a real emotional rollercoaster, and I was left wanting something different.
Anything I should be aware of *before* I go? (The honest truth!)
Alright, here's the real deal. Akao Atami isn't cheap. It's a splurge. So, prepare for that. But honestly? It's worth it.
Messy Truth: The language barrier can be a challenge. Not everyone speaks fluent English. But the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and they will do their best to understand you. There were a few moments where I felt a little lost in translation, but ultimatelyWorld Wide Inns
