Atami Kaihourou is an exclusive ryokan, even more exclusive than most, , based on This exclusivity extends to the accommodations - with only four rooms, the highly trained staff are able to offer attentive service that is second to none.
All through the ryokan, the spaces bespeak luxury.
Fine art graces the walls and halls, including gorgeous glass art (in keeping with the predominant theme of the interior design), prints by famous artists, and lots of owls (the owner’s favorite animal).
Two features for which Kaihourou is renowned are the incredibly beautiful Kinbyoubu dinging room, and the all-glass Water Terrace.
The concept is simple – premium hospitality, and only four rooms to provide the most attentive service, amid a theme of “water and glass.”
Kaihourou boasts gorgeous art and designer furnishings throughout the premises, including bar chairs and couches by B&B, and comfortable, elegant easy chairs designed in-house to the management’s exacting specifications.
And don’t forget the view – breathtaking panoramic views of Sagami Bay, the town and port of Atami, and the mountains that rise out of the sea on either side.
With its modern facilities and the contemporary art gracing its interior, one might wonder if this really is a ryokan in the traditional sense, rather than, say, a boutique hotel. Manager Kanamaru-san thinks that is a valid question.
“This is still a ryokan in spirit – the hotel provides the same services as more traditional ryokan – top-notch kaiseki haute cuisine, fine furnishings, luxurious surroundings and, most importantly, a high level of omotenashi, Japan’s traditional art of hospitality.
UNDERSTANDING THE RYOKAN CULTURE
The Ryokan Collection consists of Category AAA ryokans where you will experience authentic traditional Japanese culture and customs and indulge in traditionalold-fashion Japanese hospitality and service at its legendary best.
By understanding some of the customs and practices of a ryokan, you will be assured of a memorable experience and be able to enjoy the most of your stay.
WHAT'S A RYOKAN
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn and has been a central part of Japanese culture for centuries. Here guests can get a taste of Japanese traditional home life.
The earliest ryokans were built along the Tokai Highway for travelers journeying between the capital city of Tokyo and the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. The simplest ryokans were actually homes offering extra rooms for travelers. Others were more elaborate, offering little luxuries and exquisiteelaborate cuisine.
Today, there are around 63,000 ryokans in Japan, of which 1,800 are high quality establishments belonging to the Japan Association. Many are located close to hot springs (onsen).
It has all the features of Seiha, as well as leather couches by B&B and a nifty TV stand that spins 360 degrees to be viewable in both bedroom and living room.
This is a Western-style room, with twin or double beds on request.
This is the most popular room in the ryokan, and tends to book up quickly, up to six months in advance, particularly on fireworks weekends. Sleeping is on twin beds, or double on request.
The rotemburo outdoor bath is shielded by louvres for both privacy and full circulation of cooling breezes.
This room also has an engawa, a Japanese-style veranda of the sort you often see surrounding traditional Japanese houses; this is good place to lounge, as on a daybed, taking in the sunshine, cool breezes and sounds of nature.
Sawa is Japanese-style, with lovely, aromatic tatami mats for a premium sleeping experience.
Shozan is a spacious Western-style room, with twin beds, a pretty tokonoma alcove with a beautiful piece of art.
The room has a restful view of trees and ocean.
Kaihourou’s bar, Yamashina Chaya - was a sushi bar in its last incarnation, and it retains the long expanse of smooth, clear-grained wood.
It stocks a comprehensive selection of fine wines, spirits and shochu, as well as a variety of beers.
Of course, the other reason to come to Kaihourou – besides the premium service, exquisite cuisine and “ahh”-inspiring comfort – is the onsen hot springs.
All the rooms have their own in-room baths, including Jacuzzis inside and rotemburo outdoor baths on the balcony overlooking the bay (a fine experience, soaking in both the view and the bath), and there is also a bigger, swimming pool-size bath, or daiyokujo, on the ground floor for a more expansive bathing experience.
The main baths (the women’s and men’s are separate) look out onto a pretty garden through huge floor-to-ceiling windows, which open to give a rotemburo-like, virtually-outdoor bathing experience.
There is also a cedar dry sauna and a bracing cold pool.
The big onsen bath can be reserved for 50 minutes at a time for private bathing, which is available twice a day, morning and evening. Reservations can be made at check-in or at any other time.
The path to the daiyokujo is spectacular in its own right, with its “glass garden” – a stylized trickling brook with glass rocks and a waterfall that cascades three stories down one wall.
The castle was built as a tourist facility in 1959 when many vacationers flocked to the town.
The breathtaking space, which is available for dinners with up to 15 guests. Geisha are also available for performances at these events.
Geigi are women who dress in kimono and dance and perform traditional arts to entertain guests. Kenban is where they are trained.
The mountain path which lies between the borders of Atami city and Kannami town. A cable car runs through the path, and it is considered as one of the scenic photo spots around Atami.
A villa residence built around Taisho and Showa era (1912-1989) is on exhibit. It provides a tangible link to cultural heritage of Atami city.
MOA Museum of Art is one of Shizuoka Prefecture of hot spring tourist destination Izu Atami attractions, view from the main lobby is a superb view of the best Atami.
This plum garden boasts the fastest blooming plum blossoms in Japan and is also famous for enjoying the autumn foliage the longest.
The other most distinctive feature of Kaihourou is the fantastic Water Balcony, a room made entirely of glass – walls, floor, dining table, chairs – and surrounded by an infinity pool.
"Yu-Yu Bus" which departs from Atami station, is a perfect to make comfortable and efficient trips to tourist sites, like historic interests and cultural treasures in the city of Atami.
ATAMI KAIHOUROU
8-33 KasugachōAtami-shiShizuoka-ken 413-0005Japan