ACAO FOREST — Attraction in Atami

On the Atami hillside overlooking the Sagami Bay is a a gem of a spot where nature is nurtured to bloom. The acao forest is a collection of 12 themed gardens, art installations, shrines and one of the most stunning views of the bay especially on a clear sunny day.

It is best arrive here by car and there is ample parking. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance but u save yourself 20% with an online purchase of 2000Y for entry. I recommend taking the shuttle to the top of the hill side and slowly make your way down by foot to enjoy all the gardens. At the top, it is a short hike to visit the shrine, the land art park and some of the gardens. The whole area is fun to explore and don’t forget your camera as the various cliff side views, swings, seats make for great pictures. Even in the midst of winter where the bloom is at its lowest it made for a great day out.

There is a cafe cum cocktail bar near the summit and a lovely Italian restaurant at the base. Both are worth a visit just for a meal...

Land Art Park ACAO Forest is a breathtaking hillside park perfect for sightseeing and relaxation. Spanning a vast area, it’s adorned with blooming flowers and whimsical props ideal for photo opportunities. Despite its size, the park features a convenient shuttle bus service, making it easy to explore.

I recommend visiting the park before noon for the best lighting; I arrived at 3:30 PM and found the photos lacking in brightness. Fortunately, as the sun began to set, the sky transformed into a beautiful pink hue, creating a stunning backdrop for my pictures.

I also had the pleasure of visiting COEDA House, a café designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The structure elegantly mimics the shape of a tree, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding landscape. I enjoyed a delightful cake and coffee there, making for a truly pleasant afternoon.

Overall, ACAO Forest is a must-visit for nature lovers and photography...

Beautiful park 😍

One of the leading rose gardens in the world, this garden boasts 4,000 rose bushes of 600 varieties. On top of the rose-covered hill is a cafe designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed the New National Stadium in Japan. Huge pines have been planted here, creating a photo spot for guests from overseas.

Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Park admission: Until 16:00) Regular holidays: Tuesdays in December and January (open from December 29 to January 3). Closed during stormy weather. Entrance fee: For 1-14 persons: Adults 1,000yen-1,100yen, children 500yen-600yen (May 15 to June 10: Adults 1,500yen, children 800yen) Group rate: Group of 15 or more persons: Adults 800yen-900yen, children 400yen-500yen(May 15 to June 10: Adults 1,300yen,children 700yen) Parking: Free parking for 100 vehicles (Please contact us in advance if arriving at the garden by charter bus) Address: 1027-8 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka...