Luxury onsen resort Atami Izusan KARAKU opens in Shizuoka

The Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka, just 45 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train and home to the majestic Mount Fuji, has welcomed the opening of a new luxury onsen resort – the Atami Izusan KARAKU on the Izu Peninsula. The property is the second opening for the premium onsen resort brand KARAKU, owned by ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS, and is nestled on a picturesque and serene hilltop in the seaside city of Atami, offering spectacular vistas across Sagami Bay.

The exterior of the property is designed to harmonise with the mountainous landscape of the region, with an elegant and timeless facade that blends into its environment with the use of natural coloured stone and glass that reflects its natural surroundings. The resort comprises 57 sumptuously decorated guest rooms under four room types, ranging from Deluxe Rooms available in Japanese and Western styles to KARAKU Rooms, Universal Rooms and the ultimate in luxury the KARAKU Suites. Each room type features a design inspired by the local bay and a private open-air onsen bath.

Atami Izusan KARAKU’s top floor is home to an impressive reception area adorned with local art and the guest lounge AWAI, complete with an outdoor terrace and relaxing footbaths. A floor below, guests can enjoy two large public onsen baths, each equipped with open-air and indoor baths, saunas, and magnificent panoramic views. Here, there is also a post-bath relaxation area where guests can comfortably unwind in traditional yukata (bath robes). On floor six, an additional guest lounge TOKI offers another space to enjoy calm and quiet time with an outdoor terrace.

In addition, two dining options are available - the MUTSUKI restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on local seafood in a kaiseki style (a traditional multi-course meal) and the AIJU restaurant offers guests freshly made-to-order sushi using the finest regional ingredients.

Atami is a popular resort town at the north-eastern base of the Izu Peninsula, an area described as ‘Japan’s Riviera’ thanks to its spectacular coastline and beaches. The Izu Peninsula was designated as a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2018 and is a region steeped in history, offering a wide variety of natural onsen hot springs, museums, and cultural sites. Top attractions in the area include the MOA Museum of Art, renowned for its unique collection of traditional and East Asian art, and the Atami Plum Garden which showcases a diverse range of sweet fragranced blossoms in shades of pink, red and white from early January to early March. The impressive Atami Castle, which stands 100 meters above sea level providing stunning views of Atami and Sagami Bay, is also not to be missed and its grounds offer another perfect spot to see cherry blossoms from late March to early April.

Deluxe Rooms at Atami Izusan KARAKU start at 58,300 JPY (approx. £309) per person per night, based on a room shared by two guests, inclusive of room taxes and service charges. An additional 150 JPY bathing tax is applicable per person for the use of the onsen.