ACAO FOREST Tickets

ACAO FOREST terraces down a headland south of Atami, a garden resort where themed gardens, rose collections and sea view cafes cascade toward the Pacific across a hillside of astonishing steepness. It is a landscape designed for lingering, with the blue of Sagami Bay behind every planting, and it has become one of the Izu area’s most photographed destinations.

Gardens above the sea

A shuttle carries visitors to the hilltop, from where the route strolls downhill through a dozen themed gardens, Japanese, herb, rose and more, each opening onto the ocean panorama. The roses peak in late spring and again in autumn, filling whole slopes with scent. At the headland’s edge stands the celebrated COEDA HOUSE cafe, designed by architect Kengo Kuma as a canopy of stacked timber, where a coffee comes with one of the finest coastal views in the region.

Visiting notes

Paths descend steadily, so the walking is easy in one direction, and benches, swings and photo installations punctuate the route. Weekday visits are calm; weekends bring couples on pilgrimage to the swing shots over the sea. Seasonal events and illuminations extend some visits into the evening. Allow two hours or so at garden pace.

Getting there

Shuttle buses connect Atami Station with the gardens in around 15 minutes; taxis take a similar time. Atami is a Tokaido Shinkansen stop, about 40 minutes from Tokyo, making the gardens a comfortable day trip paired with the town’s beaches and the MOA Museum of Art.

Frequently asked questions

When do the roses bloom? Late May into June, with a second flush through autumn.

Is it manageable with limited mobility? The downhill route helps, but the site is steep overall, so check access options when booking.

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