Ako Onsen Taioukan

Heading up to the rooftop in the middle of the night to watch the moonlight make a path across the sea became a wonderful memory. The room was tasteful too, and even just looking out the window at the view felt amazing. Dinner downstairs at Ristorante Sakuragumi was fantastic! ✨

Being there felt like a little escape to Italy, and I was able to relax so much that it made me want to visit Capri next time. The interior is stylish and cute, with photo-worthy designs everywhere, so I ended up taking lots of pictures. We had dinner at SAKURAGUMI and breakfast in our room, and both were delicious. The pizza stood out, chewy with really good cheese. The different dishes used fresh ingredients from Ako, bringing out their local flavors. Breakfast came on stylish plates, almost like eating at a hotel overseas. The juice and potage were delicious too.

Taking the regular ferry back from the pier and then a taxi to Himeji let us get all the way back to Kyoto in one go. Now I'm enjoying the breakfast we brought home and thinking back on two really full days of summer travel. 🙃😊 On our second day, we took a boat to Oga Island in the Ieshima Islands, a trip the master recommended. The beach felt almost private, and much more comfortable than the crowded Amalfi Coast. We swam, then had very fresh sashimi at the island beach house Nakamura-so, which had been reserved for us, and plenty of beer flowed again. 😆 I've visited Sakuragumi, my favorite and most respected pizzeria, several times, and always wanted to stay there. When I heard they were opening a hotel, I booked right away. The dream came true in the best way. The room was spacious and full of thoughtful details, though I'm frustrated that I couldn't take good photos. It felt like being on a beach in Naples. I relaxed to the sound of the waves and old records. I used the hot spring ticket for a nearby infinity pool, but an even better moment was bathing in my room the next morning while looking out at the sea. After a delicious dinner on the first day, I unwound on the rooftop terrace and fell asleep right away. The next morning we walked along the beach and had an amazing breakfast. The yogurt and juice were incredibly good, and they even gave us takeaway packs. Such thoughtful service! 🥡🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

The chef recommended Okajima Island, about 20 minutes by charter flight from the fishing port near the hotel, and its beach was amazing. The food at the hotel was delicious, as you'd expect from a place run by a master Italian chef, and the whole place felt Italian down to the smallest details. Breakfast was gorgeous and full of local Ako ingredients. I was moved from the start. Coming from Kyoto, it felt like a real holiday. I found Naples in Ako! 😆✨ Thanks to the hotel and restaurant staff, the locals, and the super chef for their hospitality. I was so impressed. Ako 🇮🇹 is somewhere I want to return to again and again! 😊💫