Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites

The staff were so nice, and the food was very good. Every room, even the bath, looks out onto the beautiful ocean. The hotel sits on a small island and is one of the best places I've stayed in Japan. Trains from Osaka and Nagoya go directly to a station near the hotel, and the hotel limousine service takes about five minutes from there. If you're interested in finding a less-discovered spot in Japan, go to Shima.

I came to stay here for La Mer, the French restaurant, and the food was superb. I was especially pleased that the executive chef, Higuchi Hiroe-san, is a woman. I had seen her on NHK World TV’s program The Trails To Oishii Tokyo. My room had also been occupied by David Cameron, and the hotel hosted the G7 Summits in 2016. It was at the far end of the corridor, so getting to the elevators was quite a walk, but good exercise! This was my first visit to the area, and I was impressed by the lush trees and lovely water views throughout. Getting here from Tokyo is rather difficult. I stayed in Irago on the way and plan to stop overnight in Nippondaira on my return to Tokyo. I'd recommend the hotel to anyone looking for good food and a relaxing stay.

The roof garden is the standout for me, absolutely beautiful. There's also a restaurant and lounge on the top floor where you can take in the breathtaking views. The scenery alone almost makes the hotel worth visiting.

The lounge is a great place to unwind alone or meet up with friends. They serve sweets, savory snacks, and all sorts of drinks, including alcohol, and there's a big collection of books plus a music room. The service was exquisite! We also had a great time at the restaurant. The seafood curry is worth trying, though it is pricey, so I shared one with someone else.