I Looked Into ACAO FOREST

On this blog, I've been steadily researching and recording campsites, day-trip hot springs, and lodging that even I, someone who doesn't drive, might be able to get to.

This time it's less of a campsite and more of a slight detour, but I looked into a place called "ACAO FOREST." I came across information saying you could get there from Atami Station via a free shuttle bus, and as someone who's basically a paper driver, that alone was enough to get me curious.

What kind of place is ACAO FOREST

Apparently it's a garden and spa resort facility located in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It seems to have previously operated under a different name, but it looks like it has now been renewed under the name "ACAO FOREST." Within the grounds, there's said to be a Japanese garden called "Tensho," along with numerous gardens of different themes scattered throughout, such as an Ocean Garden, an English Rose Garden, and a Rose Valley.

Beyond the gardens, there also seems to be a "Land Art Park" displaying art pieces, as well as photo spots like a mirrored torii gate and a flying swing, giving the impression that it's designed to be enjoyable for people who like photography too. There also appear to be leisure facilities like a beach and a pool, so it seems like the kind of place where you could spend a leisurely full day even on a day trip.

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), apparently open every day with no regular closing days
• Admission: Adults from 2,500 yen (varies by season), elementary school students 1,000 yen, preschoolers free. Bringing a pet costs an additional 1,000 yen (regardless of number of pets)
• Local resident discount: Residents of Atami City, Yugawara Town, and similar areas apparently get in for 1,500 yen as adults, with elementary schoolers free
• Booking method: There doesn't seem to be direct booking through the official site; e-tickets are mainly sold through external services. It also seems possible to purchase tickets at the entrance on the day

On the food side, there appear to be a restaurant called "CODA ROSSA" and cafes called "nagisArt cafe" and "COEDA HOUSE" within the grounds, giving the impression that there's a decent range of spots where you can take a break while looking at the gardens.

Komorin

With gardens, art, and photo spots all packed in, I'm starting to feel like even an indoor type like me could enjoy a full day here. Though the admission fee is pretty substantial.

Apparently you can also stay overnight at "Mori no Yado"

It looks like there's a wooden cabin-style lodging facility called "Mori no Yado" (Forest Inn) attached to the grounds, apparently featuring cabins handcrafted by artisans. The rate starts at 15,000 yen per person per night (tax included), and the system seems to involve booking through an external reservation service along with self check-in via smartphone. It seems like there's an option not just for day trips, but also to stay overnight and take your time enjoying the garden resort.

The free shuttle bus from Atami Station looks convenient

For someone who doesn't drive, this access method was what caught my attention the most. There appears to be a free shuttle bus (apparently a blue vehicle with the ACAO logo on it) running from JR Atami Station, operating on a no-reservation, first-come-first-served basis with a capacity of 22 people.

Apparently there are 8 departures from Atami Station between 9:50 AM and 3:25 PM, and 9 departures from ACAO FOREST between 11:10 AM and 5:05 PM. The pickup point seems to be near the rotary in front of Atami Station, and the return drop-off point seems to be near the entrance to the facility's first parking lot. Since delays or reduced service are possible depending on road conditions, it might be safer to allow some extra time when using it. Besides the bus, there also seem to be ways to access the facility by taxi or by Tokai Bus route buses.

That said, sources seemed to disagree on whether this shuttle bus runs every day or only on weekdays, so if you're thinking of using it, it's probably safest to check the latest timetable on the official website beforehand. The parking lot itself is apparently paid (1,000 yen for up to 3 hours, with additional charges every 30 minutes after that), so choosing the bus over driving doesn't seem like a bad option.

Rakuten Mobile Signal Conditions

When I checked this facility's location using the official My Area Network Simulation tool, the overall rating came back as "C."

Since this is the actual result produced by Rakuten Mobile's official tool, I'll share it as is. Perhaps because it's a large garden area surrounded by nature, the connectivity rating wasn't quite something I'd call sufficient. If you're the type who likes to take lots of photos and share them on the spot, it might be reassuring to plan ahead with the signal conditions in mind.

Komorin

Hearing a "C" rating makes me a little nervous, but if it's a place mainly about enjoying garden scenery, maybe weaker signal wouldn't be too much of a problem.

If you're curious, you can check it yourself using the official Rakuten Mobile tool, so it might be reassuring to look it up once before you go.

Wrapping Up

To sum things up again, ACAO FOREST left me with the impression of being a complex resort facility reachable from Atami Station via a free shuttle bus, where you can enjoy gardens, art, and even overnight stays. With a Japanese garden, photo spots, and even the cabin-style "Mori no Yado" lodging all available, it seems like a place I could thoroughly enjoy even without driving.

On the other hand, the Rakuten Mobile signal came back with a "C" rating, so it's probably worth planning with a bit of margin when it comes to connectivity. The schedule for the free shuttle bus and the latest pricing information could also change, so it's probably a good idea to check the official website for the most current details before visiting.

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Related Links

• Official Site