ACAO FOREST (Akao Herb & Rose Garden) and Kengo Kuma's COEDA HOUSE
Terraced gardens on a cliff south of Atami, with a glass-walled café by Kengo Kuma overlooking the Pacific.
About 5 km south of Atami, the former Akao Herb & Rose Garden covers a hillside above the sea; it is now part of ACAO FOREST, a resort park of some thirteen gardens with art installations scattered among them. Roses are the highlight in May–June and autumn, but there is something in flower most of the year.
COEDA HOUSE
The best-known building in the park is COEDA HOUSE, a café designed by Kengo Kuma. Its roof rests on a central structure of thin laminated cypress pieces that branch out like a tree, with glass walls looking out over the Pacific. The name joins "co" (to gather) and "eda" (small branches). Order coffee and a citrus tart and sit on the terrace.
Visiting
A shuttle bus takes visitors from the entrance up the hill; most people walk back down through the terraced gardens. Buses run from JR Atami station. Check opening hours and the entrance fee on the official site.
