What kind of resort hotel is Wyndham Grand Awashima?
In early October, after a hot summer and cooler weather, we took JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and got off at Mishima Station. The trip from Tokyo Station took 50 minutes. From there, we took the resort hotel’s free shuttle bus to a small landing about 30 minutes away and boarded a small boat. Suruga Bay is a calm sea with almost no waves, so the small boat hardly rocked. From the boat, we could see a beautiful Mt. Fuji and a pale pink-colored building. It only took 5 minutes to get there, but it was like stepping into another world. We arrived in no time at all. Awashima, where the resort hotel is located, is an uninhabited island in Suruga Bay.
I would recommend this resort hotel for those who want to enjoy a resort atmosphere with a view of Mt. Fuji. It is a very small island, so you can enjoy yourself in just one night. The exterior of the resort hotel was a bit deteriorated and the color of some of the walls was peeling, but once inside, it was a pleasure just to walk around the building with its very luxurious interior and furnishings, wooden grand piano, and paintings. The spacious atrium entrance lobby was adorned with European-style furnishings and Greek mythological motifs. In addition, the large stained glass fitted in the ceiling is designed for the spring, summer, autumn and winter of Suruga Bay, and is a work of art worth seeing.
After a quick check-in, the staff escorted us to our room. All the rooms were spacious suites with ocean views, balconies, and views of Mt.Fuji. Also, it was a luxurious structure where you can see the wonderful Mt. Fuji from the bathroom. For a while, we had coffee on the balcony with a view of Mt. Fuji.
After relaxing in the room, we went to communal hot spring baths. There are wonderful communal outdoor hot spring baths and indoor hot spring baths where hot spring water gushes from the bottom of the sea. The outdoor baths in particular were designed as if they were connected to the ocean. The view of Mt. Fuji from here was also the best. While soaking in the hot springs, I watched the magnificent Mt. Fuji and the fishing boats that occasionally crossed. At this time, it was just dusk, so the sky and clouds were dyed in pale orange and purple, and Mt. Fuji seemed to emerge in a mystical atmosphere.
Then this resort hotel is famous for its French restaurant. You can choose from Japanese, Teppanyaki, or French cuisine, but if you are staying here, French cuisine is the way to go. Fish from Suruga Bay and ingredients from Izu produce decorated each dish in a gorgeous way. The restaurant interior was decorated in the motif of a ship’s cabin. There is a dress code.
Many guests walk or jog around the island during their stay. It took us about 40 minutes to go around the island. The coastal path was only 2.5 km long, and it was very relaxing to be surrounded by the pleasant sound of Suruga Bay’s waves and the scent of the seashore while enjoying the view of Mt. Fuji. I had no idea that in just under two hours from the big city of Tokyo, I would be on an uninhabited island surrounded by the sea, enjoying nature with a view of the majestic Mt. Fuji.
When we booked our room, we were asked for our shoe size. Jogging shoes in the size we told them were provided in the room. Although it is a small island, Awashima marine park is adjacent to the resort hotel. Guests staying here can use the park free of charge. Then, there was also a spot where guests could fish exclusively.
If I were to raise a fault, it would be that the resort hotel was built about 30 years ago, so the overall ambience tends to be classic and a bit outdated. The facilities seem to be well maintained, though.
Then there are wonderful communal hot spring baths on the grounds, but no rooms with private hot springs. However the tap water at Awashima has always been considered great water and is delicious to drink. It is also very soft to the touch, so I could enjoy my bath time in my room.
Then in my personal opinion, this resort hotel is featured in a Japanese anime called Love Live! School Idol Project, so the small boats are decorated with anime characters. Somehow, I felt that the anime did not fit the ambience of this hotel.
Overall, it was a luxury resort 30 years ago, but there are more modern spohiticated luxury resorts now, so it is probably more for families and groups with children than a romantic luxury resort.
Check Availability and Pricing for the resort hotel on Wyndham Grand Awashima’s HP
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Is the location easy to access?
You can take a Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Mishima Station. Free shuttle buses depart from Mishima Station at 13:30 or 15:00. The shuttle bus departs from No. 2 bus stop at North Exit of Mishima Station. From Mishima Station, it is a 40-minute bus ride to the boat pier, where you will board a small boat. The trip to the resort hotel takes only 5 minutes. Advance reservations are required.
There is a parking lot at the boat dock. Parking is free for hotel guests.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, you may want to request rooms on a high floor. All rooms have ocean views, but some rooms have a good view of Mt. Fuji, so it is probably best to request this when booking a room. There is no guarantee that you will be able to secure one, though, just because you request one.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All amenities are taken care of, including bath amenity items, yukata, bathrobes, sweatshirts, walking shoes, and Japanese tea sets. Also, skin care amenities for both men and women are provided in the bathrooms. DVD players, cribs, and air purifiers can be borrowed free of charge upon prior request. There is no turndown service. Free WiFi reception at the facility was excellent. There are no convenience stores on the island. You may want to buy necessities before coming here. There are no vending machines in the hotel. The tap water in the rooms is spring water. It is easy to drink, fresh, and delicious. *Basically, you can drink tap water anywhere in Japan, but it is not very tasty and smells a little like chlorine.
How about In-house Facilities?
Overall, facilitates tend to be outdated, but the housekeeping was excellent. There are indoor and outdoor communal hot springs. If the weather is fine, you can see a peaceful Mt.Fuji while soaking in the outdoor baths. The communal baths are located a bit away from the main building. You need to walk for a while. All of them are open from 5:00 to 24:00. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal ones.
Guests staying at the resort hotel have a pier on the island where they can fish. Fishing rods can be rented for JPY2500.
There is a spa treatment shop on 2F. It’s open between 14:00 and 22:00. You need to make an appoirment in advace.
In the central part of Awashima, there is a natural wine cellar made by digging a horizontal hole of about 20m. They store about 1000 bottles of French and Italian wines provided by Wyndham Grand Awashima. The wine cellar can be visited on request in advance.
Then the resort hotel is a universal design. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring people with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.
How about meals?
As noted above, there are French, Japanese, and Teppanyaki restaurants in the resort hotel. We had French cuisine for dinner. The food was just wonderful. They have a nice wine list to complement the meal. If you are a gourmet, you may want to try it. Also, children’s meals can be prepared.
*Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request on that day.
Then we had buffet-style western food for breakfast. The food presentation wouldn’t be extensive, but each dish was high standard. Complimentary champagne was available during breakfast. That’s a great service. The breakfast is between 7:00 and 10:00.
Then as far as I know, this is a small island and there are no restaurants nearby. You might want to book a room with meals included.
My impressions
The staff were all sophisticated, professional, and friendly. The location is wonderful, only 90 minutes from Tokyo Station. I think it is especially great in the fall and winter months when you can view the stunning Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.
Finally, if you want to relax in the serene setting of the property, you may want to avoid staying during Chinese New Year, late March, late April to early May, and the year-end and New Year’s holidays. Expect crowds during the above periods.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about Wyndham Grand Awashima from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the resort hotel on Wyndham Grand Awashima’s HP
Info about Wyndham Grand Awashima
| Style | Onsen Resort Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
14:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 80,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-Mail | information@awashima.com |
| Internet Connection | Free WiFi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed |
| Location | Wyndham Grand Awashima’s MAP |
| Access | Refer to the above |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 55-941-3341 |
| Official Homepage | Wyndham Grand Awashima’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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