Yokosuka, JapanAkiya
Hayama Hotel Otowa No Mori
Seaside clifftop suites
Seaside clifftop suites
Reserved exclusively for overnight guests, the hotel gives every room an unbroken horizon over Sagami Bay.
What it’s good at
Notable
Yasunori Maeda cliffside architecture, finished in minimalist earth tones and ocean-blue textiles.
Notable
All-suite cliffside retreats with ocean-view soaking tubs and requested balcony breakfasts.
Notable
Heated cliffside infinity soaking pool enriched with Futamata radium limestone minerals.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The interiors are minimalist and outfitted in earth tones, and the amenities are luxurious, including Simmons beds, Acqua di Parma bath products, and Illy coffee makers; guests enjoy views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Akiya's quiet coves sit directly below the cliffs, and the wider Hayama coast stretches just to the north.
1 of 4
The rooms
Every suite looks out on Sagami Bay with an ocean-view bathtub, and higher categories add private plunge pools.
The plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Deluxe Pool Suites open onto private sun decks with azure mosaic plunge pools set against the bay.
The infinity bath
The clifftop infinity bath stays heated year-round, opening onto a wooden sun deck high above Sagami Bay.
Bar & Lobby Lounge
The granite counter looks out over the bay, serving evening cocktails and craft beer brewed with Brewster's Yacht Club.
At the table
Curved floor-to-ceiling glass wraps the dining room, where French dinners serve Sagami Bay seafood and local Hayama beef.
How it began
Founder Shinji Yoda replaced a modest coastal inn here in 1987, drawn by the natural energy of the bluff.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.