Healing retreat by the Izu coastline!

Akazawa Onsen Hotel's infinity hot spring is the perfect winter escape. In January, I fled Tokyo to the Izu Highlands and discovered the Akazawa Onsen Hotel, a seaside sanctuary that feels like salvation in winter! The infinity hot spring pool is perched on a coastal cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean while soaking in warm waters. Whether it's a sunny day with the blue sea reflecting the clear sky or a rainy day with misty bays, the scenery is so stunning it makes you lose track of time. 🌊 The public baths are even more impressive than the private ones! Ingenious gender-swapping pools The hotel features multiple hot spring pools across two buildings, with the infinity open-air bath on the top floor of the South Wing being the highlight. Glass railings provide unobstructed ocean views, and as you soak, warm steam rises while fishing boats drift by in the distance—it's like being immersed in a living ukiyo-e painting. The most intriguing part is the gender-swapping pools every half day. On the second day, I discovered the rock pool on the side of the North Wing, where you can hear the waves crashing against the cliffs—purely therapeutic! 🍜 A serendipitous discovery: "Japan's best dandan noodles" Originally, I booked a one-night stay with half-board, but I stumbled upon a gem at the South Wing restaurant: a bowl of dandan noodles hailed by Google reviews as "Japan's best." The chili oil is aromatic without being overpowering, the minced meat perfectly coats the springy noodles, and the soft-boiled egg is the ultimate pairing! The best part? It costs only 800 yen, cheaper than city restaurants. After the meal, I lounged in the tatami relaxation room on the second floor, listening to the sound of waves—this is the essence of Japanese tranquility.