Kawana Hotel Sun Parlor Lounge - Enjoy A Fabulous Weekend Getaway

Embark on a Weekend Getaway

Whenever I feel the need to get out of the city and recharge with positive energy, I head to a certain place that is about 150 kilometers west of Tokyo. The location of this refreshing getaway is the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka.

Izu is filled with beautiful sights such as the Jogasaki Coast, famous for its rocky precipices contrasting with the blue ocean, or the dome-shaped Izu Plateau. However, what I personally look forward to most is visiting the Sun Parlor Lounge at Kawana Hotel.

Kawana Hotel

Picture courtesy of the Kawana Hotel

Kawana Hotel was established in 1936 by Kishichiro Okura of the former Okura Financial Group. He contributed to the founding of two other prestigious hotels in Japan: Hotel Okura and the Imperial Hotel. Okura was inspired to build the Kawana Hotel after seeing British resort hotels during his study abroad in England.

Following the end of World War II, the hotel was used to entertain distinguished international guests. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio also stayed at the hotel when they visited Japan on their honeymoon.

The hotel exterior is built in an elegant Southern European-style with red Spanish tiles and white walls. The lodging looks out over Sagami Bay and has a golf course, clubhouse, and a pool on the grounds. It is the ideal resort in the summer when people get away from the city to escape the heat.

Mt. Komuro lies to the west of the hotel and the ocean to the east. Secluded from the city, the location feels like a true oasis.

A Lobby with a Dignified Atmosphere

Walk through the entrance into the main lobby where there are leather sofas and a fireplace. This dignified ambience can be found only in a classic hotel. Let’s head over to the Sun Parlor next door.

The Sun-Lit and Spacious Sun Parlor Lounge

Picture courtesy of the Kawana Hotel
The spacious interior of the Sun Parlor Lounge is built to make the dining facility appear as if it were extending over the ocean. The glass windows provide a clear view of Sagami Bay.

The rattan chairs, slightly retro and conjuring up a relaxing mood, are simply lovely. I love to sip my afternoon tea leisurely on my days off. On this weekend getaway, I could actually look out over the ocean during teatime. The greatest luxury is to feel time passing by slowly.

The Sun Parlor’s Top Menu Items

The Sun Parlor has a fitting selection of delectable menu items to accompany tea time.

I recommend ordering the parfait. The KAWANA Parfait (1,550 yen with tax and an additional service fee) is an assortment of the hotel's special pudding, apple compote, and fruitcake. It's the best dessert for a blissful teatime.

In summer, the lounge serves a seasonal parfait generously topped with peaches (ingredients and prices vary each season).

The parfait set menu. Picture courtesy of the Kawana Hotel

The Traditional Bavarois Aux Fruits (a la carte for 1,050 yen, set for 1,550 yen; both with tax and additional service fee) is a modern arrangement of a recipe that was passed down over the years at the hotel. This rich dessert is lavishly topped with whipped cream.

Picture courtesy of the Kawana Hotel
You should also taste this dish associated with Marilyn Monroe. The Omurice (2,220 yen with tax and a separate service fee, served 11:00 – 15:00) is a rice omlette inspired by a meal she ordered for room service.

If you're only slightly hungry, order the American Club Sandwich (2,200 yen with tax and additional service fee). It’s great for sharing with friends.

Each dish has been meticulously seasoned in a manner that is unique to an established hotel. The elegant meal is sure to satisfy both your soul and your stomach.

*There is a 10% service fee.

How to Get to Kawana Hotel

If you are traveling by train from Tokyo, head to Ito Station for a free shuttle bus to the hotel.

Travel to Atami on the Tokaido Main Line from JR Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Ito Line for Ito Station. The travel time is roughly two hours and 30 minutes with a fare of 2,310 yen.

You can also travel to Atami Station on the bullet train (Kodama Shinkansen) from JR Tokyo Station. Transfer to the JR Ito Line from Atami then alight at Ito. The total travel time is about an hour and 30 minutes. It will cost 4,400 yen (reserved seats).

The free shuttle bus to the hotel from Ito Station takes about 30 minutes. Advanced reservations by phone (English support available) are required. Please read this page for more details about the shuttle bus.

Enjoy a Fabulous Time by the Sea

There are a handful of classic hotels in the city. At Kawana Hotel, however, you can immerse in a quiet, elegant ambience.

A weekend getaway spent sipping tea, and soaking up the serene ocean view sounds like bliss.

Kawana Hotel

1459 Kawana, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture 414-0044

Main picture courtesy of Kawana Hotel