Acao Forest (Acao Herb & Rose Garden)

ACAO FOREST (Acao Herb & Rose Garden) is a 12.5-hectare botanical garden located on the clifftops of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Originally established in 1982 as a herb garden, the attraction was expanded and redesigned in 2018 by world-renowned landscape designer Dan Pearson to create a more naturalistic garden that blends seamlessly with the surrounding coastal landscape.

The garden sits 300 meters above sea level overlooking Sagami Bay and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands. Its terraced design features over 300 varieties of roses alongside Mediterranean herbs, ornamental grasses, and native Japanese plants. The garden's cultural significance lies in its representation of contemporary Japanese garden design philosophy, which emphasizes harmony between cultivated and wild landscapes while incorporating international botanical expertise.

Visitors can explore winding pathways that lead through themed garden areas including the Rose Terrace, Herb Garden, and Wild Garden. The on-site COEDA HOUSE, a distinctive wooden pavilion designed by architect Kengo Kuma, serves as a café and observation deck offering spectacular ocean views. The garden also features a shop selling herbs, roses, and garden-related products, plus workshops on herb cultivation and botanical crafts.

The optimal visiting season runs from May to October, with roses reaching peak bloom in May and June and again in October. Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh herb growth, while summer offers lush Mediterranean vegetation. Autumn provides clear mountain views and comfortable temperatures, though winter visits are possible with reduced plant displays and shorter operating hours.

ACAO FOREST is accessible via JR Tokaido Line to Kinomiya Station, followed by a 15-minute taxi ride or local bus service. From Tokyo, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. The garden opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with last entry at 4:30 PM. Adult admission costs ¥1,200, with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Parking is available on-site for 300 yen per vehicle. The facility is partially wheelchair accessible, though some steep pathways may present challenges for mobility-impaired visitors.