Text & Photography / Chi Binghui
Izu is one of Japan’s hot spring hometowns, but transportation in West Izu is not as convenient as in East Izu or Central Izu, so fewer domestic travelers visit. However, West Izu offers stunning seaside sunset views and a more relaxed pace of travel, making it worth the extra time for hot spring enthusiasts to enjoy a tranquil onsen getaway.
The sacred and dreamy little chapel is the ultimate wedding venue for girls.
Unlike typical Japanese hot spring inns, Crystal View Hotel—true to its name—adopts a Western style. Yet the blend of traditional Japanese and Southern European flair feels surprisingly cohesive. Guests can enjoy both a hinoki (Japanese cypress) bathhouse and a Roman-style all-white tub, experiencing two distinctly different sensations in one stay.
Traditional Japanese bath.
An European-style bath with white Roman columns.
From the hotel’s exterior to the lobby, visitors are greeted by a warm yellow-toned, opulent space. The ceiling and staircases feature a Western palace aesthetic, adorned with numerous candles that create a dreamy and romantic ambiance. Delicate shell decorations and ornaments are particularly appealing to women, while the large banquet hall is often reserved for newlyweds hosting wedding receptions.
Romantic candlelit glow in the lobby (view can be rotated by dragging the mouse)
Banquet hall.
For many women, a dream wedding involves tying the knot in an overseas church, and Crystal View Hotel makes this possible. Couples don’t need to leave Japan to experience an international wedding vibe. The hotel features a naturally lit chapel, where opening the curtains reveals the vast Suruga Bay. When sunlight streams into the chapel, the entire atmosphere radiates pure happiness.
A simple yet solemn church wedding.
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