AoAwo Naruto Resort

Main minus for us was that all rooms faintly of cigarette smoke. But many pluses: two nice hot springs inside the hotel, the one on the higher floor with a nice view and sauna. Great pool and access to the beach and the rooms are very comfortable, clean (aside from smoke smell, for which I rated a 3), and our room had a terrific view of the sea and a big balcony. Many, many families with children here, but we came on a holiday weekend in the summer so it may not always be like this. The staff was very attentive (especially to the children, they were great). Several restaurants which were very good but crowded; make reservations. Breakfast buffet also very good but, again, crowded. Hotel is a short drive to all the great sites in Naruto, including the whirpools and Otsuka Museum.

Fabulous sunrise view over the ocean! Hotel is clean and comfortable. We stayed in the main tower; comfortable beds, although the decor is a bit dated/tired. The spa baths in the hotel were really lovely. Good beach activities for the kids. We found the Western buffet somewhat limited, and the hotel restaurants all closed very early (~9pm). No one at the front desk spoke English, but there were handouts in English. We were charged a spa fee that they did not tell us about (because they didn't speak English, and we didn't speak Japanese, unfortunately); but it was very small (~300 Yen per person), and the spas were lovely, so just a small note for future travelers to be aware. Great gift shop!