The Risonare Atami hotel invites guests to ‘sing freely on the sea while feeling the autumn breeze’, with a session of ocean karaoke. Jenny Southan reports
From September 4 to November 27, 2023, Risonare Atami, a luxury hotel in Japan’s scenic Shizuoka Prefecture, is offering a unique experience that combines the joys of karaoke with the tranquil ambiance of Sagami Bay.
Guests have the opportunity to sing from boats designed like traditional Japanese wooden bath buckets, or oke, while holding a glass of champagne and enjoying views of the Atami cityscape.
The concept, dubbed “Marine Kara-oke,” aims to blend musical entertainment with elements of water and nature, reflecting Atami’s reputation as a famous hot spring destination.
The experience kicks off from Southern Atami, just a 20-minute car ride from the hotel. Once aboard these specially crafted boats designed for comfort and relaxation, participants can sing to their heart’s content. (Micriophones, speakers, tambourines and maracas are also provided).
The Marine Kara-oke runs every Monday between 3pm and 5pm, with one hour designated for the aquatic singing adventure and another hour allocated for transportation to and from the starting point.
The package is priced at ¥40,000 (£219) and includes not only the unique Marine Kara-oke experience but also a bottle of champagne. For an additional ¥15,000 (£82), singers can order bruschetta with caviar and ricotta cheese.
Open to groups of up to people, with a maximum capacity of one group per day, the experience also adheres to safety standards by requiring participants to be at least 20 years old – Japan’s legal drinking age – and to wear life jackets while on the water.