Atami Onsen | Experience the Sea, Fireworks, and Renowned Hot Springs - GTN MAGAZINE
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Atami Onsen | Experience the Sea, Fireworks, and Renowned Hot Springs

Atami Onsen is one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring destinations, loved by visitors for generations. Just about an hour from Tokyo, its convenient access and year-round attractions continue to draw travelers from Japan and around the world. With sweeping views of beautiful Sagami Bay, an abundance of natural hot spring water, and streets where history and modern life come together, Atami is an ideal destination for international visitors looking to experience Japan's onsen culture.

In this article, we'll introduce the appeal of Atami Onsen, recommended places to visit, and the best ways to enjoy the area for those planning a trip to Japan or already staying in the country. Whether you're visiting for the day or staying overnight, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Atami.

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The Appeal of Atami Onsen and Basic Information

The Atami hot spring resort area

What Is Atami Onsen

Atami Onsen is located in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is a historic hot spring destination sometimes counted among the three great onsen of Japan. The hot spring town spreads across a slope facing Sagami Bay, with a distinctive landscape surrounded by sea and mountains, and the inns offer beautiful ocean views.

Basic Information

  • Location: Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
  • Access: About 40 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen
  • Total water output: About 20,000 liters per minute (one of the largest volumes in Japan)
  • Type of hot spring: Mainly chloride springs and sulfate springs

The greatest feature of Atami Onsen is that it offers a full-fledged hot spring resort experience while being just 40 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The climate is also mild year-round, and winters are relatively comfortable, making it a popular destination in every season.

Why Atami Onsen Is So Popular

There are several reasons Atami Onsen is favored by travelers from Japan and abroad.

  • Great access: Close to major cities like Tokyo and Yokohama, so day trips are possible
  • Beautiful ocean scenery: Many open-air baths offer views of Sagami Bay
  • Diverse water quality: You can enjoy hot springs with a variety of health benefits
  • Fireworks festivals year-round: The marine fireworks festivals held each season are a must-see
  • Plenty of sightseeing spots: Beyond the hot springs, there are many tourist facilities and natural sites

In 2024, Atami City recorded about 3.06 million overnight guests, recovering to pre-pandemic levels. It is a destination whose popularity is on the rise once again.

The History and Features of Atami Onsen

A traditional hot spring scene in Atami

A Famous Hot Spring with Over a Thousand Years of History

The history of Atami Onsen is very old, going back to a record in the Izu Fudoki (713). According to a legend from around 749, the monk Mangan Shonin of Hakone Gongen, seeing fish being scalded to death by boiling water gushing up from the sea, prayed to Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of healing) to save the fishermen, and is said to have moved the spring source to the site of the present-day Ōyu Geyser.

Atami Onsen was beloved by generations of warlords, including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hōjō Tokimasa, and in the Edo period it was prized by many feudal lords, beginning with Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the Meiji era it developed as a place for therapeutic bathing, and the foundations of a modern hot spring resort were laid—for example, the onsen ryokan "Shinseisha" was established in 1874 (Meiji 7).

The Features of Atami Onsen

Atami Onsen once had seven old springs known collectively as the "Atami Nanayu" (the Seven Springs of Atami), which had existed since before the Edo period. Today, due to development from the Meiji era onward, the natural springs in their original form have been lost, but the hot spring town as a whole still maintains an abundant supply of water.

What stands out is the sheer volume of water at Atami Onsen. The total daily output reaches about 26,000 tons, among the highest figures of any hot spring destination in Japan. It is precisely because of this abundant supply that many accommodations can offer free-flowing hot spring water straight from the source (kakenagashi).

Water Quality and Health Benefits

Steaming hot spring water at Atami

The Water Quality of Atami Onsen

The water quality of Atami Onsen is diverse, but it falls mainly into the following two categories.

  • Chloride springs (67.2%): Hot springs containing salt, which warm the body from the core and have excellent heat-retaining effects.
  • Sulfate springs (22.5%): Gentle on the skin, with expected benefits for a beautiful complexion.

Other types, such as sodium-calcium chloride-sulfate springs, are also found. Atami Onsen's water is colorless, transparent, and nearly odorless, making it easy to bathe in even for first-timers.

Health Benefits

Atami Onsen is said to offer the following kinds of benefits:

Type of BenefitDetails
Nervous system conditionsNeuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis
Skin conditionsCuts, burns, chronic skin conditions, beautiful skin
Women's healthSensitivity to cold, chronic women's conditions
OtherRecovery from fatigue, better health, stress relief

Because the salt content coats the skin and provides excellent heat retention, it is said to be especially effective for neuralgia and sensitivity to cold. The mildly alkaline water is also gentle on the skin and is known as a "beauty bath" (bijin no yu).

Ways to Enjoy the Hot Springs

At Atami Onsen, you can enjoy a variety of bathing styles.

  • Large public baths at inns and hotels: Many accommodations have large baths and open-air baths that overnight guests can use freely.
  • Guest rooms with private open-air baths: For those seeking a more luxurious experience, rooms with private open-air baths are recommended.
  • Day-use bathing facilities: There are many facilities where you can enjoy the hot springs without staying overnight.
  • Public bathhouses: At public bathhouses used by locals, you can experience an authentic hot spring at a reasonable price.

How to Get to Atami Onsen from Tokyo

A train heading toward Atami along the coast

Access by Shinkansen

The fastest way to reach Atami from Tokyo is the Shinkansen.

  • Travel time: About 40 minutes from Tokyo Station to Atami Station on the "Hikari," about 50 minutes on the "Kodama"
  • Fare: One way, ¥3,740 for a non-reserved seat, ¥4,270 for a reserved seat
  • Advantages: Fast, convenient, and frequent service

Access by JR Conventional Line

For those who want to keep costs down, the JR Tokaido Main Line is a good choice.

  • Travel time: About 1 hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Station to Atami Station
  • Fare: ¥1,980 one way
  • Advantages: Cheaper than the Shinkansen, and you can enjoy the scenery from the window

Access by Bus

For even more economical travel, there are also highway buses.

  • Travel time: About 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Atami
  • Fare: From ¥2,300 one way
  • Advantages: The cheapest way to travel

Access by Car

For those who want the freedom to move around, a rental car or your own car is recommended.

  • Route: Tomei Expressway → Atsugi IC → Odawara-Atsugi Road → Manazuru Road → National Route 135 → Atami Onsen
  • Travel time: About 2 hours from Tokyo
  • Advantages: Freedom to move around, and convenient for sightseeing in the surrounding area

Once you arrive at Atami Station, most of the hot spring town is within walking distance or a short bus or taxi ride away. For getting around the city, loop buses such as the "Yu-Yu Bus" are also handy.(Note: The Atami City sightseeing loop bus "Yu~Yu Bus" has been suspended until further notice since October 11, 2025.)

Recommended Accommodations for Foreign Travelers

Atami Onsen has a wide range of accommodations, from historic, long-established ryokan to modern facilities equipped for foreign travelers. Here we introduce a few inns that are especially recommended for foreign visitors.

Atami Onsen Shin-Kadoya

Founded in 1892 (Meiji 25), the long-established ryokan Shin-Kadoya sits on high ground in Atami and offers a stunning, sweeping view of Sagami Bay. Every room is designed with a different layout, so each visit brings a fresh sense of wonder. The free-flowing hot spring water from its own source is gentle on the skin and soothes the fatigue of travel. The rooftop open-air bath in particular offers a panoramic view of the Atami townscape and the sea, with an exceptional sense of openness. Meals are Japanese kaiseki cuisine (a multi-course traditional meal) that makes the most of local seasonal ingredients; both dinner and breakfast are served in your room by default, so you can savor them slowly in a private space. English-speaking staff are also available, creating an environment where foreign visitors can stay with peace of mind.

Address14-8 Koarashi-cho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0029
AccessAbout 8 min by taxi from JR Atami Station (about 2 km) / about 5 min by taxi from Kinomiya Station
Official sitehttps://shinkadoya.jp/

Atami Onsen Shiosai no Yado Fujima

Standing right in front of Nagahama Beach in South Atami, "Shiosai no Yado Fujima" is a small hot spring inn with just five rooms in total. Every room has an ocean view, so you can spend a soothing time listening to the sound of the waves. The inn has three private baths, each with a different character, all filled with free-flowing natural hot spring water, so you can bathe without worrying about other guests or the time. Meals are Japanese kaiseki cuisine generously featuring fresh local seafood, and the kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) simmered whole in particular is reputed to be exquisite. The warm hospitality unique to a family-run inn is a highlight, and foreign visitors can experience the homey atmosphere of Japan.

Address1470-5 Shimotaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0102
AccessAbout 5 min by shuttle from Izu-Taga Station on the JR Ito Line / right in front of Nagahama Beach
Official sitehttps://atami-spa.net/

THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Atami

The luxury rooms at THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Atami

Perched on high ground in Atami, "THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Atami" is a luxury hotel where all 13 rooms are ocean-view guest rooms with their own hot spring baths. In a space that blends sukiya-style architecture (a refined, understated traditional style) with European touches, you can enjoy French cuisine made with fresh local ingredients alongside spectacular views over Sagami Bay.

Address1993-237 Atami, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0033
Access

By Car

  • From Tokyo: Take the Tomei Expressway to Atsugi IC, then follow the Odawara-Atsugi Road and Manazuru Road. Approx. 90 minutes from Tokyo.
  • From Nagoya: Take the Tomei Expressway to Numazu IC, then follow the Mishima-Nekkан Road. Approx. 50 minutes from Numazu IC.

By Train

  • From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Atami Station (approx. 45 min).
  • From Nagoya Station: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Atami Station (approx. 1.5 hours).
  • From Atami Station, it's approximately a 10-minute taxi ride.

All travel times are approximate.

Official sitehttps://global.hiramatsuhotels.com/atami/

Risonare Atami

The ocean-view resort Risonare Atami

"Risonare Atami" is a resort hotel where every room has an ocean view, offering a sweeping look over Atami's sea and town. Its appeal lies in a wide variety of activities, including hot spring facilities renewed in March 2025 and nature experiences at an aerial base in the forest. The restaurant serves buffet and kaiseki meals using local seasonal ingredients.

Address2-13-1 Minaguchi-cho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0016
Access

Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Atami Station.

From Tokyo

  • By public transport: Take the Tokaido Main Line to Atami Station, then a free shuttle bus (approx. 10 min).
  • By car: Take the Tomei Expressway to Atsugi IC → Odawara Toll Road → Odawara-Nishi → Route 135. Approx. 60 km / 60 minutes.

From Nagoya

  • By public transport: Take the Tokaido Main Line to Atami Station, then a free shuttle bus (approx. 10 min).
  • By car: Take the Tomei Expressway (approx. 180 min) → Numazu → Route 136 / Nekkан Road. Approx. 30 km / 60 minutes.

If driving — GPS/navigation settings:

Official sitehttps://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/risonareatami/

Atami Onsen Furuya Ryokan

The historic Furuya Ryokan in Atami

Founded in 1806, "Furuya Ryokan" is the most historic long-established inn in Atami. Every room has free-flowing hot spring water straight from the source, and you can enjoy "Seizaemon no Yu," a spring that has continued since the Edo period. The inn offers kaiseki cuisine made with high-quality local ingredients and well-developed barrier-free facilities, making it popular with a wide range of ages.

It runs a website available in six languages in total—English, Thai, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, and French—and actively welcomes foreign tourists.

Address5-24 Higashikaigan-cho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0012
Access

By Train

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station. From there, it's a 15-minute walk or approx. 5 minutes by taxi.

By Car

  • From Tokyo: Take the Tomei Expressway to Atsugi IC → Odawara-Atsugi Road → Manazuru Road → Atami Beach Line.
  • From Osaka: Take the Tomei Expressway to Numazu IC → Nekkan Road → Prefectural Route 11 toward Atami.
Official sitehttps://atami-furuya.co.jp/

Enjoying Atami Onsen on a Day Trip

Taking advantage of the great access from Tokyo, you can fully enjoy Atami Onsen even on a day trip. Here are some plans for making the most of Atami Onsen in a single day.

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Atami

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Atami

About a 7-minute walk from Atami Station, "Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Atami" is a hot spring inn with the feel of a tropical resort. Inside there are two open-air baths—the Japanese-modern "Kosai no Yu" and the stone-built "Manjo no Yu"—which switch between men and women in the morning and evening. In the post-bath lounge, soft drinks, draft beer, and ice pops are offered free of charge, and you can also enjoy projection mapping. With ocean-view guest rooms and a restaurant overlooking the sea, you can take in Atami's sea and hot springs to the fullest. English support is also in place, so foreign visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay.

Address8-3 Sakimi-cho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0019
AccessAbout 10 min on foot from JR Atami Station
Official sitehttps://www.ooedoonsen.jp/atami/

Atami Seaside Spa & Resort

About a 7-minute walk from Atami Station and standing along the coast, "Atami Seaside Spa & Resort" is a resort hotel where every room has an ocean view. From the guest rooms you can take in the spectacular scenery of Sagami Bay, and in the suite rooms with private open-air baths in particular, you can spend a luxurious time gazing out at the sea. The hotel is fully equipped with free-flowing natural hot springs straight from the source, a sauna, and an esthetic salon, making it ideal for travelers seeking relaxation. The restaurant serves dishes that showcase fresh local seafood, so foreign visitors can savor the tastes of Japan.

Address6-53 Higashikaigan-cho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0012
AccessAbout 10 min on foot from JR Atami Station / about 3 min by taxi / right by the "Omiya no Matsu" bus stop
Official sitehttps://www.atamiseaside.com/

Onsen Bathing Etiquette Foreign Visitors Should Know

To enjoy Japanese hot spring culture to the fullest, it's important to know the basic etiquette. Here we introduce the onsen bathing manners that foreign tourists in particular should know.

Basic Etiquette Before Bathing

1.Getting ready in the changing room

  • In the changing room, take off all your clothes and bathe nude.
  • Put valuables in a locker or have them held at the front desk.
  • Don't bring a bath towel into the bathing area—take only a small towel.

2.Using the washing area before bathing

  • Always wash your body before getting into the bath.
  • The washing area has stools and a shower or a basin.
  • Wash your whole body with soap and shampoo, then rinse thoroughly.

How to Behave in the Bath

1. Bringing a towel into the bath

  • You can bring in a small hand-towel-sized towel, but putting it into the bathwater is a no-no.
  • Place it on top of your head or set it on the edge of the bath.

2.Etiquette inside the bath

  • Don't swim or talk loudly in the bath.
  • Spend your time quietly so as not to disturb other bathers.
  • Try not to occupy the same spot for a long time.

Other Points to Note

About tattoos

  • Traditionally, Japanese culture has associated tattoos with antisocial organizations, and many hot spring facilities prohibit bathing for people with tattoos.
  • Recently, more facilities are easing the rules for foreign tourists, but we recommend checking in advance.

Advice for people with long hair

  • Tie up long hair before getting into the bath.
  • It's good etiquette to keep your hair from soaking in the bathwater.

How to Choose a Foreigner-Friendly Facility

When foreign visitors enjoy the hot springs, it's a good idea to consider the following points when choosing a facility.

  1. Language support: Choose a facility with English- or multilingual-speaking staff.
  2. Tattoo policy: Check the facility's stance on tattoos in advance.
  3. Access: Choose a facility with good access from major stations.
  4. Pricing: Choose a facility that fits your budget. (As a rough guide, a public bathhouse costs around ¥1,000, and a day-use hot spring around ¥2,000–3,000. Prices vary by facility and area.)
  5. Privacy: At a facility with a family bath or private bath, you can enjoy the hot spring in a more private space.

For those experiencing a Japanese hot spring for the first time in particular, it's a good idea to stay at a ryokan or hotel accustomed to welcoming foreign tourists, or to start with a large hot spring facility. With staff guidance and multilingual signage, you can use the bath with confidence and without worrying about etiquette.

The Atami Marine Fireworks Festival

Fireworks over Atami Bay

One of Atami's greatest attractions is the marine fireworks festival, held throughout the year. Fireworks festivals are usually limited to summer, but in Atami you can enjoy this luxurious event more than ten times a year, across spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

2026Atami Marine Fireworks Festival Schedule (Tentative)

SeasonDates
SpringApril 26 (Sun), May 24 (Sun)
SummerJuly 20 (Mon, national holiday), July 26 (Sun), August 5 (Wed), August 9 (Sun), August 18 (Tue), August 24 (Mon)
AutumnSeptember 13 (Sun), October 12 (Mon, national holiday), October 25 (Sun), November 8 (Sun), November 23 (Mon, national holiday)
WinterDecember 6 (Sun), December 25 (Fri)

Note: Dates are subject to change, so please check the latest information.

Features of the Fireworks Festival

A major feature of the Atami Marine Fireworks Festival is that, because Atami Bay forms a "mortar shape" surrounded by mountains on three sides, the fireworks can be seen well from anywhere, and the acoustic effect is outstanding. The sound of the fireworks reverberates off the mountains, giving you a powerful experience much like being in a stadium.

The launch time is relatively short, at about 20 minutes, but in that span about 2,000 fireworks are set off, vividly coloring Atami's night sky and the surface of the sea.

The Best Spots for Watching the Fireworks

  • Atami Sun Beach: A popular spot where you can watch for free (beware of crowds)
  • Shinsui Park: A lesser-known spot on the east side of Sun Beach that's a little less crowded
  • Around Atami Port: Close to the launch site, where you can enjoy the fireworks with full impact
  • Atami Castle: A scenic spot on high ground with a sweeping view of the fireworks and townscape
  • Inns and hotels overlooking the sea: Watch elegantly from a guest room or restaurant with a view of the fireworks

Accommodations get crowded on fireworks days, so booking early is recommended. Atami draws many domestic tourists during the fireworks season in particular, so foreign visitors would do well to plan their visit carefully.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Atami

Atami's appeal goes beyond hot springs, with a variety of sightseeing spots as well. Here are spots worth stopping by when you visit Atami Onsen.

Atami Sun Beach

A representative beach spot in Atami, with beautiful blue sea and white sand. In summer it bustles with swimmers, and at night you can enjoy a magical, illuminated scene.

MOA Museum of Art

A museum boasting one of Japan's finest art collections. It exhibits Japanese and East Asian antiquities and contemporary art, including Ogata Kōrin's National Treasure folding screen "Red and White Plum Blossoms." The view from the garden is also superb, letting you enjoy art appreciation and scenery at the same time.

Kinomiya Shrine

A shrine famous for its giant camphor tree (ōkusu), said to be over 2,000 years old. Touching this sacred tree is said to bring the blessing of longevity. It's a great chance to experience Japanese shrine culture.

Atami Castle

Not an actual castle, but an observation tower built in 1959; the view from the top floor is spectacular. Inside there is a museum and a ninja museum, making it popular with families as well.

Hatsushima

A small island about 30 minutes by high-speed boat from Atami Port. With beautiful beaches, hot springs, and an adventure park, it's a resort island you can enjoy on a day trip.

ACAO FOREST

A vast, tropical-feeling botanical garden. You can enjoy different plants in each season, and the early-summer scenery when the jacaranda flowers bloom is especially stunning.

Atami Plum Garden

One of Japan's leading plum gardens, known for its early-blooming plums. From mid-January to mid-March, about 450 plum trees come into bloom. The autumn foliage season is beautiful too, making it a spot where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons.

The Shopping Street in Front of Atami Station

A shopping street that spreads out within walking distance of Atami Station. Lined with shops selling local specialties and eateries with a retro atmosphere, it's an area that's fun just to stroll through.

Savoring Atami's Cuisine

Atami's appeal lies not only in its hot springs but also in a rich food culture centered on fresh seafood. Here are some Atami dishes you'll want to try when you visit.

Seafood Dishes

Dishes made with fresh seafood caught in Sagami Bay are Atami's signature cuisine. Some especially recommended seafood dishes are:

  • Simmered kinmedai: The simmered splendid alfonsino—Atami's signature premium fish—is exquisite.
  • Aji no tataki: A local dish made by mincing fresh horse mackerel.
  • Kaisendon: A lavish rice bowl topped with a variety of fresh seafood.

Local Specialties

Don't miss the specialties and signature dishes unique to Atami:

  • Atami Purin: A popular sweet with a creamy, smooth texture.
  • Atami Chōchin: A fried bread loved at local eateries.
  • Orange soft-serve: A soft-serve ice cream popular at the Komuroyama sightseeing lift station.

Recommended Restaurants

RestaurantGenreFeatures
Den'enJapanese / SeafoodA long-established eatery loved by locals; the simmered kinmedai is exquisite
Katsudon KatsukichiTonkatsuA popular spot with lines out the door; an Atami-style seafood katsudon
Nagaya PanBakeryA long-established bakery in business for over 80 years; the Atami Chōchin is popular
Atami Purin CaféSweetsAtami's signature sweet, loved by people of all ages

How to Use Restaurants

Here are some tips for using restaurants in Japan.

  • Popular spots often require reservations.
  • It's easier to order if there are "food samples" or a menu with photos.
  • More and more places accept credit cards, but it's reassuring to carry cash as well.
  • At many Japanese restaurants, there is no custom of tipping.

Useful Information for Foreign Tourists

Language Support

Because Atami's visitors are mainly domestic tourists, there are places where English support isn't sufficient. The following tools come in handy.

  • Multilingual tourist maps: Distributed at the Atami Station tourist information center
  • Translation apps: Smartphone apps such as Google Translate
  • Atami City multilingual tourism site: Available in English, Chinese, and Korean

Wi-Fi Availability

  • Atami Station: Free Wi-Fi available
  • Major tourist facilities: Many sightseeing spots offer free Wi-Fi
  • Accommodations: Most hotels and ryokan offer Wi-Fi service

Transportation

The following methods are handy for getting around Atami City.

  • Yu-Yu Bus: A loop bus that tours the main sightseeing spots (one-day pass ¥800)
  • Taxi: Stationed in front of the station and near major hotels
  • On foot: Many sightseeing spots around Atami Station are within walking distance

Money-Saving Tips for Foreign Visitors

  • Japan Rail Pass: Unlimited rides on JR trains including the Shinkansen (must be purchased in advance)
  • Foreigner discounts: Some facilities may offer discounts for foreign tourists
  • Tax-free shopping: By showing your passport, you can get a consumption tax exemption on some items

Seasonal Ways to Enjoy Atami

Spring (March–May)

  • Atami Plum Garden: Early-blooming plums are at their best (January–March)
  • Cherry blossoms: Atami cherry trees start blooming earlier than in other regions (from early February)
  • Climate: Mild and comfortable—the best season for sightseeing
  • Jacaranda: At ACAO FOREST, purple flowers bloom in profusion from May

Atami in spring is relatively uncrowded, a time when you can enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. During the cherry blossom season in particular, you can experience daytime sightseeing and evening blossom-viewing all in one trip. The spring fireworks festivals have also become a seasonal tradition, and enjoying fireworks in the warm weather is something unique to Atami.

Summer (June–August)

  • Sea bathing: Atami Sun Beach bustles with swimmers
  • Summer fireworks festivals: The season with the most fireworks festivals
  • Climate: A bit hot and humid, but the breeze off the sea feels pleasant
  • Summer festivals: Traditional festivals and bon dances are held in various places

Summer in Atami is the best season for sea bathing and fireworks. Sun Beach features a beautiful, well-maintained sandy shore that's popular with families too. At night, you can spend romantic time watching the beautiful marine fireworks from your guest room or a seaside restaurant. A day trip to Hatsushima is also recommended.

Autumn (September–November)

  • Autumn foliage: You can enjoy beautiful fall colors at Atami Plum Garden and Kinomiya Shrine (mid-November to early December)
  • Autumn flavors: The season when seasonal seafood like kinmedai is at its most delicious
  • Climate: Cool and refreshing, a perfect match for the hot springs
  • Autumn fireworks festivals: The luxury of enjoying hot springs and fireworks on a slightly chilly night

Autumn in Atami is a season when the contrast of steam rising from the springs and the fall foliage is beautiful. Because the foliage season is later than at other destinations, many tourists come from regions where the foliage season has already ended. And since the summer crowds have departed, you can enjoy sightseeing relatively comfortably—another point of appeal.

Winter (December–February)

  • Winter fireworks: Fireworks against a cold night sky have a special beauty
  • Early-blooming plums: Plums begin blooming at Atami Plum Garden from mid-January
  • Winter flavors: Warm seafood dishes like anglerfish hotpot are popular
  • Climate: A mild climate, with hardly any snow

Atami in winter is popular as a warm refuge from the cold near the Kanto region. Even on cold days in central areas like Tokyo, Atami is relatively warm and comfortable. It's in the cold season that the appeal of the hot springs really stands out, and soaking in an open-air bath while gazing at the starry sky is an exceptional experience. The New Year period is also a special time when you can experience traditional events.

Model Itineraries

Here are model itineraries to suit the style of your trip.

The Classic One-Night, Two-Day Course

Day 1

  • 10:00 a.m. Depart Tokyo Station for Atami by Shinkansen
  • 11:00 a.m. Arrive at Atami Station; check in at your inn or drop off your luggage
  • 11:30 a.m. Lunch on local specialties at the shopping street in front of Atami Station
  • 1:00 p.m. Visit Kinomiya Shrine
  • 2:30 p.m. Take in the view at Atami Castle
  • 4:00 p.m. Return to your inn and enjoy the hot spring
  • 6:00 p.m. Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan
  • 8:20 p.m. Watch the marine fireworks festival (on event days)

Day 2

  • 7:30 a.m. Enjoy a morning bath
  • 8:30 a.m. Breakfast at your inn
  • 10:00 a.m. Check out
  • 10:30 a.m. Visit the MOA Museum of Art
  • 12:30 p.m. Lunch on seafood
  • 2:00 p.m. Stroll along Atami Sun Beach
  • 3:30 p.m. Buy souvenirs
  • 4:30 p.m. Head from Atami Station back to Tokyo

The Luxury Two-Night, Three-Day Course

Day 1

  • 12:00 p.m. Depart Tokyo Station for Atami by Shinkansen
  • 1:00 p.m. Check in at a high-end ryokan
  • 2:00 p.m. Go to Atami Plum Garden by private car
  • 4:00 p.m. Relax in the ryokan's hot spring
  • 6:30 p.m. Kaiseki dinner in a private room

Day 2

  • 8:00 a.m. Morning bath
  • 9:00 a.m. Breakfast at the ryokan
  • 10:30 a.m. Visit the MOA Museum of Art
  • 12:30 p.m. Lunch at a high-end local kappō restaurant
  • 2:00 p.m. Stroll through ACAO FOREST
  • 4:00 p.m. Esthetic treatment or massage at the ryokan
  • 7:00 p.m. Dinner at a restaurant with a sea view
  • 8:20 p.m. Marine fireworks festival (on event days)

Day 3

  • 8:00 a.m. Enjoy one last hot spring
  • 9:30 a.m. Breakfast at the ryokan
  • 11:00 a.m. Check out
  • 11:30 a.m. Cruise to Hatsushima
  • 2:00 p.m. Seafood lunch on Hatsushima
  • 4:00 p.m. Return to Atami and buy souvenirs
  • 6:00 p.m. Head from Atami Station back to Tokyo

An Efficient Day-Trip Course for Atami Onsen

  • 9:00 a.m. Depart Tokyo Station for Atami by Shinkansen
  • 10:00 a.m. Arrive at Atami Station; take a break at the "Ieyasu no Yu" foot bath
  • 10:30 a.m. Stroll the shopping street in front of Atami Station and shop for souvenirs
  • 12:00 p.m. Lunch at a local seafood restaurant
  • 1:30 p.m. Visit Kinomiya Shrine
  • 3:00 p.m. Enjoy the hot spring at a day-use bathing facility
  • 5:00 p.m. Stroll along Atami Sun Beach at dusk
  • 6:30 p.m. Head from Atami Station back to Tokyo

A Plan for Families

  • Atami Castle and the ninja museum
  • The adventure park on Hatsushima
  • Sea bathing (in summer)
  • Hot spring facilities where children can bathe too
  • Atami Trick Art Museum
  • A picnic at Atami Sun Beach

Summary

Atami Onsen is a special place where, despite being just 40 minutes from Tokyo, you can fully experience Japan's traditional hot spring culture. Its abundant water supply and water rich in health benefits, its spectacular views over Sagami Bay, and its seasonal events and sightseeing spots continue to captivate everyone who visits.

The Atami Marine Fireworks Festival, held throughout the year, in particular makes for a valuable experience unique to Atami. The combination of fireworks and hot springs you can enjoy in any season is perfect for foreign travelers who want to experience Japanese culture.

There's also plenty of pleasure to be found in the food, from traditional Japanese cuisine to modern gourmet fare. The kaiseki meals at hot spring ryokan and the seafood dishes made with fresh ocean catches make for wonderful flavors that will stay in your memory.

For those considering a trip to Japan, or for those already staying here, a journey to Atami Onsen is sure to become a special memory. At Atami—where you can enjoy a day trip from Tokyo or a full-fledged overnight hot spring getaway alike—experience Japanese hot spring culture to your heart's content.

About the Information in This Article (Notes and a Request)

Note: Prices generally vary depending on the season and the plan.

In particular, amid recent changes in the economy and the recovery of inbound demand and other shifts in the environment surrounding tourism, prices may have been revised.

Please treat the prices introduced in this article as a rough guide only, and be sure to check the latest information on each facility's official website when making a reservation.

Note: While it's generally known that people with tattoos can use a private hot spring, not all private hot spring facilities allow tattoos. Some facilities have their own rules, so to use them with peace of mind, we recommend checking with each facility in advance.

Note: Not all hotel booking sites are affiliated with the facilities.

In particular, please keep in mind that at older, small-scale facilities, direct booking by phone may still be the main method.

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