A HOT SPRING RESORT TOWN BY THE SEA, EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM TOKYO
The seaside hot spring resort town of Atami is just 45 minutes from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen bullet train. Atami has been a popular getaway for centuries as one of the best hot spring resort towns in Japan.
Atami boasts a large number of hot spring sources and abundant water supply. The onsen (hot spring) was loved by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 17th century. Today, it continues to be loved by many people.
If you are looking for a convenient seaside Japanese hot spring experience out of the big city, Atami provides you with everything you should expect in terms of Japanese hot spring experience and more.
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SOAK IN ONSEN AND REJUVENATE YOURSELF
It is said that Atami Onsen became famous in Japan when Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu came to the town in the early 17th century and was so impressed with the healing powers of the water. His successors also loved Atami Onsen so much that they took the water back to the new capital of Edo (Tokyo).
Atami is still rich with the amount of hot spring water that flows out. Once operated as inns, many older hot spring hotels have wonderful atmosphere and bathing facilities that have warmed people of the city for a long time. There are even public baths and bathing facilities to be enjoyed just for a day, so come and enjoy yourself.
One of Japan’s leading onsen areas, it boasts an abundance of hot spring options, and a vast number of bathing facilities.
There is a foot spa outside of Atami Station dedicated to this great Shogun himself – Ieyasu no Yu – which is a great way to refresh after a day of traveling.
Immerse yourself into the local culture here, enjoy delicious fresh seafood during your stay and relax in the many onsens overlooking the ocean.
A JAPANESE FEAST FOR THE EYES
With its close proximity to the ocean, Atami Onsen is blessed with being able to provide the freshest seafood possible with the evening meal often consisting of an array of seasonal seafood caught that day.
There is something special about arriving at your destination, soaking in an onsen with views of the ocean followed by a feast of seafood and sake before sliding into a comfortable bed with freshly cleaned sheets.
You instantly feel as though you are miles away from all of the everyday stress of the world.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Atami has a number of easily accessible attractions to help you fill in a day or two in between soaking in the onsen or enjoying the local cuisine.
Some of the more popular attractions include the Museum of Art, Atami Castle, a historic villa Kiunkaku or a picturesque garden ACAO FOREST.
At MOA MUSEUM OF ART, you will be amazed not only by their broad collection of artwork but also its architectural charms and designs. The museum uses traditional Japanese materials like Yakusugi, Gyōja cedar, black plaster, and tatami to create exhibition spaces that enhance the beauty of the displayed works.
The museum is also known as “museum with ocean view”. At the café on the first floor, you can enjoy a panoramic vista of Sagami Bay.
The museum also boasts several restaurants, offering a variety of dining options to enhance your visit. Hana-no-Chaya serves Japanese cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and organic, naturally grown produce. At La Pâtisserie du musée par Toshi Yoroizuka produced by world-famous pastry chef offers light meals, cakes, and other desserts, and with a view of their beautiful garden.
HOW TO GET THERE
On the Tokaido Bullet Train from Tokyo Station you can get to Atami Station in 45 minutes. You can easily reach Atami Station without changing trains.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
If your main purpose for visiting Atami Onsen is purely to enjoy one of the many Onsen Hotels and Ryokan in the area, each season brings with it a different menu of locally caught seafood.
If you are in Japan in the Winter months and want to enjoy some of Japan’s famous plum blossoms Atami Baien has a Plum Blossom Festival from mid-Jan to early March.
Summer is hot in Atami and it is a great time to enjoy ocean activities and spend some time on Atami Sun Beach, take a trip to Hatsushima or enjoy the famous Atami fireworks display throughout the year.
MORE INFORMATION
If you are looking for local restaurants and cafes – LINK
Atami City Tourism Association