Atami

Atami clings to a steep volcanic crater rim that drops straight into Sagami Bay. Bullet trains connect the city to Tokyo Station in under 50 minutes. You trade fast-paced city life for mineral hot spring baths, steep hill alleys, and fresh coastal seafood.

Atami cuisine turns on two local forces: Sagami Bay catches and geothermal steam. Local producers cure and sun-dry mackerel, horse mackerel, and squid right near the harbor. Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) simmered in soy and mirin is the main regional dinner feature.For snacks, street vendors use natural hot spring steam to cook sweet red bean buns called onsen manju. You will find long queues in Ginza for Atami Purin, where local milk pudding comes served in glass bottles stamped with a hippopotamus logo.

• Order kinmedai boiled whole

  Local seafood restaurants in Ginza simmer deep-sea alfonsino in sweet soy broth. Share one large fish between two people.

• Eat himono for breakfast

  Traditional ryokan serve grilled sun-dried horse mackerel (aji no himono) alongside morning miso soup.

• Bring cash for arcades

  Small stall vendors along Nakamise Arcade selling warm onsen manju do not accept credit cards.

Hot water springs emerged from the Sagami Bay seabed centuries ago, giving Atami its name, which translates to hot sea. Tokugawa Ieyasu stayed here in 1604 and had thermal water transported in wooden barrels back to Edo Castle in Tokyo. The opening of rail links in the twentieth century turned the fishing village into a major coastal retreat.

1. 1604

   Shogun visit

   Tokugawa Ieyasu spends seven days taking hot baths in Atami and establishes royal patronage.

2. 1925

   Rail link opens

   The Tokaido Main Line opens Atami Station, replacing coastal horse carriages with direct trains.

3. 1950

   The Great Fire

   A massive fire destroys downtown Atami, leading to rapid modern street rebuilding.

4. 1964

   Shinkansen arrives

   The Tokaido Shinkansen opens, placing Atami 45 minutes from Tokyo Station.

Choose your base by terrain and bath style. Oceanfront high-rises give immediate beach access, while hillside ryokan offer private outdoor baths overlooking Sagami Bay.

• First-time visitorsEkimae — Direct access to bullet trains, transit lines, and station storage.
• Seafood loversGinza — Walkable to historic dried fish shops and evening izakayas.
• Couples & quiet staysIzusan — Peaceful hillside hot spring inns set away from central crowds.

Atami's steep coastal terrain makes walking uphill demanding. Shinkansen trains handle long-distance arrivals, while local buses navigate the mountain roads.

• The JR Pass covers the Tokaido Shinkansen Kodama train directly to Atami Station.

• An ¥800 day pass provides unlimited rides on the circular tourist bus route.

• Walking from Atami Station down to Sun Beach drops 100 vertical meters. Ride a bus back up.

• Tokai buses accept IC cards like Suica and Pasmo. Tap when boarding and alighting.

Atami runs cheaper than central Tokyo for dining, though weekend rates at traditional ryokan spike significantly.

• Day-use bath entrance: ¥1,000–2,500

  Public bath admission varies by facility size and towel rental.

• Seafood set lunch: ¥1,800–3,200

  Includes grilled himono or boiled alfonsino with rice, soup, and pickles.

• Yu-Yu-Bus pass: ¥800

  Unlimited day ticket for the local sightseeing loop bus.

• Atami Purin bottle: ¥400–500

  Signature milk pudding served in a collectable glass jar.

• Year-round fireworks

  Atami launches bay fireworks shows across all four seasons, not only during summer.

• Public bath etiquette

  Wash thoroughly at a seated shower station before stepping into thermal pool water.

• Tattoo restrictions

  Traditional hot spring inns may restrict visible tattoos. Rent a private bath (kashikiri) instead.

• Carry local cash

  Small fishmongers and snack vendors along Nakamise Arcade do not accept credit cards.

• Station luggage lockers

  Coin lockers at Atami Station fill early on weekends. Send heavy bags ahead to your hotel.