Atami Onsen Add-On - Samurai Tours

Atami Onsen Details

Atami Onsen (the literal translation of Atami is “warm ocean”) is located on the Pacific Ocean at the north-eastern edge of the Izu Peninsula about 100 km (70 miles) southwest of Tokyo. There is a Shinkansen station for the Tokaido Shinkansen that runs between Tokyo and western Japan in the middle of the town, making it extremely accessible from Tokyo as well as western Japan.

The bubbling waters of Atami have been luring bathers as far back as the Nara period (710-94). Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) was so enamored of their healing properties, he had the water delivered to him in Edo (present day Tokyo). The large footbath in front of Atami Station is named Ieyasu no Yu (hot water of Ieayasu). The water with its high salt content has excellent insulation properties, helping with neuralgia, and excessive sensitivity to cold. The water also tightens up the skin and tones the body. Today, Atami Onsen is a favorite destination for couples. It is also a favorite day trip for people from Tokyo, as well as overnight guests also.

If you are looking for the authentic onsen experience, but don’t want to spend a lot of time traveling, then Atami Onsen is the perfect place to go. Because it is on the Shinkansen line, it is extremely convenient.

Atami Onsen Map

Sights in Atami

Atami Castle

Built in 1959, Atami Castle is a touristy, concrete museum built in the shape of a castle. There are different exhibitions on each floor of the castle tower as well as an observatory with panoramic views of Atami city on the top floor. The exhibitions include samurai armor, Edo Period puzzles and a large display of Japanese castles. There is even a room with Shunga. Shunga are erotic Edo Period wood block prints. The Tokugawa Shogunate forbid them, but they were still made. Next door to the main building is a trick art museum. The best way to get to the castle is to use the ropeway.

MOA Museum of Art

Opened in 1982, the MOA Museum of Art has an impressive collection of Japanese and East Asian art. Also on the premises is a Japanese style garden with tea houses and a Noh theater.

Atami Sun Beach

Sun Beach is a 400 meter white sand beach, with a backdrop of resort hotels and palm trees. The beach is illuminated in the evenings, which is very popular among lovers. Many overnight guests can be seen in the mornings and evenings strolling along the beach in their yukata.

Akao Herb and Rose Garden

One of the leading rose gardens in the world, this garden boasts 4,000 rose bushes and 600 varieties. On top of the rose-covered hill is a cafe designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed the New National Stadium in Japan.

Atami Fireworks Festival

The Atami Fireworks Display is a fireworks festival held regularly throughout the year, not only in summer, and is renowned throughout Japan. The town’s natural geography amplifies the drama of the displays. You can find the scheduled dates at Atami Onsen’s official web page at https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/8/. The web site is in Japanese, but you will see a list of dates when the fireworks are held throughout the year.

Atami Ekimae Nakamisedori Shotengai and Heiwa Dori Shotengai

Located directly in front of the station, both provide convenient shopping at the beginning and end of your trip. These covered arcades have restaurants, cafes, sushi bars, dried seafood (dried fish and shellfish), and a multitude of Izu Peninsula specialty foods and souvenirs. Well-established shops with 60 and 70 years of history, as well as a growing number of trendy new shops provide visitors with local shopping experience that shopping malls can not offer.

Atami Onsen Photo Gallery

Side Trips

Izu Peninsula

Atami Onsen is one of the gateways to the Izu Peninsula. There are many things to see on the peninsula, but the easiest way to tour the peninsula is by rented car.

Jogasaki Coastline

The Jogasaki Coast is a beautiful section of coastline along the Izu Peninsula’s eastern coast. An attractive hiking trail follows the coast for almost ten kilometers, offering beautiful views of the jagged cliffs and stone formations that hug the coast. It is also possible to walk shorter sections of the trail. The most popular section of the hiking trail is located around the 23 meter long and 48 meter high Kadowakizaki Suspension Bridge. Not far from the bridge stands also a lighthouse with a freely accessible observation deck from where visitors can view the beautiful coastline and Oshima Island when visibility allows. A parking lot is located near the suspension bridge and at a couple of other points along the trail.

Kawazu Seven Waterfalls

The Kawazu Nanadaru are seven waterfalls in the mountains above Kawazu Town in southeastern Izu. They range from the 30 meter tall Odaru (“large waterfall”) to the 2 meter tall Kanidaru (“crab waterfall”). A pleasant walking trail leads for about one kilometer through the forest and past the waterfalls. Several statues along the walking trail depict the heroine of the short story “Izu no Odoriko” (The Izu Dancer, 1926), one of several works by Kawabata Yasunari (1899-1972), which are set in this area of the Izu Peninsula.

Shuzenji Onsen

Shuzenji Onsen is one of the oldest and most famous hot spring resort towns on the Izu Peninsula. Located in the hilly center of the peninsula, it lacks the ocean views of many nearby onsen towns but attracts visitors with its history and attractive setting.

Shuzenji Onsen was named after Shuzenji Temple at the center of town. Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s most important religious personalities, founded the temple about 1200 years ago. Today, it is a Zen Buddhist temple where visitors can participate in meditation classes (Tuesdays from 9:30, reservation required). Kobo Daishi is also said to have created Shuzenji’s most prominent hot spring, Tokko-no-yu, located in the middle of the river bed that runs through the town center. Today, Tokko-no-yu is used as a foot bath.

Pricing

From Kyoto

Travel Time: 2 1/2 Hours
With JR Rail Pass: $600.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $900.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $200.00

From Tokyo

Travel Time: 45 Minutes
With JR Rail Pass: $600.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $750.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $200.00

Inclusions

Train tickets (If not using a rail pass, we will pre-purchase the tickets.)
Suggested train schedule
Detailed itinerary and directions
Appropriate number of nights at the Korakuen Hotel with breakfast and dinner