Things To Do
in Atami
Atami sits on the Izu Peninsula coast, renowned for its hot springs and sea views. The town blends spa culture with a compact, walkable downtown, harbor scenery, and easy access to hillside art and gardens. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, traditional onsen experiences, and scenic day trips along the Izu coast.
Its climate is mild year-round, with hot summers and pleasant winters.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Feel the gentle sea breeze as you arrive in Atami, dropping your bags at your ryokan before heading to the sun-kissed Atami Sun Beach. The soft white sands glisten under the morning sun, inviting you to stroll along the shoreline. Local fishermen cast their nets nearby, adding a touch of authenticity to your first taste of coastal Japan.
Lunchtime finds you at a beachfront café serving freshly caught sashimi bowls topped with shiso and sea urchin. Afterward, rent a paddleboard or take a leisurely swim in the crystalline waters, watching seabirds dive for fish. The rhythmic lapping of waves against the shore provides a soothing backdrop to your seaside adventure.
As dusk falls, savor an outdoor onsen with panoramic views of Sagami Bay, steam rising into the violet sky. Your multi-course kaiseki dinner arrives with locally sourced ingredients, each dish artfully presented on lacquerware. Candlelit lanterns line the promenade, guiding your moonlit stroll back to the ryokan.
Take the steep railroad up Mt. Omuro and feel the crisp mountain air on your skin as the volcano’s crater unfolds in a lush green circle. The panoramic view stretches across the Izu Peninsula to Mt. Fuji on clear days, inspiring awe in every breath. Wildflowers and grasses sway in the light breeze, creating a living mosaic beneath your feet.
Descend to Izu Shaboten Park, where cacti and succulent species from around the world thrive under glass domes. Wander through whimsical grounds filled with desert flora and free-roaming capybaras lazily lounging in the irrigation pools. Stop by the café for a cactus-flavored soft serve, its subtle tang cooling you under the midday sun.
Return to Atami for a sunset cruise around the bay, the boat gently rocking as golden rays dance on the water’s surface. Savor yakitori skewers and ice-cold beer on deck while the seaside lights begin to twinkle. The gentle clip-clop of the boat’s hull against the dock marks the end of a day filled with nature and novelty.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Sushi or seafood lunch | $15-30 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel nightly | $100-180 |
| 🧋Coffee or tea at cafe | $3-6 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass or single ride | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich onsen culture and scenic coastline
- Excellent seafood and local markets
- Compact town easy to navigate with many sights nearby
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Language barrier possible in smaller venues
- Public transport can be less frequent at night
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
- "これをください (Kore o kudasai)" - Please give me this
- "いくらですか？ (Ikura desu ka?)" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Atami
Visit one of these nice places.
Hilltop vantage point with sweeping views over the harbor and bay.
Art-filled grounds with seasonal blooms and panoramas toward the bay.
Sandy shoreline framed by palm trees and soft morning light.
Ancient camphor tree and tranquil forest approach ideal for quiet, contemplative shots.
Rugged coastline and sea views from the Izusan plateau.
Food in Atami
Atami Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice topped with fresh whitebait; a signature bite from Suruga Bay, commonly found at harbor-side eateries.
Must-Try!
A hearty seafood donburi topped with a variety of sashimi from the bay.
Salt-grilled sweetfish, a seasonal favorite often enjoyed in warm months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Harbor stalls offering fresh seafood bites, grilled skewers, onigiri, and other lightweight snacks by the water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Shower before entering baths; avoid bringing towels into the bath; wash thoroughly; respect gender-segregated spaces and quiet behavior.
Remove shoes at entrances of traditional inns; speak softly in public places and line up in an orderly manner at stations and shops.
Safety
Tipping in Atami
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; most services include a standard fee. If you receive exceptional service, a small, discreet tip may be given, but it is not expected.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are common in hotels and larger shops. IC cards (Suica/PASMO) work for trains and some buses; some small eateries may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming plum and early cherry blossoms; ideal for walking and gardens.
Hot and humid with plenty of sun; great for beaches and waterfront events, but expect crowds.
Pleasant temperatures and pleasant foliage around hillside paths and parks.
Mild compared to much of Japan; excellent for onsen days and coastal walks.
Atami at Night
Hiking in Atami
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hillside hike with ocean panoramas and shrine visits.
Coastal paths offering sea views and natural scenery just outside central Atami.
Airports
How to reach Atami by plane.
Major international airport about 90–120 minutes by train and road to central Atami, with frequent connections.
Smaller regional airport in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 2–3 hours by rail to Atami.
Located on Oshima Island near Tokyo; limited flights with ground transfers to the Atami area via rail and road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Seasonal influx around holidays and vacation periods.
A mix of retirees and families; steady year-round population.
Growing share interested in onsen culture and coastal scenery; language support improving in some spots.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Izu coast beaches attract surfing enthusiasts with beginner-friendly and intermediate breaks in season.
Clear Suruga Bay waters offer marine life exploration and reef-like spots.
Several scenic courses nearby provide ocean views and cultivated layouts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Atami.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many traditional dishes use fish stock (dashi). Look for temple-inspired or vegetarian menus and ask for no dashi or meat stock; some cafes and hotels can accommodate with advance notice.