Atami Must-See Attractions: A Complete Look at Each Area’s Highlights
Atami is in Shizuoka Prefecture, as little as about 40 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Set between mountains and sea, it combines hot springs, power-spot shrines and beautiful sea views, making it the top choice for a day trip or one-night getaway from Tokyo. Atami is a hot-spring town set between mountains and sea in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Izusan Shrine
Izusan Shrine stands on a hillside facing Sagami Bay. It is an ancient Japanese power spot (pawa supotto) that enshrines the deity of hot springs, and it is closely tied to the love story of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako. Izusan Shrine is an ancient power spot on a hillside facing Sagami Bay.
The shrine has many steps, but you can look out over the sea along the way. It suits visitors who want to pray for love and good fortune. Allow 1 hour for the climb and worship.
Atami Ropeway
The Atami Ropeway takes about 3 minutes to reach the summit. The ride is short but gives you a full view of Atami Bay, and it is one of the popular facilities at the Atami Castle grounds.
The first uphill departure is 9:30 and the last is 17:00. A one-way ticket is ¥500 for adults and a round trip is ¥900. Service may be suspended in bad weather.
Kiunkaku
Kiunkaku is one of Atami’s three great villas, blending Japanese, Western and Chinese modern architectural aesthetics, with delicately landscaped gardens. Several literary figures also stayed here to write.
The building preserves interiors and furniture from the Taisho to Showa periods. Allow 1 hour for your visit. It is open 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30). It closes on Wednesdays but opens if that day is a public holiday. Adult admission is ¥510.
Mt. Omuro
Mt. Omuro is a distinctive volcanic landscape in the Izu region. After taking the lift up the mountain, you can walk the trail around the crater rim for 360-degree views of Mt. Fuji and the islands of Sagami Bay. Mt. Omuro is a volcanic landscape in the Izu region, reached by lift.
There is an archery experience at the summit. Allow 2 hours. The round-trip lift ticket is ¥700 for adults, and it is an excellent spot for photography lovers.
熱海陽光海濱線城崎海岸伊東馬琳小鎮一日遊-Klook.jpg)
Jogasaki Coast
Jogasaki Coast is known for its dramatic basalt cliffs and suspension bridge. A trail along the coastline lets you get close to the powerful sight of waves crashing against the rock walls, and it is one of the Izu Peninsula’s most representative natural landscapes.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. The full trail takes about 1-1.5 hours. The Kadowaki Suspension Bridge is a popular photo spot with excellent views on clear days.
Hatsushima Island
Hatsushima is a small island off Atami, about 30 minutes away by boat. It has a marine park, a botanical garden and fresh seafood restaurants, and suits a half-day or full-day light trip.
Renting a bicycle to ride around the island takes about 1 hour. In summer, it is a popular spot for snorkeling and sea bathing. Check the boat timetable early to avoid long waits.
Atami Sun Beach
Atami Sun Beach is 400 meters long and is a rare sandy beach inside the city. It is lit with blue lights at night, and the romantic atmosphere draws many couples and photography lovers.
Summer (July-August) is the popular sea-bathing season, and it is also an excellent spot to watch the Atami sea fireworks festival. It is open all year with free entry and no ticket needed.
Atami Plum Garden
Atami Plum Garden is known for Japan’s earliest-blooming plum blossoms, which can be seen from early January. The garden has about 59 varieties and 472 plum trees, and together with its maple grove it offers different scenery in every season.
A plum blossom festival is held during the viewing season. Visit in January-February. During the festival, adult admission is ¥300. There is also a free hand-soaking hot spring nearby where visitors can rest.
How to Get to Atami: A Complete Guide to Transport Options and Costs
Atami is in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, right on the border with Kanagawa Prefecture, and is one of the most popular hot-spring destinations near Tokyo. From central Tokyo, you can reach it within 1 to 2 hours by Shinkansen, local JR train, express bus or car.
How to Get to Atami: Transport Options at a Glance
🚄 JR Tokaido Shinkansen: from Tokyo, about 40 minutes on the Hikari and about 50 minutes on the Kodama; an unreserved seat is about ¥3,740, with frequent departures.
🚃 JR Tokaido Main Line: about 1 hour 45 minutes from Tokyo Station, ¥1,980 one way, no reservation needed, suited to travelers on a budget.
🚌 Express bus: some services depart from Tokyo, Yokohama and elsewhere; please check each bus company’s website for schedules and fares.
🚗 Driving: take the Tomei Expressway and switch to the Odawara-Atsugi Road. Atami has many slopes and limited parking, so we recommend parking in a city car park and then taking a bus.
Atami Attraction Opening Hours and the Best Season to Visit
Atami, on Sagami Bay in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, has long been a hot-spring resort and the site of imperial villas. Its sea-view ropeway, power-spot shrines and retro shopping streets have made it popular again, and it is one of the most popular one- or two-day trip cities near Tokyo. Eight must-visit attractions cover natural scenery, shrines, temples and city strolls, with opening hours and the best season to visit included to help you plan.
Atami Castle
Atami Castle was built in 1959 and combines a castle with an observation deck. It displays samurai swords, offers a ninja experience area, and features Edo-period materials. From its top floor, visitors can look out over Atami Bay, Hatsushima and Izu Oshima. It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 with no regular days off, and the last entry is at 16:30. Admission is ¥1,200 for adults and ¥650 for elementary and junior high school students. We suggest allowing 1.5 hours. It is about 15 minutes by bus from Atami Station and close to the Shell Museum, so it suits families.
Atami Sea Fireworks Festival Venue (Waterfront Park)
Atami Waterfront Park is a popular seaside promenade in the city and the main launch site for the Atami sea fireworks festival. About 15 fireworks events are scheduled from April to December 2026, making it Atami’s signature evening event.
The park is open all day with free entry. By day you can enjoy the sea view and seagulls, and at night the view of the fireworks is excellent. Many visitors claim a spot 2 hours early, and the fireworks last about 20 to 25 minutes.
It is liveliest in summer (July-August) alongside the swimming beach. In winter the air is dry and visibility is high, so the fireworks reflected on the water look especially clear, which photography lovers enjoy.
Atami Plum Garden
Atami Plum Garden is Japan’s earliest-blooming plum viewing spot, with blossoms opening in early January and lasting until March. About 59 varieties and 472 plum trees shift in color from white to red, making it a pioneer plum viewing spot in the Kanto region. The garden is open from 8:30 to 16:00. During the plum festival (roughly early January to early March), adult admission is ¥300, and admission is free the rest of the year. We suggest staying 1 to 1.5 hours, and you can also visit the Sawada Masahiro Memorial Museum and the Korean garden. The blooming season comes earlier than elsewhere in Japan, with mid-January to mid-February the best time to visit. Combined with the free hand-soaking hot spring nearby, it makes a healing winter outing unique to Atami.
Hatsushima (Hatsushima Ferry)
Hatsushima is the only inhabited offshore island in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 30 minutes by ferry from Atami Port. The island keeps a simple fishing-village feel and has the resort facility Papillon Hatsushima, which suits travelers who love islands and snorkeling.
A round-trip ferry ticket is about ¥2,640 to ¥2,900 for adults, depending on the vessel type. Schedules change by season, so check the timetable on the ferry company’s website before you go. Spend 3 to 4 hours on the island to enjoy the beach, lighthouse and seafood restaurants.
July-August is best for swimming and snorkeling, while spring and autumn suit hiking the island trails to enjoy sea views and sunsets at the lighthouse, a rare island experience on an Atami trip.
MOA Museum of Art
The MOA Museum of Art sits on a hillside in Atami and holds classical Japanese art, including Ogata Korin’s national treasure Red and White Plum Blossoms screens, which are shown only during specific exhibition periods. The building combines a modern art museum with garden design, and escalators offer views over Sagami Bay. The museum is open from 9:30 to 16:30, with last entry at 16:00, and it is closed on Thursdays, or on the next day if Thursday is a public holiday. Adults pay ¥2,000, high school and university students pay ¥1,400, and junior high school students and younger are admitted free. We suggest staying 2 hours. The museum also has a Noh theater and tea room, and we recommend checking the current exhibitions before you go.
-Klook.jpg)
Atami Sun Beach and Atami Ginza Shopping Street
Atami Sun Beach is the liveliest beach in the city, with an arc-shaped stretch of sand about 400 meters long and palm-tree lights at night. The nearby Atami Ginza Shopping Street keeps a Showa-era atmosphere, with many long-established souvenir shops and fried fish cake snacks.
The beach is open year-round, and entry is free. Most shops on the shopping street open from 10:00 to 18:00. Allow 2 hours to try Atami pudding and freshly fried fish-paste products.
Sea bathing is open in summer (July-August) and the lights make it romantic; in winter there are fewer visitors, which suits relaxed souvenir shopping.
Nishikigaura Cliffs and Coastal Trail
Nishikigaura is a cliff formation on the Atami coastline, where sea erosion has carved steep rock walls. Observation decks and trails run along the coast, letting you get close to the deep blue water of Sagami Bay breaking against the rocky shore.
Allow 1 hour. The trail is gentle and easy to walk. If you drive, park at a nearby car park. On public transport, change to a bus from Atami Station.
In autumn and winter the air is fresh, and at dusk the afterglow spills over the cliffs and the sea, which suits photography lovers.
Atami Admission, Day Trip and Pass Costs
Although Atami is a small hot-spring town, its sights are spread between mountains and sea, and getting around on foot alone is very tiring. Plan your tickets and transport in advance, based on how many days you stay and which sights you want to visit. The four most common costs are Plum Garden, Kinomiya Shrine, Atami Castle, and the Atami sightseeing bus pass, so set your budget before you leave.
Kinomiya Shrine Worship and Nearby Power Spots
Kinomiya Shrine (43-1 Nishiyama-cho, Atami, Shizuoka) is a famous power spot, and worship at the main hall is free. See the thousand-year-old Kinomiya Great Camphor; legend says walking around it once adds a year to your life. Check the shrine’s official announcements for worship hours. It is about a 5-minute walk from JR Kinomiya Station, or take a bus from Atami Station. Holidays are crowded, so visit on a weekday morning and stay 1 to 1.5 hours.
Atami Castle History and Culture Experience
Atami Castle, at 1993 Soga-yama, Atami, Shizuoka, is built in an antique style and displays samurai armor, ninja materials and Edo culture. Admission: ¥1,200 for adults and ¥650 for elementary and junior high school students. Open 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) with no regular days off.
From JR Atami Station, take a Tokai Bus to the Atami Castle stop, about 15 minutes. The top floor of the keep offers a 360-degree view of Sagami Bay and Atami’s cityscape, an excellent spot for sea photos.
A combination ticket with the Atami Trick Art Meikyukan costs ¥2,000 for adults. Allow 1.5-2 hours. The official website is atamijyo.com.
Atami Plum Garden Plum Blossom and Autumn Leaves Dual Admission
Plum Garden (8-11 Baien-cho, Atami, Shizuoka) is famous for its plum festival and autumn leaves from November to December. During the festival, adults pay ¥300; junior high students and younger enter free. Entry is free in other seasons.
The garden has 59 varieties and 472 plum trees in total, and also has the Sawada Masahiro Memorial Museum and the Nakayama Shimpei Memorial Hall. It is about a 10-minute walk from JR Kinomiya Station.
Visit in the morning to avoid the peak weekend crowds.
Atami Sightseeing Bus Pass and Transport Cheat Sheet
Atami’s sights are spread out, so we recommend buying the Yu-Yu Bus one-day pass: about ¥800 for adults and about ¥400 for children. It allows unlimited rides on Tokai Bus routes within Atami for a day, covers sights such as Atami Castle and Kinomiya Shrine, and is the most economical option.
If you are heading to Hatsushima or Izu Kogen, consider passes such as the Tokai Bus Izu Peninsula digital pass, and compare prices in advance on platforms such as KKday and Klook, checking the routes and validity period the ticket covers before you leave.
Planning an Izu-Atami Day Trip: Atami Castle, Kiunkaku and a Seaside Walk
For an Atami day trip, take a bus from JR Atami Station to Atami Castle (9:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:30), then ride the Atami Ropeway down (¥500 one way for adults). In the afternoon, visit Kiunkaku (9:00 to 17:00, closed Wednesdays, ¥510 for adults). In the evening, stroll around Atami Sun Beach and Waterfront Park. If a sea fireworks festival is on, watch about 20 to 25 minutes of fireworks from the seafront. With more energy, add a half-day trip to Mt. Omuro or Hatsushima.
Where to Stay Nearby
Many hot-spring inns line Atami Station and the coast. Staying near JR Atami Station makes Shinkansen and bus travel easy, and it is simple to arrange Atami Castle, Kiunkaku or a boat to Hatsushima the next day. For plum blossoms or sea fireworks, check the event dates first and book early.
FAQ
Q: What are Izusan Shrine’s opening hours and phone number?
Izusan Shrine is open all year with no fixed closing days, and worship on the grounds is free. For the phone number, check the official website or the information desk on site.
Q: How much is admission to Kinomiya Shrine?
Worship at Kinomiya Shrine is free. Spending at facilities on the grounds such as the cafe and shops is extra, and for amulet and goshuin fees please check at the shrine office on site.
Q: When is the best season to visit Atami?
January-February suits plum blossoms and early cherry blossoms, July-August suits sea bathing and the fireworks festival, and autumn and winter suit hot springs and distant views of Mt. Fuji, so it is a good destination all year round.
Q: How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Atami, and how much is the fare?
The Shinkansen takes as little as about 40 minutes, with an unreserved seat about ¥3,740. The Odoriko limited express takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, with a reserved seat about ¥3,560.
Q: Can you drive in Atami city?
Atami has many slopes and limited parking, so take the Yu-Yu Bus. A one-day pass costs about ¥800 for adults, making it easy to tour the sights.
Q: How much is admission to Atami Castle?
Admission to Atami Castle is ¥1,200 for adults, ¥650 for elementary and junior high school students, and ¥500 for ages 3 to 6. Tickets can be bought on site or booked through online platforms.
Q: What time does the Mt. Omuro lift open?
The Mt. Omuro lift operates year-round (with a few maintenance closure days in June and December), with hours 9:00 to 17:15, and until 16:15 from October to mid-March.
