Discover Atami: A Hot Spring Paradise with Rich Natural Beauty

Atami Onsen, having retained some of its Bubble era charm, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical richness, and modern luxury, relatively unknown to Tokyo visitors and Japan first timers. Whether soaking in the therapeutic waters, exploring cultural sites, or savoring exquisite cuisine, visitors to Atami are sure to find a rejuvenating and memorable experience.

Ocean VIew Hot Springs just an Hour Away from Tokyo

Atami, a coastal hot spring town in Shizuoka Prefecture, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxurious hot springs, and gourmet cuisine. Known for its mild climate and scenic coastline, Atami is an ideal destination for both a romantic getaway and a peaceful solo retreat.

It’s also the gateway to the Izu Peninsula which has a high concentration of hot spring towns due to its proximity to Mount Fuji.

Atami Onsen: A History of Healing Waters

Atami Onsen, cherished since ancient times, is renowned for its abundant hot springs. The town's springs, primarily chloride and sulfate hot springs, produce approximately 24,000 tons of water daily. This rich mineral content makes the waters highly beneficial for treating neuralgia and cold sensitivity, while also promoting beautiful skin due to its mild alkaline nature. Notably, the springs here are known as "beauty baths" for their skin-tightening and slimming effects.

Historical Significance

The origins of Atami Onsen trace back to 755 AD, when Monk Manbutsu moved the springs from the sea to the mountains to aid local fishermen. The springs gained national fame when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate who brought the whole country under his rule, frequented them in the early 1600s. He was so impressed by the quality of the hot spring that he ordered barrels of water to be hauled back to Edo (present day Tokyo) at immense effort and expense. Ieyasu's favor ensured the springs' reputation, and they became a healing destination for many dignitaries and cultural figures.

Hot Springs

Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is renowned for its hot springs and many facilities offer daytime use. Here are some notable hot springs in Atami where you can enjoy a day visit:

Key Hot Springs

1. Atami Onsen: Known for its high volume of mildly alkaline waters, perfect for skin rejuvenation.
2. Izu-Yugawara Onsen: Featuring calm, simple springs that have been celebrated since the Manyoshu period.
3. Izusan Onsen: Famous for its historical "Hashiriyu" hot spring, offering unique iron and acidic baths.
4. Minami-Atami Ajiro Onsen: Known for high-temperature springs rich in silica, ideal for therapeutic soaks.

Day Use Hot Springs

These are just a few of the many onsen facilities in Atami that welcome daytime visitors, each offering unique experiences and beautiful surroundings for relaxation.

Atami Onsen

1. MOA Museum of Art Spa

   • Address: 26-2 Momoyama-cho, Atami, Shizuoka
   • Description: Enjoy the hot spring with panoramic views of Atami and the sea. It’s a luxurious and cultural experience with access to the museum’s facilities.
   • Day Use Hours: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
   • Website: MOA Museum of Art

2. Atami Baien Hot Spring (Plum Garden)

   • Address: 8-1 Baien-cho, Atami, Shizuoka
   • Description: This onsen is located in the beautiful Atami Baien Plum Garden, perfect for enjoying a hot spring surrounded by nature.
   • Day Use Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
   • Website: Atami Baien Hot Spring

Atami Sea Spa (Atami Seaside Spa & Pool)

3. Marine Spa Atami

   • Address: 2-3 Showa-cho, Atami, Shizuoka
   • Description: Features various pools and baths, including a rooftop pool with stunning sea views.
   • Day Use Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
   • Website: Marine Spa Atami

4. Furuya Ryokan

   • Address: 5-24 Higashi-kaigan-cho, Atami, Shizuoka
   • Description: A historic ryokan offering daytime hot spring use with a traditional Japanese ambiance.
   • Day Use Hours: By reservation
   • Website: Furuya Ryokan

Other Notable Onsens

5. Atami Korakuen Hotel

   • Address: 10-1 Wadahama Minami-cho, Atami, Shizuoka
   • Description: Enjoy hot springs with views of the ocean and Atami Bay.
   • Day Use Hours: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
   • Website: Atami Korakuen Hotel

6. Nikko Atami Onsen

   • Address: 4-1 Sakae-cho, Atami, Shizuoka
   • Description: Offers day-use onsen with modern amenities and traditional charm.
   • Day Use Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
   • Website: Nikko Atami Onsen

Attractions and Activities

Atami is rich in cultural and natural attractions:

• Atami Sun Beach: A picturesque beach ideal for swimming and evening strolls under its nightly illumination.
• MOA Museum of Art: Featuring a vast collection of fine art, including Japanese and East Asian works.
• Atami Castle: Offers panoramic views of the town and the sea, along with historical exhibits.
• Kinomiya Shrine: Home to a 2,000-year-old camphor tree, believed to extend one’s life by a year for each walk around its trunk.
• Atami Plum Garden: Known for its early-blooming plum blossoms and vibrant autumn leaves.
• Ropeway and Hihokan: Providing stunning aerial views of Atami and quirky exhibits at the Hihokan (Secret Museum).

For those seeking outdoor activities, Atami offers hiking in the nearby hills, boating trips, and golf at its various scenic courses.*

Gourmet Delights

Atami is a gourmet haven with fresh seafood from the nearby Sagami Bay and renowned for its local delicacies such as dried fish, sushi, and kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals. The region also produces top-grade citrus fruits and traditional Japanese sweets.