Travel Japan Info - Atami

Travel Japan Info - How to get there

How to Get There:

Atami, or “warm sea” is a seaside resort area on the Izu Peninsula. Its name is from a hot spring in Sagami Bay which makes the water warm. It is a very popular hot springs resort town because of its close proximity to Tokyo and its warm climate, even in winter. With a population of approximately 40,000 Atami is a quaint town. With good weather, a sight of Mt.Fuji is possible from Atami. Atami is accessible by rail and bus, and because it is only 1 1/2 hours from Shinagawa station in Tokyo, or 1 hour by Shinkansen Kodama from Tokyo station recommended transportation mode is by rail. With a ride on the Japan Railways Tokaido you can enjoy the wonderful scenery along the way. Use of the Japan Rail Pass over long runs really increases your savings over regular fares.

Travel Japan Info - Where to Stay

There are many hotels and small inns to stay at in Atami, however I recommend staying at hotels or inns near or overlooking the beach for beautiful ocean views. Getting around the town is easy either with taxi or Yu Yu bus. The beach is nice, and there is a boardwalk along the beach lined with cherry trees. Because Atami is quiet and laid back, it is a nice place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. A large hotel that you might consider is the Atami Korakuen Hotel overlooking Sagami Bay, or a medium-sized hotel like the Resorpia almost on the water. The fresh seafood served is excellent.

Travel Japan Info - Things to do:

Travel Japan Info - Things to do recommendation: MOA Art Museum, which is located on a hill overlooking the Sagami Bay. It is about 5 minutes by bus from Atami station. The museum features oriental art, ceramics and lacquer ware.

Shopping - Visit Atami’s many small shops in the town and find interesting souvenirs and food items. The people in the small town are very friendly and glad to help you, but most do not speak English. I’m sure you can get by.

Food - When in Atami be sure to try the Home Run Sushi Restaurant, on a street running parallel to the main street along the beach, and across a Hawaiian store. It opens at 11:30 AM. I was there at 11:00 when I was there and had to wait until they opened, but it was well worth the wait. The assorted sushi and sashimi plates my wife and I ordered were excellent-fresh and delicious.

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