Atami (熱海) Travel Report Tips and my experience

This travelogue is about my experiences in Atami, a city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Atami is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and enjoy a relaxing time. I describe my journey from Tokyo to Atami, my experiences at the Guest House Atami, various sights and activities in Atami, as well as local dishes from the region. If you are planning a trip to Atami, here you will find some tips and recommendations to help with your travel planning.

From Tokyo to Atami

By Train

Atami is very easy to reach from Tokyo and the train ride doesn't take long. Even within Atami you can easily take the bus – there are several lines that will take you anywhere you want to go.

Shinkansen Option

If you are in a hurry, you can take the Shinkansen. The travel time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs between 4,000 and 5,000 yen. But if you don't want to spend too much, there's a cheaper option by taking the local train.

Local Option

With the local train, the ride takes a little longer, but it's much cheaper – only about 1,000 to 2,000 yen. Travel time is around 2 hours.

The cheapest ride can only be selected on a mobile device, which is also where the costs are most transparent. This applies for both the Shinkansen and the local train.

By Car

If you are traveling by car, you can also drive to Atami. But be careful; Atami is very mountainous and you need to know your way around and have experience driving here. The journey takes about 2 hours, and you can enjoy the scenery along the way.

Hotel – Guest House Atami

If you're traveling to Atami and are looking for an authentic Japanese experience but don't want to spend too much, you should definitely stay at Guest House Atami. During my trip, I was able to enjoy a traditional atmosphere and a beautiful view of the sea. The room in Ryokan style was equipped with tatami mats and futons, providing a cozy and authentic place to sleep.

The receptionist was very friendly and spoke some English, which can be a relief for some guests.

It should be noted, however, that no shoes are allowed anywhere in the hotel. As in traditional Ryokans, you must store your shoes and walk around the hotel in house slippers. There are special slippers just for the toilets.

The bathroom was very clean and although we had to share the toilets on the floor with other guests, that was no problem for us. On the second floor there were two showers, which were also very clean. There were also washing machines available, which was a big plus for us.

The highlight of our stay, however, was the Onsen on the first floor. After a long day of exploring, we could relax wonderfully here and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea.

The price of 18,000 yen (120 euros) per night during Golden Week may seem a bit steep for some, but it's absolutely worth it. After Golden Week, prices per room range between 100 and 170 euros depending on the room.

All in all, I had a wonderful stay at Guest House Atami and can recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and relaxing accommodation in Atami.

Tip: You can drop off your luggage before the check-in time of 3:00 p.m., since the hotel is only 5 minutes from Atami station, making it perfect before you start exploring the town or beach. Even after check-out, it's possible to leave your luggage at reception, so you can visit the town or the castle and then pick up your luggage again later before heading home.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/vdHdjrL4VK2owNnY6

Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/guesthouse-maruya.en.html?aid=8007223&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Find More Hotels in Atami

Affiliate Link: If you book a hotel via my widget or my link on Booking.com, I receive a small commission. There are no extra costs for you and you support my blog. I'm very grateful to you and wish you a great trip! (^_^)

Onsen in Atami

Atami has many onsens, which are known for their healing properties. If you travel to Atami in spring or summer, you'll also find plenty of other things to do besides bathing in the hot springs, as not everyone prefers this when the weather is warm. We had an onsen in our hotel, which allowed us to relax after a long day of exploring.

Atami Sun Beach

Atami Sun Beach is a beautiful sandy beach where, depending on the weather, you can spend a lot of time. If you are traveling with your family, this beach is especially recommended. Kids can play in the sand and splash around in the sea while you relax in the sun. The beach is very clean and well-maintained, and the view of the sea is simply breathtaking. Another plus at Atami Sun Beach is that thanks to the breakwaters, there are hardly any waves. If you prefer to swim in the sea rather than surf, this is the right place for you. If you're in Atami, you should definitely plan a visit to Atami Sun Beach. Here is a Google Maps address: https://goo.gl/maps/6X7sctRXBr1TKdWN9

Atami Castle

Atami Castle is one of the main attractions of the city and offers a fantastic view of the town and the sea. The entrance fee of 1,100 yen was personally too expensive for me. However, if you are willing to pay the fee, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the ocean.

Although I didn't go inside, I could admire from the outside just how beautiful the castle is. If you think the admission fee is beyond your budget, you can still enjoy the beauty of the castle from the outside.

Next to the castle, you can relax in the café/restaurant right next door and enjoy the view. The place also offers fantastic views of Atami city and the ocean.

https://goo.gl/maps/MaamxkgXDjPvMQdx7

Atami Ropeway

In my opinion, the Atami Ropeway is a great way to get up to Atami Castle and the mountain. The price for adults is 400 yen for a one-way trip and 700 yen for a round trip. Children pay 300 yen or 400 yen for a round trip. The view during the ride is breathtaking and definitely worth a visit.

https://goo.gl/maps/DnxSCmBMpRyveBMk7

Maguroya – Restaurant right at the station

When you arrive at the station, you should definitely visit Maguroya. The food is not only very delicious, but also inexpensive. I tried the Kinmedai Nitsuke and found it simply delicious. The fish is called "golden eye snapper" in English (called "nördlicher Schleimkopf" in German). I also ordered Masu (sea trout) and Ikura, which are salmon roe. Also very tasty!

Maguroya is only three minutes on foot from Atami station, so it's very convenient. If you're looking for good food at a reasonable price, this is definitely the place for you. More information on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/gkgt3QR5YWrC2wXg6

Coffee Denen

I found a small, cozy café in Atami that I'd love to recommend to you. It's called Coffee Denen and has a rustic charm reminiscent of grandma's living room. I ordered a delicious ham sandwich and an egg sandwich, and they were simply delicious. It's the perfect place to take a break from exploring the town and relax. If you're looking for a cozy café, you should visit Coffee Denen.

https://goo.gl/maps/PUGAYUhVwS9iMiW29

Izakaya (Uotami Atami Ekimae)

If you're looking for a place to eat well and affordably in the evening, you should definitely visit the Izakaya (Uotami Atami Ekimae). The food is very tasty and relatively inexpensive. I was impressed that the izakaya is open until 1:00 am, which is really rare in Atami and other places outside big cities, since many restaurants already close at 9:00 pm. Although there are many bad reviews on Google Maps, I can really recommend the izakaya. Of course, it may be different in high season, but I think you'll have a great time there. Check it out for yourself: https://goo.gl/maps/gGCeWxVotfKnLG6Q9 and see for yourself.

Kinomiya Shrine with 2,000-year-old tree

Would you like to relax in Atami and are looking for a special place? Then you should definitely visit Kinomiya Shrine! Here you'll find not only two historic trees, one of which is over 2,000 years old, but also two or three cafés. If you're in the mood for something sweet, there is also matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. I personally recommend the soft serve ice cream with caramel – it tastes delicious! The shrine is a great place to enjoy nature and relax. So, what are you waiting for? Visit Kinomiya Shrine and experience an unforgettable moment in Atami!

MOA Museum

The MOA Museum is a real highlight of Atami. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to visit the museum because it can only be reached on foot or by car, and I didn't have the time to hike up the mountain. But if you have the chance to visit the museum, you should definitely do so! The view of Atami and the sea from above is said to be breathtaking.

https://goo.gl/maps/vdDvs4tLAvNGPfYz7

Atami Nakamise

Atami Nakamise is a shopping street for omiyage (souvenirs), where you'll also find street food like fish cakes, ice cream, and ramen. There are also some cafés and restaurants. Located right next to the station exit, it's the perfect place to refuel before you leave and pick up souvenirs for your loved ones. The atmosphere here is lively, and there are many vendors ready to show you their products. If you're a fan of Japanese street food or just looking for a special souvenir, Atami Nakamise is the perfect place for you!

https://goo.gl/maps/vSzqhfsGDFUL1U3r7

ACAO FOREST – Park

I must admit I was a bit disappointed when I wanted to enter the park. The entrance fee of 4,000 yen was simply too expensive for me. However, I read that the price can vary depending on the season. Maybe I was just there at the wrong time. According to reviews on Google Maps, the price is usually between 1,000 and 2,000 yen. Because of the high cost, I decided not to visit the park. I think there are many other places to see in Atami without spending so much money.

https://goo.gl/maps/vdDvs4tLAvNGPfYz7

Herb House Atami

In front of the entrance to the park I discovered a small café called Herb House Atami. The café offers an amazing view of the surroundings and is located right at the entrance to the park. I ordered a tasty iced tea and relaxed. Although I didn't visit the park, I found it worthwhile just because of the beautiful view and relaxed atmosphere at the café. So if you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the view, you should visit Herb House Atami. There's also a shop right next to the café selling various herbal teas and herbs, like lavender.

https://goo.gl/maps/bXkF2CJ48zU3ZgCL9

Local Dishes of Atami

If you're traveling to Atami, you should definitely try the local dishes. Since Atami is by the sea, fish plays an important role in the regional cuisine. Here are some of the dishes I tried during my stay in Atami:

Kinmedai

Kinmedai is a fish also called "golden eye snapper" (called "nördlicher Schleimkopf" in German). I tried it at a restaurant at Atami station and it was simply delicious. The fish is very tender with a mild flavor. If you like fish, you should definitely try Kinmedai.

Onsen Manju

Onsen Manju is a traditional Japanese sweet, typically enjoyed during a visit to hot springs. The treat is made from a unique mixture of flour, sugar, and rice flour. The dough is then wrapped around various fillings, including sweet red bean paste, green tea, and even chestnuts.

Shirasu-Don

Shirasu-Don is another popular dish in Atami. It consists of steamed rice topped with small, white raw fish called shirasu. The fish are very tender with a mild flavor that goes well with the rice.

Himono

Himono is air-dried fish, which is very popular in Atami. The dried fish has an intense flavor.

Conclusion of the Trip to Atami

Atami is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxing trip. The city offers a variety of activities, including onsens, beaches, parks, shrines, and museums. Getting there from Tokyo is easy and quick, either by train or car. Guest House Atami is a great option for anyone looking for an authentic Japanese experience. The accommodation offers a traditional atmosphere and a beautiful sea view. The price may be a bit high, but the experience is definitely worth it. In Atami, you'll also find many opportunities to try local dishes such as Kinmedai, Onsen Manju, and Shirasu-Don.

Overall, Atami is a great destination for anyone looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a relaxing time. The city offers a wide range of activities and sights, suitable both for families and solo travelers. Although some places, like the MOA Museum or ACAO Forest, can be a bit expensive, there are also many affordable options, such as Atami Sun Beach or Maguroya. I can recommend Atami to anyone looking for a relaxing and authentic Japanese experience.