Located on the east coast of the Izu peninsula, Atami is a spa town renowned for its onsen, maritime landscapes and rich spiritual heritage. Only 40 minutes from Tokyo in Shinkansen, it is a Japanese-loved getaway and offers foreign travellers an immersion in a coastal Japan, soothing and culturally anchored.
Atami, a spa destination on the Pacific coast
Since the Edo era, Atami has attracted the curious and convalescent thanks to its many natural thermal springs. The very name of Atami means “hot sea”, a direct reference to the ancient and continuous presence of d Springs spring naturally at high temperatures, such as that of Hashiriyu, one of the oldest in the country.
While most ryokans offer private or collective baths fed by these sources, some places also provide free or low-cost facilities for public foot baths, known as “ashiyu”, scattered throughout the city.
Kinomiya Jinja: Spirituality and Millennium Trees
A few minutes from the main railway station, the Shinto shrine Kinomiya Jinja is an emblematic stage. It is dedicated to a kami (divinity) associated with luck, health and longevity. One of his treasures is the gigantic sacred camphorry “Okusu”, more than 2,000 years old. The popular belief is that a complete tower around this tree prolongs life for a year.
The sanctuary organizes each summer a major event: the fire festival orBurning Festival, during which a sacred statue is carried in procession to the beach of Ohama, followed by rituals where burnt wheat is thrown on the participants to bring luck and health.
Hashiriyu: sacred water in the rock
The source of Hashiriyu, discovered more than thirteen centuries ago, is distinguished by its location in a cave. Here, water at 70 °C flows from the volcanic rock and flows to the ocean. Although the bath is not allowed in the cavity itself, the visual experience, reinforced by the spiritual history of the place, remains striking. A small foot bath area is accessible to visitors wishing to relax while admiring the coastline.
Atami Plum Garden: flowers and seasonal walks
Apart from urban agitation, the plum garden of Atami (Atami Baien) offers a pleasant walk between January and March, when the first plum trees in Japan begin to bloom. In addition to 60 plum varieties, the park also houses flamboyant maple trees in autumn.
The entrance to the garden also provides access to foot baths, as well as to shops selling local handicrafts or food products. During the annual festival, various events and tastings punctuate the visit, in connection with the cultivation of plum trees and seasonal products.
Jukkoku pass with panoramic views
About 30 minutes away from Atami by bus, the Jukkoku Pass offers a clear panorama of Suruga Bay, Miho-no-Matsubara forests and, in clear weather, Mount Fuji. The cable car, of a modest length but steep slope, makes it possible to reach the summit in a few minutes. This popular observation point is also the start of short hikes accessible to all.
It is also a place appreciated for its summer freshness, as well as for its peaceful atmosphere away from the urbanization of the coastline.
Hatsushima: an island accessible for adventure or rest
From the port of Atami, a fast boat makes it possible to reach the island of Hasushima in half an hour. Although close to the continent, this island of 4 km of circumference maintains an island life rhythm. It is mainly inhabited by fishermen’s families and offers soft tourism, oriented towards nature.
Activities available include diving, beachfront walking and climbing (Sarutobi), ideal for families or active travellers. A small tropical garden and hammocks in a flowery setting allow you to enjoy a moment of rest, while local restaurants serve freshly harvested seafood dishes.
Atami and Shizuoka Prefecture
Atami is located in the east of Shizuoka Prefecture and is easily accessible from Shizuoka City thanks to fast rail lines such as shinkansen. This positioning makes it a popular destination for day trips or short stays. The city combines the typical coastal landscapes of the region with an ancient thermal culture. From Shizuoka, it is possible to reach Atami in less than an hour, allowing you to quickly enjoy hot baths, sanctuaries, local gastronomy and a more peaceful environment than large towns. It is also a convenient starting point for exploring other natural or cultural sites in the prefecture, such as tea plantations, views of Mount Fuji or nearby spas.
Atami flavors: pastries and traditions
Atami offers a rare balance between thermal relaxation, anchored spirituality and accessible maritime landscapes. Its proximity to Tokyo makes it a destination of choice for travellers curious to discover a discreet coastal Japan but full of history and culture. It is also an ideal starting point for exploring the east of the Izu peninsula, with easy connections to Ito, Shimoda or the surrounding islands.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
Pour une dose de Japon au quotidien, suivez-nous sur Threads
onsen Japan, Atami hot springs, Kinomiya Jinja, visit Atami, what to do in Atami, travel Shizuoka, Atami Japan, plum garden Atami, Hashiriyu Atami, cable car Jukkoku, trip Izu peninsula, Hatsushima diving, Sarutobi adventure, gastronomy Atami, Japanese manju, local specialities Atami, foot bath Atami, ryokan Atami, getaway from Tokyo, thermal bath Japan, Atami accommodation, Japan floral park, Shinto traditions, Japanese summer festivals, sacred trees Japan, view on Mount Fuji, spiritual heritage Japan, Atami culinary culture, Atami beach, excursion from Tokyo, nature and bath Japan, sacred sanctuary Japan, travel to Japan, Shizuoka stay, Atami port, Hatsushima ferry, weekend Japan, public bath Japan, Atami tourism
Discover more from Evasions Rebelles - Travel Planner Japon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
