Atami is a Japanese city in Shizuoka prefecture. It is a beach town located a little further southwest of Tokyo and is known for its beautiful resorts. Its geology of the area gives Atami amazing onsens (Japanese hot springs baths) which tourists can visit. While in Atami, you will be able to enjoy its amazing hot springs, its large beautiful ryokan’s (traditional Japanese inns), and of course the unique powerful Japanese culture and history. From shrines to museums, from onsens to ryokans, Atami is a true gem of a place to visit. So if you’re looking to visit this pleasant town, check out our list of the things to do in Atami, Japan.
1. Pray at the Kinomiya Shrine
Atami is home to the impressive Kinomiya Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the god of fortune and luck. Inside this shrine resides a massive camphor tree called “Okusu”. Okusu is the biggest camphor tree in Japan and is recognised as a national monument and the symbol of Kinomiya Shrine. The legend goes that anyone who walks around the tree can extend their life by one year!
Kinomiya Shrine
Address: 43-1 Nishiyamachō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0034, Japan
Website: Kinomiya Shrine
2. Spend a day filled with fun at the Atami Trick Art Museum
The beloved Atami Trick Art Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience and has come to be one of the most popular attractions in Atami. The museum is a collection of “trompe l'oeil"s, artistic optical illusions giving a true sense of wonder. The paintings feature large animals that look like they are coming out of the frame and there are staged odd props to put yourself in. This museum is perfect for kids and child-spirited adults looking for a quirky activity!
Atami Trick Art Museum
Address: 1993 Atami, Shizuoka 413-0033, Japan
Website: Atami Trick Art Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD adults, 4 USD children
3. Admire the view from the top of the Atami Castle
The Atami Castle is one of the town’s landmarks. It is an impressive castle-like structure, home to many cultural exhibits and commercial venues. It is said to be a great place for cherry blossoms viewing during the season. Going up the Atami Castle will give you unmatched views of the bay of Atami along with the town, the beach, and the surrounding mountains.
Atami Castle
Address: 1993 Atami, Shizuoka 413-0033, Japan
Website: Atami Castle
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD adults, 4.60 USD high schoolers, 3.20 USD toddlers
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4. Enjoy a warm sunny day at the Akao Herb and Rose Garden
Atami is also home to a wonderful garden, abundant with roses and other lively flowers and plants. Inside the Akao Herb and Rose Garden, you will also find beautiful Japanese-style gardens, amidst a verdant mix of Western and Asian landscapes. Spend a day in quiet reflection in this lush garden with its magnificent sea views.
Akao Herb and Rose Garden
Address: 1027-8 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0101, Japan
Website: Akao Herb and Rose Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 9 USD adults, 4.60 USD children
5. Watch the sky light up during the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival
Fireworks are a staple of summer festivals in Japan, and it just so happens that Atami has an amazing fireworks festival! While fireworks are especially enjoyed in summer, Atami holds its Fireworks Festival each season, with several dates in spring and summer. Make sure you check out the dates it will be held because you don’t want to miss this impressive show!
Atami Sea Fireworks Festival
Address: Atami Bay
Price: 9 USD
6. Learn about Japanese culture at the Museum of Arts
Atami’s Museum of Arts (MOA) is a beautiful modern building filled with even more beautiful things. From mesmerizing light displays, traditional gardens, tea house exhibits, to Japanese arts and theatre, you will be amazed at all you see in this contemporary museum.
Museum of Arts
Address: 26-２ Momoyamachō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-8511, Japan
Website: Museum of Arts
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Thu)
Price: 12 USD adults, 7 USD students
7. Admire magical flower blossoms at Atami Baien
Atami Baien is considered one of the best ume gardens (ume being a plum), especially during blossom season. This typical Japanese park is truly a sight to see, whether in spring for its magical pink hues or in autumn for its fiery red and orange trees. During the blossom season, the park also offers some fun services like a foot bath and a souvenir shop, as well as free Amazake (an alcoholic drink made from fermented rice).
Atami Baien
Address: 8-11 Baienchō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0032, Japan
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 2.70 USD during blossom season (free the rest of the year)
8. Watch a traditional show at the Atami Geigi Kenban Kaburenjo
Cultural performances such as theatre, music, or dance are a staple of Japanese culture. So while you’re in Atami, you should definitely experience one of these truly unique shows at the Atami Geigi Kenban Kaburenjo. You will get to see Geigi artists perform during this unforgettable experience.
Atami Geigi Kenban Kaburenjo
Address: 17-13 Chuocho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0015, Japan
Website: Atami Geigi Kenban Kaburenjo
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: performances start at 11am
Price: 13 USD
9. Enjoy with your family at the Toda Koshiro Picture Book Museum of Art
Toda Koshiro Picture Book Museum of Art is a small modern art museum in Atami targeted towards families and children. It’s a fun, educational museum that also features an outside playground. The museum is close to the Akao Garden so you can spend a day in the area relaxing as a family.
Toda Koshiro Picture Book Museum of Art
Address: 1055-30 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0101, Japan
Website: Toda Koshiro Picture Book Museum of Art
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 6 USD adults, 3.70 USD children
10. Observe the fisherman's life at Ajiro Harbor
Atami, with its history of being a fishing village, still offers harbour views and seafood culture. You can walk around the Ajiro Fishing Harbor and enjoy the boats and beautiful coast of the Shizuoka prefecture. You can also buy supplies and fresh seafood nearby.
Ajiro Harbor
Address: Ajiro, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0103, Japan
11. Stop by the Kanichi and Omiya statue
This historic statue is for many a symbol of Atami. It pictures a man kicking a woman on the floor and is a representation of the “Golden Demon” story. It is a story of love ruined by money and greed. The statue is thus an integral part of Japanese folklore. It’s also located on a nice promenade by the beach.
Kanichi and Omiya statue
Address: 15 Higashikaiganchō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0012, Japan
12. Book a ride on the Atami Ropeway
The Atami Ropeway is an easy and unique way to get the most beautiful views of Atami and the nearby region. When you arrive at the top, you will get an amazing panorama of the mountains, the sea, and Atami. The ropeway is also right next to the harbour, the Trick Art Museum, and the beach.
Atami Ropeway
Address: 8-15 Wadahamaminamichō, 和田浜南町 Atami, Shizuoka 413-0023, Japan
Website: Atami Ropeway
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 5.5 USD adults, 3.60 USD children
13. Pamper your palate at the Kamatsuru
Japanese cuisine is now popular all around the world and is known for its unique taste and one-of-a-kind dishes. Most specifically, this restaurant serves the freshest seafood, like sashimi (pieces of raw fish), dried fish, rice bowls with fish and many more delicious options. The restaurant is located close to the beach, and the interior style is a beautiful mix of Western and Asian decor.
Kamatsuru
Address: 1055-30 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0101, Japan
Website: Kamatsuru
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 9pm (closed from Tue - Thu)
Price: 20 USD
14. Dive down to discover the famous shipwreck of Asahi Maru
Even if Japan may make you think mostly of large, futuristic cities, there is also a quieter side to it geared more towards nature. While you’re in Atami, you can explore the beautiful seas surrounding the town through diving centres such as Eastdive. The Eastdive Diving Centre allows you to dive into the Izu peninsula and view all its corals and fishes and, wait for it, explore a shipwreck too!
Eastdive Tokyo Tours
Website: Eastdive Tokyo Tours
Price: 260 USD
15. Soothe your senses in a hot spring bath
Onsens (hot spring baths) are a very popular Japanese tradition and for good reason. The volcanic nature of the Japanese islands has blessed the land with many natural hot springs. Thus hot spring baths are very popular in the region. Atami just so happens to be especially loaded with them, so treat yourself to a nice warm therapeutic bath! Atami Fufu Hotel is a nice hotel with great food, a spa, free minibar, and features a wonderful onsen in a relaxing setting.
Atami Fufu Hotel
Address: 11-48 Minaguchi-cho, Atami, Atami, Japan, 413-0016
16. Visit the Izusan Jinja Shrine for a true Atami experience
The Izusan Jinja Shrine in Atami is dedicated to the kami (god or spirit) of fire and has a rich history to learn. It looks absolutely beautiful nestled among trees and you are sure to be fascinated by it. On April 15th, every year, the shrine holds its main festival. Don’t miss out if you’re there around that time.
Izusan Jinja Shrine
Address: 708-1 Izusan, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0002, Japan
17. Appreciate nature's beauty at the Himenosawa Park
If you’re a nature lover, you are going to absolutely love this one. The quiet park offers beautiful vivid flowers, melting into acres and acres of green. The neatly maintained garden still feels somewhat wild with its endless rolling hills, and you will have your breath taken away by the views of the nearby mountain and forest.
Himenosawa Park
Address: １１６４-1 Izusan, Atami-shi, Shizuoka-ken 413-0002, Japan
Website: Himenosawa Park
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
18. Let your children have a gala time at Atami Korakuen Hotel
Atami Korakuen is a large hotel by the sea that offers classic tatami rooms as well as Western rooms. This hotel is loaded with services such as onsens, a great restaurant with a view, a spa, and even games and amusement rides! This makes this hotel not only amazing for children, but also for the adults with them, who will love all the relaxation facilities.
Atami Korakuen Hotel
Address: 10-1 Wadahamaminamicho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-8626, Japan
Website: Atami Korakuen Hotel
Price: 180 USD
19. Travel back in time at Atami Ginza
Atami Ginza is a shopping street in the centre of town, and it seems like time stands still here. Though you will be surrounded by modern amenities, the antique shops, grocery shops, and cafes have preserved a unique, authentic Japanese feel to them. Be sure to visit Atami Ginza to pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Atami Ginza
Address: 11, 銀座町 Atami, Shizuoka 413-0013, Japan
20. Stroll along the Atami Sun Beach
The Atami Sun Beach is a very large beach where many people gather to enjoy the sea and the sun! It also has a cute boardwalk where you can watch the ocean and the nearby marina. Many restaurants and cafes line the street and you can sip on your cup of coffee while watching the sunset on the horizon.
Atami Sun Beach
Address: Higashikaigancho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0012, Japan
21. Stay at a traditional ryokan (from USD 444)
Atami is also known for its many ryokans, which are traditional Japanese inns. In a ryokan, you will usually find tatami floors, paper sliding doors, a wonderful meal waiting for you, and a whole lot of hospitality! In Atami, you will find several ryokans at several price ranges. Furuya hotel is a four-star ryokan near the beach with delicious meals, a sumptuous onsen, spacious rooms, and friendly hosts.
Furuya Ryokan
Address: Higashi Kaigan-cho 5-24
Public Bath Private parking On-site parking Gift shop Massage Non-smoking rooms Free WiFi Heating
The wonders of Atami
Atami is a resort town filled with the wonders of nature, history, and also modernity. You will get to experience a classic Japanese beach town, and you will love the amazing food, culture, and fun you will have there. So don’t wait to experience the wonders of Atami, from the most popular attractions to the more niche places! Plan your trip today!
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