A Relaxing Weekend Getaway in Atami: An Easy Onsen Escape from Tokyo
After exploring destinations around Tokyo like Hakone and Odawara, I was looking for a relaxing getaway—somewhere I could unwind in an onsen town and spend quality time with my partner. Atami (熱海市), nestled along the eastern end of the Izu Peninsula, seemed like the perfect choice. Known for its hot springs, scenic coastline, and fresh seafood, this seaside city has long been a favorite for Tokyoites seeking a quick and easy getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.
Photos by @bonjour.dora
In this article, I’ll share my experience enjoying a peaceful weekend retreat in Atami, along with a few travel recommendations if you’re planning a visit.
5 Reasons Why Atami Makes a Perfect Weekend Getaway
1. A Quick and Easy Access from Tokyo
One of the best things about Atami is how effortlessly accessible it is from Tokyo. You can hop on a shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station (¥3,740 one-way), and in about 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at Atami Station. So it’s perfect for a stress-free weekend escape!
✨ TRAVELY TIP: If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a longer ride, take a local train on the JR Tokaido Line. The trip from Tokyo takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs ¥1,980. It’s a great option if you want to enjoy coastal views along the way while saving money.
2. A Good Balance of Relaxation and Sightseeing to Suit All Preferences
Atami’s popularity as a hot spring resort dates back to the Edo period, when Tokugawa Ieyasu visited in 1604 to bathe in its therapeutic waters. The area quickly became a favored retreat for samurai and nobility, cementing its reputation as a premier onsen destination. Today, Atami is considered one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, known for its many onsen hotels and baths rich in sulfate and salt.
And beyond its onsen, what’s great about Atami is that it also offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions to complement your relaxation time. Things to do in Atami include:
Atami Sun Beach (熱海サンビーチ) – A scenic beachfront area perfect for a morning stroll or evening walk.
Kiunkaku (起雲閣) – A beautifully preserved former ryokan with a blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles (entrance fee of ¥610).
Atami Plum Garden (熱海梅園) – Best visited in early spring for its plum blossoms, but still a pleasant spot for a peaceful walk year-round.
Atami Castle (熱海城) – While it’s a reconstructed castle (entrance fee of ¥1200), you can admire from the castle and the nearby observation deck a panoramic view of Atami’s coastline and the Izu Peninsula. You can easily reach it taking the Atami Ropeway (¥700 for a round-trip ticket).
MOA Museum of Art (MOA美術館) – A hilltop museum with a beautiful architecture and stunning ocean views, featuring traditional Japanese art and a Noh theater (buy your ticket in advance on KKday).
Izusan Shrine (伊豆山神社) – A historic shrine perched in the mountains, established to enshrine the deity Izu-san Okami, believed to be the origin of the name Izu Province
I'd written down all these places I wanted to visit, but the truth is, with the exception of a nice walk along Atami Sun Beach, I didn't get to visit any of them, as the weather was miserable most of the weekend we'd booked our stay in Atami, and we decided to spend our time relaxing at the hotel instead of fighting the elements. I hope to visit Atami again one day so that I can add a detailed exploration itinerary to this article, so stay tuned!
3. A Nice Destination for Food Lovers
An important part of sightseeing in Japan is trying out the local specialities by making the rounds of local food stalls and shops to sample mouth-watering snacks. Just next to Atami station, you can explore two covered shopping streets with a nostalgic vibe, Heiwa-dori Shopping Street (熱海駅前平和通り名店街) and Nakamise Shopping Street (熱海 仲見世通り商店街). There, you can find plenty of local products, in particular sea products, such as himono dried fish or fish paste cakes, or sweets like onsen manju. Atami Ginza Shopping District (熱海銀座商店街) is another popular street with a retro vibe and numerous food options, where you can enjoy meals like kaisen-don (rice bowl with fresh seafood) or shirasu-don.
Photos by @bonjour.dora
A friend of mine recommended me Chaporte, a tea stand close to the station, and Irori teahouse (囲炉茶屋), a seafood izakaya with a nice selection of fresh fish.
4. Serene Accommodations Options in Atami
A popular spa resort, Atami offers a wide range of accommodation, from traditional ryokans with private open-air baths to seaside resorts or cosy guesthouses, to suit all preferences and budgets. In this section, I’ll share a detailed review of my stay at Atami Fuga, along with some additional recommendations regarding where to stay in Atami.
Why I Loved Staying at Atami Fuga in Atami
I spent two nights at Atami Fuga. The hotel’s attention to detail in creating a soothing atmosphere made it a perfect choice for unwinding. As soon as you enter, the lobby exuded a calm and elegant ambiance, setting the tone for the entire stay. Upon arrival, guests can choose from a wide selection of yukatas to wear inside the hotel and to the public bath. I particularly appreciated the cute and colorful designs available for women, adding a nice personal touch to the experience.
A Comfortable Room with Ocean View
The room was spacious and blended Japanese and Western design, with a comfortable bed and a minimalist yet stylish layout. I was glad I had booked a seaside room to enjoy the ocean view.
Relaxing Onsen Facilities
Atami Fuga offers modern, gender-separated public baths with natural hot spring water. The onsen was particularly soothing, and although it’s an indoor bath, the waterfall outside and large open windows gave it a semi open-air feel, making the experience even more relaxing.
The women’s powder room was well-equipped with luxurious appliances, which made me feel like having a private beauty salon for myself. Another highlight was the bedrock bath available for women only (there is a sauna in the men area).
Thoughtful Amenities for a Leisurely Stay
Atami Fuga goes beyond just onsen relaxation by offering various amenities designed for comfort and leisure:
A stylish lobby, turned into a theater at some times of the day where you can watch movies or enjoy free unlimited beer, wine, and snacks during a happy hour.
A common area with massage chairs.
A amusement room with a table tennis and billiard tables (which, each time we visited, we had entirely to ourselves).
A terrace with small private rooms to enjoy views of Atami by day or night.
A 24/7 coffee and tea station.
Dining Options
I didn’t choose a meal plan for my stay, so I can’t personally review the gourmet French-style dinner or breakfast offered at the hotel. Instead, we stocked up on food in our in-room fridge and ordered delivery from nearby restaurants. That said, based on photos, the hotel meals looked well-prepared and could be worth considering for a more complete stay
Important Note: Location & Accessibility
One important point to note is the hotel’s location, which is on a steep hill. This seems to be one of the main reasons for some negative reviews, as walking up would definitely be challenging. However, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to Kinomiya Station at specific times, which helps make transportation easier.
For convenience, I took a taxi from downtown Atami to the hotel (about ¥1,300), and after checkout, I used the hotel’s free shuttle service. As long as you plan your transport in advance, whether using the shuttle or a taxi, this shouldn’t be a major issue.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed my stay at Atami Fuga very much and think it offers great value for money, with a calm and relaxing atmosphere, thoughtful amenities, and a focus on guest comfort. It was a memorable and refreshing retreat which I can warmly recommend!
Other Accommodation Recommendations
Looking for more accommodation options in Atami? If I were to stay again and try a new place, based on reviews, I’d recommend Watei Kazekomichi for a luxurious ryokan experience with its deluxe rooms, private open-air baths and delicious Japanese cuisine, or Hotel Kan-ichi for its ideal location close to Atami Sun Beach, its nostalgic and traditional Japanese-style rooms and private rooftop baths. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out Atami Spring Terrace Hotel, located near Atami station.
5. The Entrance to the Izu Peninsula
Atami is often considered the gateway to the Izu Peninsula, making it an excellent base or first stop for exploring this underrated but beautiful region. From here, you can venture further to places like Ito, Shimoda, Kawazu, and the scenic Jogasaki Coast.
Tokaikan in Ito
View from the top of Mt Omuro
If you're planning to explore more of Izu, check out my other articles on the peninsula for detailed travel tips and itinerary ideas. ⬇️
Read more:
A Few Things You Should Know Before Visiting Atami
1. How Long to Stay: For a relaxing trip, one or two nights in Atami is ideal—long enough to enjoy the hot springs, fresh seafood, and a bit of sightseeing, while still keeping it a quick and easy escape from Tokyo.
2. Seasonal Events Not to Miss: Atami is popular as an early cherry blossoms viewing spot, with the blooming period from late January to mid February. Other interesting events include the Atami Plum Blossom Festival (from mid January to early March) and the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival which takes takes place over a dozen times annually (you can find the precise dates of the firework shows on Atami city’s website (in Japanese, but automatic translation is available).
3. How to Get Around Atami: It's important to bear in mind when planning the places you’d like to visit and where you want to stay that Atami is half along the coast and half perched on top of steep cliffs, so unless you're looking for a good cardio workout, the bus or taxi is the most practical way to get around. If you’re planning to use the bus, the Atami 1-Day Pass seems like an interesting option, as it allows you to take the bus as many times as you like on the day of purchase (it can be purchased from the Tokai Bus ticket office at Atami station).
To Conclude
Whether you're looking for a peaceful solo retreat, a romantic getaway, or a short break from Tokyo, Atami is a great place to unwind while still offering plenty to explore. Due to the poor weather during my visit, I didn’t get the chance to see as much of the city as I’d hoped, but it’s definitely a place I’d love to return to. I liked the retro Showa era atmosphere that envelops the city and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Atami Fuga, with its tranquil atmosphere and thoughtful amenities. So if you're in need of a relaxing escape from Tokyo, Atami is well worth considering.
Found this article helpful? Buy me a coffee. 😊
Want to stay in touch? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter (with latest articles, updates, travel tips and more...) delivered straight to your inbox. 📩
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. And if you do, thanks for your support! Purchasing through these links is a great way to support Travely Notes, as this helps with the costs of running my blog.
