Travel and Work in Japan: Discovering Atami
Staying in Atami: Grand View Atami
Located just a 6-minute walk from JR Atami Station and a 3-minute walk from Atami Sun Beach, Grand View Atami offers an ideal setting for your stay. All rooms are equipped with separate baths, toilets, and kitchens, making them perfect for long-term stays or self-catering. Especially noteworthy are the high-floor rooms offering stunning views of the sea and fireworks, as well as rooms with semi-open-air baths. The entire facility offers free Wi-Fi and 24-hour access, allowing you to plan your itinerary freely.
The rooftop features an infinity-style open-air bath where you can relax while gazing at the blue sea and sky. Additionally, there are semi-open-air baths fed by natural hot springs and private baths with bubbling whirlpool features.
For dining, you can enjoy freshly sourced local seafood sashimi platters delivered directly from nearby fishmongers, all in the comfort of your room. Breakfast options include grilled local fish, fresh dairy products, and a Japanese-Western style light buffet.
While there is no shared business center or dedicated workspace, remote work can be comfortably performed in your room. For a more focused environment, Atami offers several coworking spaces and facilities tailored for workations. For example, “naedoco -atami collaboration workplace-” located in the Atami Ginza shopping street, or “Marine Square” (2nd and 3rd floors) situated just a minute from the sea, are great options.
Atami’s Attractions
Hot Springs
Known as one of Japan’s top three hot spring resorts, Atami Onsen boasts a history dating back to the Nara period. Its chloride-rich spring waters and seaside location host numerous inns and hotels, providing a soothing retreat for visitors.
Historic Landmarks
Atami Castle, built in 1959 as a tourist attraction, features a mock keep and houses both an art museum and a historical museum. Additionally, Kinomiya Shrine, dedicated to Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, is renowned for its 2,000-year-old sacred camphor tree, adding cultural and historical significance.
Scenic Beauty
Atami’s coastline, facing Sagami Bay, is home to stunning spots such as Atami Sun Beach and Hatsushima. Seasonal flowers at Atami Plum Garden and the blend of natural beauty and culture at the MOA Museum of Art also make Atami an appealing destination.
Community-Led Initiatives
In recent years, Atami has embraced resident-led tourism development. The city has been actively creating destination-based tourism experiences, promoting relocation and entrepreneurship, and fostering regional revitalization through a variety of initiatives.
Getting to Atami from Tokyo
Tokaido Shinkansen
Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Fare: Around ¥3,740 one way (unreserved seat)
Convenience: The Shinkansen is fast and comfortable, but it’s more expensive than other options.
JR Tokaido Main Line (Conventional Line)
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Fare: Around ¥1,980 one way
Convenience: It’s cheaper than the Shinkansen, but travel time is longer.
Limited Express “Odoriko”
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Fare: Around ¥4,000 one way (including reserved seat limited express fee)
Convenience: You’ll have a reserved seat, which is a good option if you want guaranteed seating.
Highway Bus
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (from Tokyo Station)
Fare: ¥1,500–2,000
Convenience: It’s the cheapest option, but travel time is longer.
Choose the travel method that best suits your priorities.
Atami’s Souvenirs and Hotels
Souvenirs
Atami offers a variety of souvenirs ranging from traditional Japanese confections to modern sweets. Here are some popular choices:
- Atami Pudding: Smooth and subtly sweet, made with fresh eggs and milk
- Melting Cheesecake: Rich and less sweet, made with French kiri cheese and Tanna milk
- Mandarin Orange Hill: A baked cheesecake tart featuring Izu’s local summer oranges
- Atami Butter Bean Buns: Soft bread filled with red bean paste and butter cream
- Neko no Shita (Cat’s Tongue): Crispy, lightly sweet cookies with a unique name
Hotels
Atami boasts a wide range of accommodations catering to various needs. Here are some highly rated options:
- Atami Korakuen Hotel: Oceanfront property with all rooms offering ocean views
- Atami Pearl Star Hotel: Luxury accommodations featuring private hot springs and butler service
- Fufu Atami: A luxurious retreat with all-suite rooms and private hot springs
- Atami New Fujiya Hotel: Affordable rates with onsen and buffet dining
- Hotel Ohnoya: A traditional hotel with large communal baths and open-air baths
Future Prospects
Atami is committed to maintaining its charm as a traditional hot spring destination while exploring new tourism resources to adapt to changing times. The collaboration between local residents, government, and tourism businesses is vital for achieving sustainable tourism development.
With its abundant attractions and community initiatives, Atami has established itself as a captivating destination. Looking ahead, the city continues to be a role model in regional value creation and sustainable tourism growth.