Atami Onsen

If you’re itching for a quick getaway from the hustle of Tokyo, don’t fret – the onsen (hot spring) town of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is closer than you think. It’s located on the Izu peninsula, a scenic bit of the mainland that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, just over an hour southwest of the metropolis.

Atami is a cultural landmark with healing waters where Japanese – including Edo Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa – have been visiting for over 1,000 years. The town’s sulfate and salt-rich hot springs are great for relaxing the entire body and healing minor aches and pains.

Even if you don’t have an entire weekend to spare, there are excellent onsen resorts in the city that accommodate day-trippers, too. There are some gorgeous ocean-side hot springs to check out and a few attractions along the way. Let’s explore…

Ajiro Onsen Hiratsuru

Photo by: riekunti Floating in the ocean.

This onsen features indoor and outdoor baths. However, its major feature is an open-air bath with such amazing views of Sagami Bay you’ll feel like you’re actually floating in the ocean. The water in the baths is drained every night so you need not worry about soaking in old water.

• ¥1,000 (excluding tax)
• Hours for day-trippers: 11 a.m - 4 p.m. and then 6 p.m to 7:45 p.m.
• 493 Shimotaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0102 - Map
• http://www.hiraturu.com/ (Japanese only)
• Not tattoo friendly

KKR Hotel Atami

Photo by: kkrhotelatami Jacuzzi life.

Private and public open-air baths and a jacuzzi overlooking the Sagami Bay are available at this hotel. The water here is rich in sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium which are all great for stiff muscles and joints. There’s also a sauna onsite if you need to detox. The hotel is conveniently located about 10 minutes on foot from Atami station.

• Cost for day-trippers: ¥1,600
• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Varies daily. Check the website for the full schedule)
• 7-39 Kasugachō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0005 - Map
• https://www.kkr-atami.gr.jp/spa/ (Japanese only)
• Not explicitly tattoo friendly, but some private baths are available.

Ryori Ryokan Nagisa-kan

Photo by: kaz_151 Can we just move in here?

This onsen resort is only a few minutes away from Atami Sun Beach where you can go surfing or just dip your toes in the Sagami Bay. Nagisa-kan features eight baths, including a submarine cave bath, a golden-hued bath for one, and an outdoor bath on the top floor with unobstructed views of the  Pacific blue.

• Cost for day trippers: ¥4,500 (includes the use of a private room for 3.5 hours)
• 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 11-11 Nagisacho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0014 - Map
• http://www.nagisakan.jp/ (Japanese only)
• Not explicitly tattoo friendly, but some private baths are available.

Atami Castle and seasonal attractions

Photo by: MasaoTaira Atami Castle.

Visit in winter (from January to March) to catch a glimpse of Japan’s earliest plum blossoms at Atami Baien gardens.

Atami Castle is also a popular place to admire sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring and fireworks during summer. On the other hand, if you’re after a different view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, take the cable car to the top of Jukkoku Pass, located about 35 minutes by bus from Atami station.

Summer fireworks!

Art lovers can head to MOA Museum of Art to admire the art collection of Mokishi Okaba and catch seasonal Noh performances in March, June, or November.

In July, don’t miss the Atami Kogashi Festival, one of the top 15 summer festivals in Shizuoka for fireworks and that true summery Japanese feeling.