Atami onsen, located to the South east of Mt. Fuji near the Pacific Ocean, is a traditional onsen resort close to Tokyo (only 50 minutes) nestled up in the mountains.

It is an ideal place for those living in Tokyo to visit. Atami has some great accommodation, ranging from fully equipped hotels (some with good sporting facilities) to intimate inns. Tokugawa Ieyasu who established the Edo shogunate was the founding shogun and a big fan of Atami Onsen spring resort.

Some things to see and do in Atami are the Marine Spa, Geisha dance shows (held on weekends), the stunning Fireworks Festivals on Atami Bay, make an “onsen-egg” at Ozawa-no-yu and bathe your feet at Ieyasu-no-yu in front of Atami station. Although some of the beaches at Atami look a bit black and unappealing you can swim there.

Another thing to do in Atami is visit Atami Baien Park and Atami Baien Ume Matsuri (Japanese apricot festival) which is held from January 14 to March 9. Atami Baien Garden, which opened in 1886, is well known for its apricot flowers and autumn leaves.

Another definite must is to visit Hatsushima, an island 25 minutes away by high-speed boat from Atami. This isolated island close to Tokyo has become a popular place to visit in recent years. Visitors can enjoy several hundred varieties of subtropical plants and shopping at Hatsushima Island Resort. The island is laid back and slow paced, with no convenience stores and few distractions of modern day life.

If you are interested in Japanese traditional art, Atami Kenban Kaburenjo is a good place to visit. The Kaburenjo, where geigi (geisha) undergo rigorous training, is open to the public every Saturday and visitors can watch dancing and other performances. After the show, you can talk with and take pictures with the geigi (geisha).