Top Attractions in Atami for Sightseeing
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Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Atami is a beloved destination where visitors can enjoy both soothing hot springs and scenic ocean views. Known since ancient times as a healing hot spring town, Atami Onsen offers a wide range of baths with various mineral properties. Whether you’re staying overnight or just visiting for the day, the area’s plentiful hot spring options are easy to enjoy. Atami travel includes more than just onsen. You can take a relaxing seaside stroll at Atami Sun Beach or Shinsui Park, enjoy panoramic views from Atami Castle, or explore Japanese and East Asian art at the MOA Museum of Art. The town is also famous for its seasonal flowers—jacaranda trees bloom in early summer, while early-blooming ume (plum) blossoms bring color to the winter landscape. Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy, too. Local Atami gourmet specialties include fresh seafood rice bowls, grilled dried fish, and other ocean-fresh delicacies. With just a 40-minute ride from Tokyo on the Shinkansen, Atami is a perfect weekend escape. Packed with scenic spots, culture, and relaxation, it’s one of the top destinations for Shizuoka travel year-round.
Recommended Local Products and Traditional Crafts in Atami
Kinmedai (Splendid Alfonsino)
Kinmedai, or splendid alfonsino, is one of the most celebrated local specialties in Atami, Shizuoka. Recognizable by its striking bright-red color, this prized fish is known for its delicate, tender flesh and rich flavor. Caught in the waters of Sagami Bay, Atami’s kinmedai is especially valued for its perfect balance of fattiness and lightness, making it a highlight of Atami food culture. There are many ways to enjoy this seasonal delicacy: simmered in a sweet soy-based broth, lightly salted and grilled, or served raw as sashimi. Among them, braised kinmedai (kinmedai no nitsuke) is a signature Atami gourmet dish often served at local ryokan and restaurants. The best season for kinmedai is from winter to spring, when the meat becomes firm yet juicy, offering the ideal texture and flavor. Kinmedai is deeply connected to the traditions of local fishermen who have carefully harvested it for generations. As such, it represents both the natural bounty of the sea and the cultural heritage of the region. For visitors looking for things to do in Atami, pairing a relaxing soak in the city’s famous hot springs with a seasonal kinmedai meal is one of the most memorable Atami travel experiences. This iconic fish remains an essential part of Atami tourism and a true taste of Shizuoka.
Explore Atami: Top Spots and Must-Know Topic
MOA Museum of Art
The MOA Museum of Art, located on a hill overlooking Sagami Bay, is one of Atami’s most iconic cultural attractions and a highlight of Atami sightseeing. The museum houses a wide range of treasures, including the National Treasure Red and White Plum Blossoms Screen, as well as collections of Asian art, Japanese paintings, and tea ceremony utensils. Its bright and spacious galleries offer breathtaking sea and sky views through massive glass windows. The grounds also feature a traditional teahouse and landscaped gardens, allowing visitors to enjoy art amid seasonal nature. Blending modern architecture with traditional beauty, the MOA Museum of Art is an essential Atami sightseeing spot for art lovers and anyone seeking tranquility.
Kinomiya Shrine
Kinomiya Shrine is a famous spiritual power spot in Atami, home to a sacred camphor tree estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Legend says that walking around this ancient tree once will bring an extra year of life, attracting many visitors seeking good fortune. The shrine grounds are surrounded by lush greenery, creating a peaceful, sacred atmosphere. A café on-site offers a relaxing space after your visit, and the illuminated trees at night create a magical scene. Blending history, nature, and serenity, Kinomiya Shrine is one of the must-see Atami sightseeing spots where you can feel the spiritual energy of nature.
Atami Sun Beach
Atami Sun Beach is a resort-like seaside destination in the heart of the city and a signature spot for Atami sightseeing. Its white sands and palm trees create a tropical atmosphere, perfect for beach walks, water sports by day, and romantic illuminated views at night. The beach promenade is ideal for couples and families, offering a relaxing escape just steps from downtown. In summer, it also serves as a venue for Atami’s spectacular fireworks festivals. With its harmony of sea and city scenery, Atami Sun Beach is one of Atami’s most beloved tourist attractions.
Atami Castle
Atami Castle stands dramatically on the cliffs of Nishikigaura, offering one of the most stunning panoramic views in the region. From the top, visitors can gaze over Sagami Bay, Hatsushima Island, and the Izu Peninsula—especially breathtaking at sunset or night. Inside, exhibits showcase samurai culture, and hands-on experiences make it fun for all ages. The castle grounds are also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Combining history, entertainment, and scenic beauty, Atami Castle is both a fascinating Atami sightseeing location and an excellent photo spot.
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Atami Plum Garden
Atami Plum Garden is celebrated as home to “Japan’s earliest-blooming plum blossoms,” making it a floral highlight of Atami sightseeing. From January to March, over 470 plum trees of around 60 varieties burst into bloom, attracting visitors to the annual Plum Festival. Beyond the plum blossoms, cherry trees and autumn leaves make the park enjoyable year-round. Footbaths and walking paths add to its relaxing appeal. Rich in history and natural beauty, Atami Plum Garden offers a calm and colorful escape—an ideal Atami sightseeing spot for a leisurely stroll through nature.
Hatsushima Island
Hatsushima is Shizuoka Prefecture’s only inhabited island, just a 30-minute ferry ride from Atami Port. It’s a perfect getaway for those seeking a taste of island life and one of the most unique Atami sightseeing destinations. The island features resort facilities, campgrounds, lookout points, and seafood restaurants. The “Hatsushima Island Resort” is particularly popular for its ocean views and photogenic scenery. Visitors can also enjoy diving, fishing, and other marine activities in its crystal-clear waters. Offering a refreshing escape from city life, Hatsushima is a must-visit Atami attraction for nature and sea lovers.
Jukkoku Pass
Jukkoku Pass, located on the border between Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures, is a mountain pass about 770 meters above sea level that offers spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. A cable car takes visitors to the summit, where sweeping vistas of the Izu and Boso Peninsulas can be enjoyed on clear days. The area is also famous for its seasonal beauty—lush greenery in spring and vibrant autumn leaves in fall. With fresh air and breathtaking scenery, Jukkoku Pass stands out as one of the top Atami sightseeing spots for nature lovers and photographers alike.
ACAO FOREST
ACAO FOREST is a vast hillside botanical garden overlooking Sagami Bay, where art and nature blend in harmony. Featuring 13 themed gardens filled with roses, herbs, and seasonal flowers, it’s one of the most photogenic destinations for Atami sightseeing. Visitors can relax at stylish cafés and observation decks while enjoying panoramic ocean views. Highlights include the famous “Floating Bench in the Sky” and the elegant “COEDA HOUSE” designed by architect Kengo Kuma. A feast for all the senses, ACAO FOREST is a must-see Atami attraction that beautifully showcases the city’s natural charm.
Atami Station Shopping Streets (Nakamise & Heiwa-dori)
The Atami Station Shopping Streets—Nakamise and Heiwa-dori—are bustling markets just steps from Atami Station, serving as the gateway to Atami sightseeing. The streets are lined with long-established shops selling hot spring buns, dried fish, and local seafood products, as well as trendy cafés and gift stores popular with younger visitors. The lively atmosphere invites you to stroll, snack, and shop at your own pace. Perfect for starting or ending your trip, these streets offer a true taste of Atami’s hospitality and remain one of the city’s most vibrant tourist attractions.
Kiunkaku
Kiunkaku is a historic villa built in the Taisho era and one of Atami’s “Three Great Villas,” designated as a cultural property of the city. Its exquisite blend of Japanese and Western architecture and seasonal gardens make it a cultural gem. Renowned writers like Osamu Dazai once stayed here, adding a literary charm to its serene ambiance. The residence is open to the public, allowing visitors to admire its elegant interiors and furnishings up close. Surrounded by tranquility and nostalgia, Kiunkaku is a beloved Atami sightseeing spot where history and beauty quietly coexist.
List of Local Products and Traditional Crafts from Atami
Horse Mackerel (Aji)
Atami, facing the rich waters of Sagami Bay, is famous for its fresh aji (horse mackerel). Blessed by the warm Kuroshio Current, the fish caught here have firm yet tender flesh with a perfect balance of fat and flavor. Locals enjoy aji in many styles—served raw as sashimi, minced into tataki, or seasoned in the traditional namero style. It’s also a staple of breakfast menus in seaside inns, offering visitors a true taste of coastal Japan. With its clean flavor and subtle richness, aji perfectly represents Atami’s connection to the bounty of the sea.
Dried Fish (Himono)
Dried fish, or himono, has been a culinary tradition in Atami for centuries. Freshly caught fish—such as aji (horse mackerel), kamasu (barracuda), or saba (mackerel)—are carefully sun-dried in the ocean breeze, intensifying their umami and creating a deep, savory flavor. Lightly grilled, himono releases a wonderful aroma and a satisfying sweetness from its natural oils. Once a practical preservation method, it has become an essential part of Atami’s food culture, often enjoyed at traditional inns or local restaurants. Himono reflects both the craftsmanship and the coastal heritage of Atami.
Atami Pudding
Atami Pudding is a beloved modern dessert born in the famous hot spring town of Atami. With its silky-smooth texture and gentle sweetness, it evokes a nostalgic, comforting taste. Served in charming retro-style milk bottles, the pudding pairs perfectly with a leisurely stroll through Atami’s seaside streets or a relaxing break after visiting the hot springs. This local treat adds a sweet new flavor to Atami’s culinary scene, standing alongside classic specialties like seafood and onsen manju. Simple yet full of character, Atami Pudding captures the warmth and creativity of this seaside resort town.