Atami One Day Course Seaside Onsen and Kinomiya Shrine Walk

Just about 40 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train, Atami is a hot spring resort tucked between the sea and the mountains where you can enjoy a full and relaxed day. Centered on the station, this route links Kinomiya Shrine with its two thousand year old camphor tree, the elegant Kiunkaku villa, and the blue waters of Sun Beach. Finish by soaking in an onsen before heading home.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Atami Station Stroll along Heiwa Dori shopping street in front of the station, browsing local hot spring buns and dried fish.

9:40 Kinomiya Shrine One stop from the main station, about a five minute walk from JR Kinomiya Station. A giant camphor tree roughly 24 meters around, designated a natural monument, stands in the precincts, and walking around it once is said to make a wish come true.

11:00 Kiunkaku A villa that symbolized Atami from the Taisho into the Showa era. Rooms blending Japanese and Western design and a bathroom with stained glass make for a rewarding visit. Open from 9:00 to 16:30 and closed on Wednesdays.

12:30 Lunch by the sea Enjoy fresh local seafood such as a sashimi rice bowl or simmered golden eye snapper.

14:00 Atami Sun Beach A man made beach lined with palm trees for a tropical mood. Walk along the sand or gaze at the sea from the Moon Terrace in the adjoining waterfront park.

15:30 A soak at a day use onsen Atami water contains salt and warms you to the core. End with an open air bath overlooking the sea.

17:00 Return to Atami Station to finish

Highlights

The camphor tree at Kinomiya Shrine is magical when lit up at night. Kiunkaku is full of photogenic spaces and deserves a slow visit. The area around Sun Beach is beautiful at dusk, and simply walking with the sea behind you lifts the spirits.

Access and Tips

For Kinomiya Shrine, hop one JR stop from Atami Station to shorten the walk. The town has plenty of slopes, so the loop bus from the station makes the rounds more efficient. Weekends and holidays get crowded, so an early start is best.

A Quick Tip

Atami is a town of hills, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Reserve your return bullet train seat early for peace of mind.