Leisure and Relaxation in Atami

Atami is considered one of the three major hot spring resort areas in Japan. Hashiriyu hot spring is the link between that tradition and its spiritual history. It flows from inside a cave near the coast and is connected to the shrine Izusan Jinja by a series of over 800 stairs . It is said to have been established by En no Ozuno (634-701), the founder of Shugendō mountain asceticism. The spring is considered a sacred manifestation of the deity Hashiriyu Gongen , and the waters are said to purify a multitude of sins, hence its connection with the Izusan shrine.

A day spa close to Ooyukanketsusen , one of the famed “Seven hot springs of Atami” (in Japanese, “Atami Nanayu”). Ooyu is a hot spring known since ancient times, and was once a natural geyser. In the Edo period, the springs became one of the favorite sources of shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), and its waters were regularly transported to the capital for the shōgun’s hot bath, a tradition that continued over a century. There are indoor baths and an outdoor bath set in a tranquil Japanese-style garden.

This 200-year-old inn sources its spa water from Seizaemon-no-yu, another of the renowned “Seven hot springs of Atami.” Since the founding of the inn, it has gained a reputation for its fresh, natural temperature, undiluted spa water. The ryokan’s main baths (onsen) are open to the public from 2:30 p.m. until 10:00 a.m., perfect for relaxing after sightseeing or before setting off in the morning! Traditional dining is also available.

This 3.3-hectare (8.1-acre) ornamental plum tree garden opened in 1886 when Atami was gaining wider popularity as a spa retreat. The plum trees in this valley garden first start to bloom from late November to early December. A popular plum blossom festival is held here each January to March.

Hatsushima, in Sagami Bay, is Shizuoka’s sole outlying island and the nearest island resort to Tokyo. It is less than 30 minutes from Atami by ferry: perfect for a day trip or overnight stay. Highlights include diving, snorkeling, fishing, an underwater observatory, a lighthouse, Shimano-Yu ocean hot spring and, of course, great seafood! The PICA Hatsushima resort has attractions available to day trippers, including its relaxing Asian Garden, dining, and adventure activities for children and adults.

This mountain pass, a designated national monument, extends from the north of Atami to the outer rim Hakone mountains. Its name means “Ten Province Pass,” a reference to its views over 10 ancient provinces. On clear days, five islands are also visible. It features a cable car to a 360-degree lookout with an unobstructed vista of Mt Fuji.