Atami is one of the closest hot spring towns to Tokyo, reachable in well under an hour by shinkansen — closer, in travel time, than many of the more famous onsen destinations tourists usually plan for. For decades it was the default honeymoon and company-trip spot for an older generation of Tokyoites, then fell out of favor for years as a reputation for feeling dated set in.
That’s changed. A wave of renovated ryokan, new cafes, and a genuinely lively dessert and food-walking scene has turned Atami into one of Japan’s clearer comeback stories, and it’s now a regular weekend destination for younger Japanese travelers — not just a nostalgic trip for an older crowd.
Between the easy access from Tokyo, the retro shopping street atmosphere, and a food scene that’s become a draw in its own right, it’s an easy town to underestimate if you’ve never heard of its recent turnaround.
Medium:
Want the exact train fares, must-try sweets, and the best lookout spots in town? Read the complete guide on [ Medium → ]
Recommended gear for this:
- Portable Onsen Towel (Quick-Dry Travel Towel)
- Comfortable Walking Sandals for Hot Spring Towns
- Compact Day Bag for Food Walking Tours
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