A Travel Price Comparison for Japan Chichibu-Tama-Kai vs. Atami for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Atami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Atami. Although Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Atami are popular destinations, Atami has more sights and attractions for tourists. Atami is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more touristy than Atami and is known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches. It is also well known for Kinomiya Shrine.

How is Chichibu-Tama-Kai different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

Atami is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Atami is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Atami is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Atami. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Atami is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Atami has a few options to choose from. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Atami. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

Atami is a town with good options for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Atami. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very family-friendly. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Atami is a good national park for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Atami are nice places to visit.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a good national park to visit for backpackers. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atami is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Atami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very walkable national park. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

Atami is a somewhat walkable national park. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting? and Is Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

How long in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami to fill your time. In our opinion, Atami has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Atami than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai than Atami. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chichibu-Tama-Kai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atami than Chichibu-Tama-Kai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Atami.

One day in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, many people enjoy the that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Atami, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic town of Atami, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Atami. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

You'll find around the peaceful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. And not only is Chichibu-Tama-Kai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chichibu-Tama-Kai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chichibu-Tama-Kai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami than you might in Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Atami. The summer months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the summer, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives less rain than Atami. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chichibu-Tama-Kai as well as Atami. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene.

In October, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai average around 17°C (62°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets less rain in October than Atami. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is cooler than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually receives less rain than Atami. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Chichibu-Tama-Kai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chichibu-Tama-Kai usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Chichibu-Tama-Kai gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atami and Chichibu-Tama-Kai