Are you thinking about visiting Atami, Japan? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Atami worth visiting?
Atami is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the town has to offer. Atami was once a popular honeymoon resort destination with beaches and hot springs. The town has fallen off the radar for many travelers, and most visitors choose to spend a day or two here before moving on to other destinations.
Atami, Japan
Reasons to Visit Atami
Museums
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.
Food
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.
Nightlife
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.
Beaches
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.
Shopping
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.
Authenticity
Atami has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Atami worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Atami is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 26°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (84°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Atami, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, browse the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Atami
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (78°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| August | 27°C (80°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) |
| September | 23°C (74°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
Is Atami worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Atami. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 18°C (64°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums.
Autumn Weather in Atami
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| November | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| December | 8°C (46°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Atami worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Atami. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Atami can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Atami
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (42°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| February | 6°C (42°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| March | 9°C (48°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
Is Atami worth visiting in the Spring?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 14°C (57°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Atami, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Atami
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 14°C (57°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 164 mm (6.4 in) |
| June | 22°C (71°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Atami
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Atami might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Atami here or see if Atami is expensive here.
Related
What is Atami most famous for?
Atami is most famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches. People visit this impressive town for its great museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. It is often described as overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Atami?
The most popular sight in Atami is Kinomiya Shrine. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Atami on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Kinomiya Shrine and other attractions here.
How touristy is Atami? Is it a popular town to visit?
Atami is an off-the-beaten-path town that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $106
- Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $132
- Hakone one day tour: $159
- "Explore Atami's Culinary Culture" Walking Tour: $44
- ACAO BEACH: Tent Sauna experience at private resort: $114
- Exclusive Geisha Experience: $114
How long should I spend in Atami?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Atami is one to two days. Since Atami has activities such as museums, dining, and nightlife, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Atami? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Atami?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.