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Tired of Tokyo? Try Atami.

By on July 17, 2018

Atami literally translates to  “hot ocean”  and dates back more than 1000 years when hot water boiled up from the ocean depths giving the town it’s livelihood.

The Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was so impressed with the hot springs that he ordered barrels of the onsen water to be  hauled back to Tokyo (pre shinkansen!) thus sealing Atami’s hot spring fame. It’s close proximity to Tokyo ensured  the town’s  prosperity until the economic bubble burst .

Atami has been slowly transforming itself from the tacky, high-rise getaway of the 80’s to a contemporary resort with a cosmopolitan flavor. Less than 45 minutes by Shinkansen and just over 100 kilometres by car, the new Atami has a charm all of it’s own and boasts something for all the family.

Here are our “hot ocean” picks for this  volcanic wonderland.

Atami Fun in the Sun

The most popular spot for all ages is Atami Sun Beach. A wide expanse of sand  offering fun-filled days and illuminated at night, bathing the sands and ocean waves in beautiful colors. In the summer, this beach has manned lifeguard stations as well as public showers, toilets and lockers. There are limited covered areas, so bring your own shade with sun umbrellas or tents.

Scuba Diving

Those who want to enjoy the ocean from beneath, the waters around Atami host a number of dive sites for certified divers. The Asahi Maru, an overloaded barge, sank in deep waters over 20 years ago and is now the aptly named “Chinsen” (shipwreck) one of the few diveable shipwrecks in Japan .Divers of all levels  are treated to schools of juvenile fish such as Aji (sea bream) and soft corals and a wonderful array of sea creatures that thrive in the steady ebb and flow of waters in the bay.

Marine Spa Atami
For the less adventurous who choose to stay indoors bring a swim suit and head for Marine Spa Atami which offers a heated moving pool with a water slide, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and 12 hot baths. This year round family favorite has both swimming facilities as well as the more traditional style onsen bath. You can even get a massage upstairs or enjoy a local microbrew in the dining area.

Fireworks by the Ocean

The Atami Waterfront Fireworks Festival, a large fireworks display over the Atami Bay, is held in the summertime  as well as in the fall and winter months. View the fireworks from the beach or, by reserving a seat on the Moon Terrace. Some hotels and fishermen offer special cruises to see the spectacular show up close from boats on the water. With the start time of 8:20 pm and fireworks lasting 35 to 40 minutes,  the family can be back in Tokyo by 10 pm.

Summer Firework Competition will be held on 7/27, 7/31, 8/5, 8/8, 8/19, 8/24 & 8/30.

Information:

Atami Tourist Association offers information on current events, sightseeing tips, and accommodation. www.atamispa.com

Atami Marine spa　　www.marinespa.com

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