It was a sunny weekend in February.
As I sipped my morning coffee, I thought to myself, “It’s such nice weather—wouldn’t it be lovely to relax somewhere with an ocean view?”
That’s when Atami came to mind.
While it’s well known for its hot springs, Atami also boasts a lively shopping street near the station, stylish cafés, and delicious fresh seafood.
It’s just about an hour and a half from Tokyo by train, making it the perfect destination for a casual day trip.
A Bustling Welcome at Atami Station
We arrived at Atami Station just before 11 a.m.
Right outside the station, a vibrant shopping street greeted us.
The street was filled with the rich aroma of grilled dried fish, local souvenir shops, and plenty of street food vendors.
Just strolling around was enough to lift our spirits.
After a short walk, we started to feel hungry—time to head to the restaurant we had looked up in advance.
Lunch at Gotetsu: A Seafood Bowl to Remember
For lunch, we went to “Gotetsu“, located a short walk downhill from the station.
It’s a popular spot, so we decided to go a bit early—and that turned out to be a smart move.
We were seated right away before the lunchtime rush.
We ordered their beautifully presented seafood bowl.
Each piece of fresh seafood had its own unique flavor, perfectly balanced with the rice underneath.
The meal also came with a warm dashi broth, turning the last bites into a comforting ochazuke (rice with broth).
It was a deeply satisfying dish.
When we left, there was already a long line outside.
We felt just a bit proud to have beaten the rush!
A Seaside Pause with Atami Beer
After lunch, we made our way down to the ocean.
We grabbed some Atami Beer and snacks from a convenience store and found a bench by the seaside to take a break.
The sky was clear, the sea breeze was refreshing, and the sound of the waves made time seem to slow down.
Even though it was still winter, we could feel a hint of spring in the air.
It was one of those peaceful, heartwarming moments that stay with you.
Strolling Along the Plum Blossom Path
Next, we took a leisurely walk along a riverside path lined with plum trees.
The red and white blossoms were in full bloom, and a few fellow travelers were enjoying the scenery with cameras in hand.
Though it wasn’t flashy, walking through seasonal flowers like this is one of my favorite parts of any trip.
It was still a bit chilly, but the calm air made for a pleasant and refreshing stroll.
Sweet Break: No Pudding This Time, but “Hashibami” Was Perfect
I had been looking forward to trying the famous Atami Pudding, but unfortunately, the line was just too long.
With limited time, we decided to skip it this time.
Instead, we stopped by a nearby café called “Hashibami“, located on the first floor of a hotel.
It had a calm and cozy atmosphere—just what we needed.
We ordered a set of Shizuoka green tea and mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings).
The fragrant tea and gently sweet-and-salty dango were the perfect treat, warming both body and soul.
It was a moment of rest and comfort in the middle of our little adventure.
A City of Gentle Discoveries and a Desire to Return
As we walked around Atami, one thing stood out: the slopes.
The downhill walk to the ocean was easy—but going back up required a bit of determination.
Still, the open view of the ocean made it all worthwhile.
Whether looking up from the shore or down from the hills, the scenery was breathtaking.
Atami offered just the right balance of beautiful ocean views, good food, and a touch of nature—without feeling overly commercialized.
It was a peaceful and charming town.
Even though it was only a day trip, we left feeling satisfied.
On the way home, we talked about coming back again, next time staying overnight at a hot spring inn and taking it even slower.
Quick Tips for Visiting Atami
- Go early for lunch! Popular spots can get crowded fast.
- Bring a jacket. Winter days are sunny but shady areas can be quite chilly.
- Want to try Atami Pudding? Go early or visit on a weekday for the best chance.
- Wear comfortable shoes. With all the hills, walking-friendly footwear makes a big difference.
See you next time!
(Please note that weather and business hours may vary. Be sure to check current info before your visit.)
