Last Updated on March 2, 2026
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Train Trip to Atami
On a bright summer day, I enjoyed a day trip to Atami from Tokyo with an old friend. In this post, I’ll share how to make the most of your time there—from delicious local food to historic spots—perfect for those looking for a short escape from the city.
Atami is a onsen town on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Around 1970, Atami boomed as a popular destination with the opening of the Shinkansen bullet train. Although its popularity dipped for some time, it’s still a favorite hot spring town. Lately, its nostalgic, retro vibe has started attracting young people again.
The Journey Begins
I met my friend at Tokyo Station to kick off our trip. We’d had a light breakfast at home, but I still wanted to get into the travel mood. So, to get into the travel mood, we grabbed breakfast at the station first. We had coffee and pastries at a bakery café called BURDIGALA, just a short walk from the Odoriko train platform near the Gin no Suzu (Silver Bell).
Having breakfast with my friend while watching rows of delicious-looking bread and travelers passing by was such an exciting experience. After that, we picked up some snacks for the train ride. I chose sweet-and-salty karintō, while she went for tiny Oinari-san (Inari sushi).
Japanese Snack Guide
Karintō is a Japanese snack made from flour and sugar, fried until crispy, and coated with a sweet syrup. These days, you can find all kinds of flavors.
As for Inari-sushi, it’s vinegared rice stuffed into sweet and savory cooked tofu pockets. Fun fact: it’s named after the fox, the messenger of the Inari deity, which is said to love fried tofu. ‘-san’ is an honorific suffix added after a name to show respect. In the case of ‘Oinari-san,’ it is used because the name comes from a deity, so people use it both to show respect and to express affection. On the other hand, deep-fried tofu simmered in a sweet sauce is also called “Kitsune” (fox).
Both make perfect train-trip snacks, so I’ll include this information in the info section.
Limited Express Odoriko
The limited express takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Atami. While the Shinkansen bullet train Kodama also stops there, we took the limited express only for the outbound trip to enjoy a slower, more relaxed journey. To ensure a comfortable experience, we decided to upgrade to the Green Car, which offers one class above regular seating.
During the ride, we chatted and enjoyed the ever-changing scenery. Although I usually enjoy driving, sometimes it feels wonderful to just relax in your seat and let someone else take you there. As we near our destination, the ocean comes into view on the left, adding a beautiful touch to our journey.
A Note on the Train Seats
The seats looked quite large and came with cushions, but after doing some research, I found that there are now newly updated train cars available. And there is also a special train called the Saphir Odoriko, which is completely different from this series. I rode it with my mother, so I’ll share it with you someday!
Getting Around Atami
Atami Station is located on the mountainside, so you have to go down a slope to reach the city center. We took the bus, but it was tough because, even though it was hot, the air conditioning wasn’t working. I think it was just bad luck, but I’d recommend keeping taxis in mind as an option just in case. There are plenty of shops along the slope, so if the weather is nice, walking down can be a pleasant option.
Seafood Rice Bowl Lunch
We finally arrived at Masaru, our planned lunch spot. Since we were in a seaside town, we definitely wanted to enjoy some fresh fish. The restaurant was already open, and even though it was a weekday, it was completely full. While we were waiting outside in the heat, one of the staff kindly gave us a bag of ice, which helped us cool down.
Since we had already decided what to order while we were waiting, we placed our order as soon as we stepped inside. What we ordered was a Kaisen-don, a seafood rice bowl with a generous variety of toppings. Between the bites of fresh sashimi, I enjoyed miso soup with a rich fish broth, pickles, and simmered potatoes. Thanks to these side dishes, I was able to keep eating at a comfortable pace and enjoy everything.
Transport Tips
After having lunch, we headed to Kinomiya Shrine. We were still a bit far from the shrine after lunch, so we waited for the bus. But when it seemed like the one we needed wasn’t coming, we decided to call a taxi using an app. It was an extremely hot day, so that turned out to be a great choice. A taxi with nice, cool air-conditioning arrived to pick us up. I used the GO app, but Uber also works for calling taxis in Japan, so it’s reassuring to have it as an option.
At Kinomiya Shrine
Kinomiya Shrine is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and its sacred 2,000-year-old camphor tree, believed to bring good luck and long life. Visitors often walk around the tree to make wishes or pray for protection.
We purified our hands at the temizuya (water purification pavilion) before offering our prayers at the shrine. As we walked through the torii gates nestled in a bamboo grove, the air felt different—pure and sacred. After praying at the main hall, we stood before the sacred tree and were truly awestruck by its immense size.
You can find a temizuya at shrines and temples. Visitors let the running water fill the ladle and use it to rinse their hands and mouth. Most places use regular tap water. But you don’t have to force yourself to do it if you feel unsure about hygiene while traveling. Just keep in mind that shrines and temples are sacred places meant to be entered with a purified mind and body.
Step-by-Step Guide
This is how you do it: first, fill the ladle with a cup of running water and pour it over your left hand, then your right. Next, pour a little water into your left hand to rinse your mouth. Rinse your left hand again, then hold the ladle upright so the remaining water runs down the handle which purifies the handle.
Here’s an important tip. It is that you should never put your mouth directly on the ladle, and never pour dirty water back into the water basin. The area all around the basin is designed for drainage, so you can pour the used water there.
Kinomiya Shrine updated its facilities about ten years ago, and structures such as the amulet shop have a slightly more modern look. While we were looking at the camphor tree and getting our goshuin(shrine stamps), we heard thunder starting. We took temporary shelter in a building, then called a taxi to continue to our next stop.
Atami Korakuen Hotel
Next, we headed to the Atami Korakuen Hotel for a nice break. Aside from visiting cultural sites, you can enjoy a graceful and elegant moment here. It’s the perfect way to spend a special trip together.
We were actually planning to visit the observation deck, but with the thunder making it unsafe, we wandered around the hotel instead. The hotel expanded about five years ago, adding Atami souvenir shops, sweets shops, and a hot-spring spa. It’s a wonderful place where you can enjoy exploring unique local specialties and charming resort-style boutiques.
After checking out the local specialties, we stopped by a restaurant called HARBOR’S W. I got a pineapple granité, and my friend ordered a parfait made with Izu’s local green tea. The area around the hotel is a breakwater rather than a beach, but we had a great time chatting while watching the vast ocean.
On Our Way Home
On Our Way HomeAlthough we felt reluctant to leave, it was time to return home to our waiting families. The shopping street and the station building were filled with various souvenirs, where you can find plenty of unique gifts. Since we arrived at Atami Station with time to spare before our train, we enjoyed picking up a few items to bring home. Exploring the little alleys around the station was also a highlight—they felt both nostalgic and a bit mysterious.
Whenever I go somewhere new, I find myself wondering what life would be like if I lived there. The world is full of things we’ve never experienced.
Shuttle Bus
The hotel had a shuttle bus to Atami Station, so we hopped on that. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t come very often. We took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, which takes about 50 minutes from Atami.
Ekiben bento box
I picked up Eki-ben at Tokyo Station for dinner and enjoyed it at home with my family—it was a fun way to end the trip. Eki-ben is special bento box sold at train stations. Tokyo Station has several shops where you can find a huge selection of Eki-ben from across Japan, making it really enjoyable to explore and choose your favorites. It goes without saying that freshly prepared food is always delicious, but Eki-ben is special because they serve as the perfect companion for a journey. That’s why they are so loved by people in Japan.
Information
Information, prices and exchange rates are current as of my visit but may change. Please check official sites.
Use the Gin no Suzu (Silver Bell) as a landmark for the next three shops.
Bakery café
Pastries
– Around ¥250 (approx. $1.6 / €1.4)
Coffe
– Around ¥500 (approx. $3.2 / €2.7)
– BURDIGALA TOKYO
Karinto
– ¥380 (approx. $2.4 / €2.1)
– Nishikihorin
Inari-sushi
1 piece
– Around ¥200 (approx. $1.3 / €1.1)
– Mameda
Masaru
Seafood Rice Bowl
– ¥2,600 (approx. $16.4 / €14.0)
(Price as of my visit)
Access
– 1.1 Km / 0.68 mi from Atami Station
Kinomiya Shrine
Admission Fee
– Free
Access
– About 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Atami Station
(About 890 ft (270 m) from Kinomiya Station)
– Google Maps
Atami Korakuen Hotel
HARBOR’S W
Pineapple Granité
– Currently, this beverage is unavailable
– ¥800 (approx. $5.1 / €4.3)
Access
– 2.5 Km / 1.55 mi from Atami Station
– Official English website
– Shuttle Bus English Timetable
Accommodation
This hotel features a spa with ocean views and is perfectly located to overlook the entire city of Atami. Check current prices and availability on Booking.com or Expedia.
Ekiben
– Around ¥1,200 (approx. $7.6 / €6.5)
– Ekiben-ya Matsuri
(There are many more available at the station)
Train
Klook
– Check prices & availability
– The reservation process is simple
JR-EAST
– Official English website
– JR is divided into six regional companies
– The Shinkansen is run by the JR companies
– Reservations are also available
– Recommended for experienced travelers
– Other travel information is also available
