Atami Onsen Travel Guide: Best Tips And Advice

Onsens are an important part of Japanese culture and life. If you are visiting Japan, you should definitely try to make some time to check out a few onsens. Your experience will be unlike any other, and it could be very freeing!

If you are going to be in the lovely seaside town of Atami, there are plenty of amazing onsens you should consider visiting (see also ‘10 Amazing Onsen Towns To Visit In Japan‘). To make it easier to pick where you would like to go, we’ve compiled a list of all the top options. 

Atami Onsen Travel Guide Best Tips And Advice

Read on to find out about these lovely onsens and decide where you will go next!

Atami Onsen Travel Guide: Best Tips And Advice

Before we jump into the onsens, it’s worth pointing out a few things. Most, if not all of the onsens listed below are not tattoo-friendly (see also ‘10 Awesome Tattoo-Friendly Onsen In Japan For Tourists‘). As tattoos have historically been associated with yakuza, they are still a taboo topic in many facilities. 

In many cases, the acceptance of tattoos is not explicitly stated on the onsen websites. As such, if you do have tattoos and would like to visit one of these facilities, you should call ahead to find out. If you go to an onsen and have tattoos, you may be asked to leave. 

Some onsens will allow you to cover small tattoos with waterproof, skin-colored bandages or something similar to conceal the ink. However, this is not always the case, so double-check to see the rules of the facility.

Each of these onsens will also have specific rules regarding children and pets. This is also something you may want to call ahead to find out more if the information is not explicitly stated on their website.

It’s also important to note that it is crucial for you to follow all other rules when in an onsen. We have put together a beginner’s guide to help you out with this, too (see also ‘A Beginners Guide To Onsen‘)!

1. Nagisakan

At this luxurious onsen, there are an incredible eight different baths to try out. This includes a cave-style tub, and even a wonderful open-air bath with breathtaking views of the nearby ocean.

Of the eight options, six of them can be rented privately if you would like to use them privately. 

For the best experience, you can get to the Kanichi no Yu bath. This bath is on the top floor of the facility, and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You can’t help but feel freed here!

  • Address: Shizuoka, Atami, Nagisa 11-11 Google Map
  • Access: 15 minutes on foot from JR Atami Station
  • Hours: 11:30 – 17:00
  • Price Before Tax: starting at 4,500 yen (includes 3-hour private rented room)
  • Homepage: Nagisakan (Japanese)

2. Otsuki Hotel Wafukan

This onsen has ample space to relax and unwind in their spacious public baths. There are beautiful bath rooms inside as open-air options made from 300-year-old parasol pines. 

People claim that the water used at this onsen has a beautifying impact on the skin, making this another popular onsen choice. Here, you can feel all your troubles melt away as you relax and enjoy your time soaking in the rich water.

  • Address: Shizuoka, Atami, Higashikaigan 3-19 Google Map
  • Access: 12 minutes on foot from JR Atami Station
  • Open Hours: 14:00 – 20:00 (weekdays); 12:30 – 20:00 (weekends & public holidays)
  • Price with Tax: 1,800 yen (adults); 900 yen (children – up to age of middle school)
  • Homepage: Wafukan (Japanese)

3. Yuyado Ichibanchi

This onsen boasts not only a lovely location, but also two open air baths – Koyo no Yu and Basho no Yu. There are also two indoor baths in the facility, which alternate female and male guests.

At Yuyado Ichibanchi onsen, you can expect to enjoy stunning views of the town as well as the ocean, making this a great spot to relax. 

If you want to get the best experience, you could also rent a private bath. This will give you the luxurious time you deserve!

  • Address: Shizuoka, Atami, Kasuga 1-2 Google Map
  • Access: two minutes away on foot from JR Atami Station
  • Hours: 13:00 – 18:00; 15:00 – 23:00 (private bath)
  • Price With Tax: 1,400 yen; 3,500 yen for private bath rental, comes with 50 minutes of use with a towel and mineral water
  • Homepage: Yuyado Ichibanchi (Japanese)

4. Ajiro Onsen (Minami Atami) 

This onsen has everything you could hope for, including meeting rooms, a café, spa, and more. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and their stunning baths, which get fresh water every day.

You will get unforgettable views of Sagami Bay and be close enough to feel like you’re truly floating in the sea. 

Atami Onsen Travel Guide Best Tips And Advice (1)

Minami Atami Ajiro Onsen is tranquil, and truly offers a once in a lifetime experience for any traveler. 

  • Address: 493 Shimotaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0102  Google Map
  • Access: five minutes away on foot from JR Ajiro Station
  • Hours: 11:00 – 16:00; 18:00 – 17:45
  • Price Without Tax: 1,000 yen
  • Website: http://www.ajirospa.com/ (Japanese)

5. Mikan No Ki

Mikan no Ki’s water is sourced directly from the hot springs. Because of this, the quality of this onsen is incredibly high, making it a very popular option!

While here, you can make the most of the indoor springs, stone bathtubs, and luxurious foot baths. You have the option to relax in any of the available baths and enjoy the classic Japanese decor.

  • Address: Shizuoka, Atami, Higashikaigan 1-11
  • Access: 10 minutes on foot from JR Atami Station
  • Hours: 13:30 -18:00 (last entry)
  • Price With Tax: 1,230 yen
  • Homepage: Mikan no Ki (Japanese)

6. Nikotei Oyu

Also sourced straight from the Atami hot spring, this onsen is another sought-after facility. Founder of the first shogunate Ieyasu Tokugawa is said to have visited this location, only drawing more visitors here! 

This onsen was originally listed as a traditional Japanese inn, with wonderful traditional rooms made of wood and decor. You will love exploring this onsen, and truly soak up the beauty and culture that it has to offer.

  • Address: Shizuoka, Atami, Kamijuku 5-26 Google Map
  • Access: 12 minutes on foot from JR Atami Station; just six minutes on foot from JR Kinomiya Station
  • Hours: 9:00 – 20:00
  • Closed: Tuesdays (or the following day after a public holiday Tuesday)
  • Price Before Tax: 1,000 yen (adults); 500 yen (children) 
  • Homepage: Nikotei Oyu

Final Thoughts 

There are many onsen facilities in Atami to pick from if you would like to spend the day in the area. Most of these are easily accessible by trains and buses, with short walks to the facility itself. 

When deciding on the onsen you would like to visit, please consider the opening hours and days. Many facilities will be closed on certain days or have different opening times during the day and night.

Similarly, be aware that some onsens have only stated their prices before tax, so you are likely to end up paying more than is stated. 

Finally, please consider the onsen rules and regulations when deciding where to go. Tattoos, children, and pets may or may not be allowed in some facilities. Some onsens will also have gender-separated onsens, while others are mixed. 

Wherever you choose to go, we’re sure you will have a great, relaxing time.