[1-Night, 2-Day Shizuoka Model Course] Enjoy the Hot Springs and Mt. Fuji Beloved by Japanese People!

Once you pass through the ticket gates at JR Atami Station, you arrive at Atami Onsen-kyo, one of Japan’s leading major hot spring areas with a history of more than 1,500 years.
It is said that the name “Atami” comes from hot water springing up from under the sea and making the sea hot.
In the past, many feudal lords, including the three Tokugawa branch families, visited for therapeutic bathing, and it also became widely known as the setting for literary works.
Even today, inns and public bathhouses line the streets, making this the perfect start to a trip where you can stop by a footbath while strolling around town and fully enjoy the atmosphere of a retro hot spring resort.

The first place to visit is MOA Museum of Art, perched on a hill in Atami. It is Approx. 7 minutes by bus from in front of Atami Station, and you get off at the “MOA Museum of Art” bus stop.
This modern art museum opened in 1982 and was renovated in 2017. It houses about 3,500 works centered on East Asian art, including three National Treasures such as Red and White Plum Blossoms by Ogata Korin and 67 Important Cultural Properties.
From the entrance to Mu Square, you take seven escalators in succession, and along the way you can also see giant kaleidoscope images projected in a circular hall.
From the main lobby and Mu Square, you can enjoy sweeping views of Izu Oshima and Hatsushima, and the panoramic scenery is sure to delight.

After enjoying the art, head back to Atami Station by bus in Approx. 7 minutes and stroll through Atami Heiwa-dori Shopping Street.
The shopping street spread out right in front of Atami Station is lined with souvenir shops and eateries offering specialties from Atami as well as Izu and Shizuoka, and you can also enjoy local gourmet treats such as onsen manju.
A local specialty is Fukufuku no Yu, a hand bath using water from the 76.7°C natural hot spring source “Fukufuku Onsen.” Dip your hands into the water adjusted to Approx. 104°F and casually enjoy the hot spring feeling.

After enjoying the shopping street, head to Atami Ekimae Osakana Donya for lunch.
This seafood rice bowl specialty restaurant is run by Atami Ginza Osakana Shokudo, a popular restaurant in Atami Ginza Shopping Street that always has a line, and its convenient location about a 5-minute walk from Atami Station is another plus.
Each bowl made with fresh seafood caught in nearby waters is luxurious, and lunchtime becomes even more fun with photogenic seafood bowls such as the “Kaisen Teppe Don” topped with tuna and salmon roe, and the “Salmon and Ikura Don” made with cherry salmon from Sagami Bay.

Once you are full from the photogenic seafood bowl, walk a little and check in to this trip’s accommodation, Atami Onsen Sakuraya Ryokan.
This traditional Japanese inn, founded 70 years ago, is proud of its kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal natural ingredients sourced not only from Atami but from around Japan under the theme of “cuisine enjoyed with all five senses,” as well as its hot spring baths fed directly from the source.
The guest rooms are divided between two buildings, “Shippokaku” and “Tosankaku,” each with a different theme and atmosphere, and all rooms are equipped with private indoor hot spring baths. The large communal baths also feature open-air baths and a sauna, another great point for fully enjoying Atami’s hot springs.
After a short rest at the ryokan, head out once again for a stroll through the Atami hot spring town.

While wandering around Atami, stop by Atami Cafe along the Itokawa Promenade leading to Sagami Bay.
From the open and pleasant interior, you can also enjoy views of seasonal flowers such as bougainvillea and azaleas.
Take a break while savoring local flavors such as original juice made with plums from Atami Plum Garden and drinks made with Atami brand daidai orange jam. The cafe also sells original Atami Cafe souvenirs, so don’t miss them.

After relaxing at the cafe, head to Atami Sun Beach, just a short walk away.
The 400 m stretch of palm trees, blue sky, white sand, and gentle sound of the waves create a lovely atmosphere like a tropical resort.
Depending on the season, the beach is also lit up at night, making it a photogenic spot perfect for an evening stroll. On this trip, enjoy a walk along the shore at dusk while looking back on the day’s travels.

After the walk, head back to the inn and relax in the hot spring. Savor a kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal flavors and spend the evening in Atami.

On the morning of day 2, depart from JR Atami Station. Enjoy a train ride of Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes on the Tokaido Main Line to Higashi-Shizuoka Station.
From in front of the station, transfer to the Shizutetsu Justline Nihondaira Line bus for Approx. 25 minutes, get off at the “Nihondaira Yume Terrace Iriguchi” bus stop, and arrive at the first destination, Nihondaira Yume Terrace.
This observation terrace stands on the summit of Nihondaira, a hill area at an elevation of 307 m and one of Japan’s leading scenic spots.
From the indoor exhibition area and the outdoor observation corridor, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, Miho no Matsubara, and more.
After enjoying the scenery, which shows different expressions from each spot, take a break in the lounge space on the second floor where you can enjoy tea and sweets while looking out at the view. Spend some peaceful time there.

After taking in the spectacular views at Nihondaira Yume Terrace, it’s lunchtime at Monzen no Megumi Tairagi, the restaurant and shop attached to Nihondaira Ropeway Station.
At the dining area “Hanaaoi,” you can enjoy meal dishes made with Shizuoka ingredients such as rice produced in Shizuoka Prefecture and local Kunozan green onions.
The specialty to enjoy here is the famous “Ogosho Gozen.” Centered on “Kinako Soba,” it also comes with kakiage tempura and “Negimanma,” making it a satisfying meal.
After your meal, shop for souvenirs at the store. A wide variety of products are lined up, including Shizuoka confectionery such as “Ieyasuko Oheso Mochi.”
Also not to be missed is the “Tap Mikan Juice,” where turning the tap pours 100% straight juice made from Shizuoka-grown mandarin oranges.

After lunch and souvenir shopping, board the Nihondaira Ropeway from the summit of Nihondaira to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine.

The ropeway runs for Approx. 1,065 m and takes Approx. 5 minutes. The ride through the sky while looking down over Suruga Bay and the Kunozan coast is truly refreshing.
Seasonal scenery such as fresh greenery in spring and autumn leaves in fall is also part of its charm. A guide also rides in the cabin, so you can enjoy this aerial stroll while listening to explanations of the surrounding geography and history during the ride.

The final place to visit on this trip is Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate. It is right after you get off the ropeway.
This historic shrine was founded in 1617 by the second shogun, Hidetada, and its shrine building is in the gongen-zukuri style, with the main sanctuary and worship hall connected by a stone chamber.
Its lavish and magnificent decorations covered entirely in lacquer are also stunning, and it was designated a National Treasure in 2010.
It is said that in the past, worshippers climbed the 1,159 stone steps of the main approach to visit the shrine, and from the first gate at the top of the steps, a spectacular view opens out over Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula.
Stop by the adjacent Kunozan Toshogu Museum as well to see many precious cultural properties, including armor and swords connected to successive Tokugawa shoguns.