Eat, see, soak... Atami Onsen in Shizuoka Prefecture is packed with the best things to see and do, including food, nature, culture, and Atami Onsen. Despite its convenient location, just 30 minutes from central Tokyo, it boasts a history spanning more than 1,200 years. It began in the Nara period when the monk Mangan Shonin transferred an underwater hot spring vein to the Oyu Geyser, making it accessible to everyone. Since then, the famous hot spring has been loved by many samurai, including Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The hot springs boast an abundant flow rate of approximately 16,600 liters per minute, and there are three types of spring water: chloride springs, which account for approximately 70% of the water, sulfate springs, and simple hot springs (including alkaline springs).In addition to being said to have skin-tightening and slimming effects, most of the hot springs in the city are weakly alkaline, so the water is gentle on the skin and is also known as a beauty bath.

When talking about the history of Atami Onsen, it is essential to mention the "Atami Seven Hot Springs," a group of seven hot springs scattered throughout the city. It is said that the water once gushed forth from its source all over the land, but due to natural disasters, the areas where it gushed forth were limited, and now it is artificially erupted to recreate the scene from back then. The rising steam from hot springs, such as Oyu Geyser, a designated cultural property of the city, and Ozawa no Yu (Heizaemon no Yu), where you can make hot spring eggs, create a tranquil atmosphere, and you can leisurely explore the area with your stamp book in hand.

While walking around the city, you'll want to try some local sweets. The shopping streets in front of Atami Station are lined with products that can only be found in Atami, such as the eye-catching "Atami Pudding" in a retro milk bottle, "Atami Butter Bean" made by the long-established Furuya Ryokan confectionery shop Mataichian, and "Raw Silk Mont Blanc" developed in collaboration with a Japanese chestnut specialty store by Furuya Ryokan. Many tourists visit just for these, and they are one of the attractions of Atami tourism, along with the hot springs.

The Atami Seaside Fireworks Festival, an annual event held in Atami Bay, is held throughout the year, not just in summer (this year marks the 17th time). Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the bowl-shaped terrain causes the sound of fireworks launched over the sea to reverberate, creating an acoustic effect reminiscent of a gigantic concert hall. The spectacular sight of the large fireworks illuminating the night sky, the lights reflecting off the water, and the "Aerial Niagara" finale is sure to leave you with a lasting memory. After the show, why not spend some time relaxing at one of the many hot spring inns that cater to both individuals and groups?