Recommended Getaway Near Tokyo: Odawara to Atami
If you’re planning a visit to Odawara, why not extend your journey just a little further?
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Odawara is packed with historic landmarks that can be explored even on a day trip. Just beyond this castle town lies Atami, a seaside hot-spring resort where you can slow down and unwind.
From Odawara to Atami, the train ride takes only 24 minutes—or about 7 minutes by Shinkansen. By making Atami the final destination of your trip, you can end the day relaxing in an onsen by the sea. The following morning, enjoy a beach stroll or visit spiritual sites for a completely different experience from Odawara.
This itinerary introduces a journey that combines Odawara’s history and culture with Atami’s resort atmosphere—two contrasting destinations in one rewarding trip.
A Castle Town Rich in History and Culture: A Gourmet & Art-Focused Odawara Itinerary
From Tokyo Station, Odawara Station can be reached in about 30 minutes via the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. Once a flourishing castle town and post station, Odawara retains much of its historic townscape. Surrounded by the sea, mountains, and rivers, the area is rich in natural bounty, offering fresh seafood from Odawara Fishing Port and produce grown in its mild climate.
Begin your Odawara journey at the city’s symbol: Odawara Castle.
A 10-minute walk from Odawara Station brings you to the expansive castle grounds, where the restored main keep stands proudly. In addition to panoramic views from the tower, visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as ninja attractions and samurai armor dressing—easily filling half a day or more.
Odawara Sightseeing Spot ①: Odawara Castle
Step back into the Sengoku period with immersive experiences and seasonal beauty
Known as an impregnable fortress during the Warring States period, Odawara Castle successfully repelled attacks by famed warlords such as Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen. Today, the reconstructed keep offers sweeping views of Sagami Bay and is a popular scenic viewpoint.
The surrounding castle park features multiple facilities, including the Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum, showcasing armor and swords, and interactive costume experiences that let visitors dress as samurai, princesses, or ninja. The park is also celebrated for its seasonal flowers—cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisteria, and irises—making it a year-round attraction.
| Information | Odawara Castle Official Website |
| Nearest Station | Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Odawara Station |
| Admission | astle Keep: Adults ¥510 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥200 Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum: Adults ¥200 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥60 Odawara NINJA Museum: Adults ¥310 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥100 Combined Ticket (Castle Keep + SAMURAI Museum): Adults ¥610 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥220 Samurai armor, uchikake kimono, and ninja costume rental experiences are available for ¥500 per person. |
| Opening Hours | Castle Keep / SAMURAI Museum / NINJA Museum: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.) Costume Rental Experience: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Last rental at 3:30 p.m.) |
| Closed | December 31 – January 1 Second Wednesday of December |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/kHjoYC2EQAa4iyM28 |
Odawara Sightseeing Spot ②: Odawara Kamaboko Street
Savor local specialties in a traditional seaside merchant district
After exploring the castle, head toward Kamaboko Street, about a 10-minute walk away. This charming street features around 30 shops that preserve the atmosphere of a historic fishing town.
Odawara is famous for kamaboko (fish cake) and satsuma-age, and many shops offer samples or casual bites. Some cafés even feature footbath tables, where you can enjoy local sake or oden while relaxing—an experience unique to Odawara.
| Information | Odawara Kamaboko Street |
| Nearest Station | Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Odawara Station |
| Admission | Varies by shop |
| Opening Hours | Varies by shop |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jnaKqAUrzZW8cnq9 |
Odawara Sightseeing Spot ③: Enoura Observatory
A monumental space where architecture and art gently engage the senses
Conclude your Odawara visit at Enoura Observatory, an expansive art and architectural complex designed by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto.
Spread across a coastal hillside, the site includes galleries, stone stages, optical glass structures, and tea houses. Designed as a place to “observe” the movement of the sun, it also offers a living survey of Japanese architectural history through its varied construction techniques and materials.
With sweeping views of Sagami Bay, sea breezes, birdsong, and the scent of trees, the observatory offers a deeply calming experience—perfect for unhurried reflection.
| Information | Enoura Observatory Official Website |
| Access | From JR Nebukawa Station: approx. 5 minutes by free shuttle bus Free Shuttle Schedule (from JR Nebukawa Station): 9:45 / 10:05 / 10:35 / 13:15 / 13:40 / 14:00 Please confirm the schedule before your visit. From JR Manazuru Station: approx. 10 minutes by taxi |
| Admission | Advance Online Ticket: ¥3,300 (Purchase deadline: 2 days prior for credit card payment / 3 days prior for 7-Eleven payment) Same-Day Ticket: ¥3,850 (Reservation required by phone from 9:00 a.m. on the day of visit) |
| Visiting Hours | Advance reservation required / Timed entry system Morning Session: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Session: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Visitors may explore freely within their session time. Entry is permitted until 45 minutes before the end of each session. |
| Closed | Tuesdays and Wednesdays Also closed during the year-end and New Year holidays and on occasional additional dates Please check the official website for details. |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ax3QrkupXjy5HVR37 |
From Odawara to Atami: Enjoy Resort Time with Hot Springs and Beaches
After immersing yourself in art at Enoura Observatory, return to Nebukawa Station and continue on to Atami Station. The journey takes just 16 minutes by JR train—close enough to feel seamless.
Atami is also known for its frequent fireworks festivals, held more than ten times a year. If your visit coincides, you may be able to enjoy a spectacular evening display.
Historic buildings, shrines, and retro shopping streets give Atami a nostalgic charm, while its seaside setting invites relaxed exploration. Walk slowly, pause often, and enjoy a refreshing change of pace.
Recommended Train Route
JR Nebukawa Station → JR Tōkaidō Line → JR Atami Station
Fare: ¥240
Travel Time: Approx. 16 minutes
Atami Sightseeing Spot ①: Atami Sun Beach
Enjoy the luxury of doing nothing at a tropical-style beach
Begin your Atami day at Atami Sun Beach, about a 20-minute walk from Atami Station (or a short bus ride). Framed by palm trees, white sand, and blue water, the beach has a distinctly tropical feel and is popular for swimming in summer.
Spend a quiet morning listening to gentle waves, sitting on the sand, and simply breathing in the sea air. This unhurried beach time creates a welcome pause in your journey.
| Information | Atami Sun Beach |
| Access | Approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station From JR Atami Station, take a bus bound for Atami Port / Momijigaoka and get off at “Sun Beach” bus stop → Approx. 3-minute walk |
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours Beach illumination is held daily from sunset until 10:00 p.m. |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VDrtKfAqrbMpkuy9 |
Atami Sightseeing Spot ②: Kinomiya Shrine
One of Japan’s most powerful spiritual sites
After the beach, take a short bus ride to Kinomiya Shrine, a renowned power spot believed to bring good fortune and positive connections.
The highlight is the sacred camphor tree, over 2,100 years old and designated a National Natural Monument. With a trunk circumference of 24 meters, legends say that walking around it once adds a year to your life—or grants your wish if done with sincere intention.
The shrine grounds also feature cafés and rest areas where visitors can enjoy matcha, sweets, local specialties, and seasonal treats.
| Information | Kinomiya Shrine Official Website |
| Nearest Station | Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Kinomiya Station |
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours for worship |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/oAbRPERjPj2gCsdZA |
Atami Sightseeing Spot ③: Ginza Shopping Street
Retro charm, local flavors, and nostalgic fun
A 10-minute walk from Kinomiya Shrine brings you to Atami’s Ginza Shopping Street. Lined with retro buildings, the area is home to long-established cafés, classic curry shops, bustling seafood restaurants, and modern dessert spots.
Enjoy lunch or tea, try traditional arcade games, and browse for Atami souvenirs. The lively atmosphere offers a glimpse into everyday Japanese life that feels both nostalgic and welcoming.
| Information | Ginza Shopping Street |
| Nearest Station | Approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Atami Station |
| Admission | Varies by shop |
| Opening Hours | Varies by shop |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/YBVQ9xEc6yUSq1Xp8 |
Atami Sightseeing Spot ④: Kiunkaku
Experience Japanese architecture and East–West aesthetics in a historic villa
Conclude your journey at Kiunkaku, just a 10-minute walk from Ginza Shopping Street. Built in 1919 as a private villa and praised as one of the Three Great Villas of Atami, Kiunkaku features both Japanese-style and Western-style buildings.
Inside, refined Japanese architecture blends seamlessly with decorative elements from Europe and Asia. Once operated as a ryokan, each space offers a distinct atmosphere, revealing new impressions as you move through the estate.
Set on expansive grounds, Kiunkaku’s lush Japanese garden invites quiet strolling. Despite being in the city center, the garden feels remarkably serene. Listen to flowing water and birdsong, enjoy the slow passage of time, and capture a nostalgic photograph to close your journey.
| Information | Kiunkaku Official Website |
| Access | Approx. 21-minute walk from JR Atami Station From JR Atami Station Bus Terminal: Platform 1: Izu Hakone Bus (Ainohara Danchi / Ume-en / Shimizuchō Loop) Platform 2: Izu Hakone Bus (Sasaragadāi Danchi / Nishiyama / Hakone area) Get off at “Kiunkaku-mae” stop |
| Admission | Adults ¥610 / Junior & Senior High School Students ¥360 / Free for elementary school children Cash only |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.) Closed Wednesdays (open if Wednesday is a public holiday) |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/YZ4ntD4z3V9eAyDt5 |
About the Japan Rail Pass
For international visitors, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) allows unlimited travel on JR lines, including Shinkansen.
Prices (as of December 2025 / Ordinary Class)
| 7-day pass | ¥50,000 |
| 14-day pass | ¥80,000 |
| 21-day pass | ¥100,000 |
| Information | https://japanrailpass.net/about_jrp/ |
Note: The JR Pass cannot be purchased within Japan and must be bought online or through authorized agents before arrival.