Atami, Shizuoka: The Seaside Resort Revival Just 40 Minutes from Tokyo

Supervised By: Hiroki Kazato

Real Estate Expert

Atami was once Japan’s premier seaside resort, but this hot-spring town has been on a tear in recent years. Located on the eastern coast of Shizuoka, this resort city is known for its dramatic ocean vistas, up-and-coming culinary scene, modern resorts, and convenient access to Tokyo, with services provided by the Shinkansen bullet train with connections to the capital in under an hour.

Atami is today a popular destination for young business professionals, retirees, and even remote workers, who are all lured by the easy-to-navigate downtown, spectacular coastal views, and affordable waterfront real estate. Whether you are looking for a second home or an investment in one of Japan’s most sought-after resort communities, Atami offers a combination of convenience, lifestyle offerings, and investment security that is sure to appeal to a discerning buyer.

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Area Overview

Atami is located on the eastern coast of Shizuoka, bordering Sagami Bay. The city is surrounded by mountains on two sides and offers incredible views over the Pacific Ocean from many of its district.

In the Meiji and Taisho periods, Atami was a popular retreat for politicians, writers, artists, and business magnates. In addition to its hot-spring resorts, Atami is undergoing a modern renaissance and has seen an increase in new restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels, and residential developments catering to a new wave of visitors and residents.

The main railway station of Atami is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train,JR Tokaido Main Line, and JR Ito Line. The city is ideally located and well connected to other major Tokyo-area destinations.

Access to Major Cities

This accessibility allows residents to enjoy the comforts of the seaside while being able to commute to Tokyo for work.

Atmosphere and Vibe

Atami combines the ambience of a traditional hot-spring town with that of a modern resort city. The downtown area offers a range of seafood-based restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as historic hot-spring resorts. Unlike many other resort towns that are deserted in the off-season, Atami has an abundance of both local residents and tourists throughout the year.

During the day, crowds gather at the water’s edge to enjoy the views, dine at local eateries, and shop at the many convenient stores, while ferries and boats make their way in and out of the marina, bringing in fresh catches of fish.

One of Atami’s strongest attributes is its combination of big-city convenience and the resort lifestyle. Large-scale retail stores, schools, hospitals, and other essential service are available within easy reach of the city’s beaches, hot-spring resorts, and scenic ocean views.

At night, local restaurants become busy with customers who have come to enjoy the local specialities of the region, while guests at the many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) relax in the large, outdoor hot-spring baths that overlook the ocean. Another highlight of the local nightlife is the annual fireworks festival that takes place over Sagami Bay.

While the centre of Atami is busy with nightlife, many residents in the district prefer the more subdued atmosphere of the surrounding hills, where many homes are built into the landscape and offer spectacular views of the bay.

Tourist and Local Destinations

In addition to its hot-spring resorts, Atami has many attractions suitable for both locals and visitors, such as beaches, museums, castles, hiking trails, and other.

Atami Sun Beach

One of the closest beaches to downtown Atami, Atami Sun Beach offers visitors a palm tree-lined promenade and calm waters, making it one of the most desirable beaches in the region. The beach is within easy walking distance of Atami Station.

Atami Onsen

The hot-spring resort of Atami Onsen has a history that dates back over a thousand years and continues to attract visitors to this day. Atami Onsen offers a variety of ryokan-style accommodations, as well as luxury hotel resorts, and public bathhouses that feature hot-spring waters from nearby mountain springs.

MOA Museum of Art

Perched on a hillside with stunning views over Sagami Bay, the MOA Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of Japanese and East Asian works of art, in addition to beautiful gardens for visitors to enjoy.

Atami Castle

Nestled within a forested region, Atami Castle is one of the best places to enjoy views over the surrounding bay. This castle complex is a popular destination in the spring, when the cherry blossoms in the region reach their peak bloom.

Kinomiya Shrine

This local shrine is home to one of the largest and oldest camphor trees in Japan, which has made the site a popular destination for both visitors and locals.

Atami Marina and Waterfront

The marina district has seen an explosion of waterfront dining and leisure facilities in recent years, turning it into one of the city’s most desirable destinations.

Shopping Street

The shopping street found in Atami Station is lined with local specialities, unique souvenirs, dried seafood, and specialty shops. In recent years, many cafes and bakeries have opened up to entice younger visitors.

Fireworks Festival

The Marine Fireworks Festival of Atami is one of Japan’s premier fireworks events, with shows being held several times a year, with displays that blanket Sagami Bay in a dazzling array of lights and colour. Viewing from the many mountainous regions surrounding the city offers an unforgettable experience, with the unique acoustics of the valley providing an incredible backdrop to the displays.

Livability

Compared to many other resort cities in Japan, Atami offers a more complete lifestyle, as both the local infrastructure and downtown amenities remain available throughout the year due to a steady influx of residents. Unlike many other resorts that are primarily seasonal, Atami offers big-city convenience with excellent transport services, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, banks, hospitals, and other essential stores found within walking distance or downtown. Such characteristics make Atami an attractive destination for retirees, young families, or business professionals who wish to maintain a more relaxed lifestyle amidst nature while remaining connected to the city.

The transport network in Atami is yet another factor that differentiates it from other resort communities. Thanks to the Tokaido Shinkansen, which runs directly through Atami, commuting to and from Tokyo is quick and straightforward, taking between 35 and 45 minutes to reach Tokyo Station. As a result, residents are able to enjoy the many benefits afforded by a seaside resort lifestyle while being able to return to Tokyo for work or other commitments.

Another advantage of living in Atami is its many outdoor recreation opportunities. From beaches to scenic hiking trails, Atami offers an abundance of activities to enjoy throughout the year. The many hot-spring baths and natural onsens found throughout the region provide additional opportunities for relaxation, while the surrounding mountains offer excellent vantage points to take in the views of Sagami Bay. Given that Atami is a hilly city, many residential neighbourhoods offer spectacular views of the bay that can provide an incredible sight for residents to enjoy from the comfort of their own home.

Real Estate: Rent and Property Information

In recent years, the real estate market in Atami has seen a renewed interest. As a result, many resort communities throughout the region have seen an increase in both value and demand, thanks to an influx of second-home buyers and remote workers.

One of the biggest advantages of investing in real estate in Atami is the sheer variety of options that come with it. From condominiums with spectacular ocean views to single-family homes nestled within lush vegetation, there is something for every buyer.

When compared to many other resort destinations throughout the region, such as Hakone or other upscale enclaves found near Tokyo, Atami offers incredible value, with many waterfront properties available for purchase at reasonable prices.

Rental Market

Vacation and long-term rentals are available throughout the city. Properties with an ocean view tend to be in higher demand, however.

There are many furnished apartments available for rent, ideal for medium- to long-term rental purposes, that showcase the many attractions of the local area.

Property Prices

Buying property in Atami can be an excellent investment for those looking to purchase a vacation home or a permanent residence. Compared to many other resort destinations in Japan, real estate in Atami typically has reasonable prices, particularly considering its proximity to Tokyo.

These estimates take a variety of factors into account such as age, location, ocean views, and hot-spring facilities. As with most resorts, properties in Atami tend to be more expensive when they have views of the ocean or include private hot-spring facilities.

Investment Appeal

Atami is one of the most desired resort destinations in Japan in terms of investment. Due to ongoing urban redevelopment, increased tourism rates, and the rising appeal of flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and part-time employment, Atami has seen a steady stream of new buyers.

The combination of the Shinkansen, established tourism industry, and overall appeal of the resort lifestyle make Atami an attractive prospect for those looking for a permanent residence in a desirable area. Likewise, many buyers are turning to Atami as an option for a second home that is close to major metropolitan centres without sacrificing resort-style comforts.

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Other Information

In Atami, foreign ownership of land, condominiums, houses, and resort properties is permitted without any restrictions that apply to foreign buyers. The rights of ownership are the same as those for Japanese citizens.

Transportation

While Atami can be easily navigated on foot, especially around the downtown area and the waterfront district, a car may be necessary for day-tripping and to access certain neighbourhoods that are built on hilly terrain. There are also several bus routes available that traverse the city.

Climate

Atami has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Compared to other regions in Japan, winter are relatively mild, while coastal breezes offer a welcome relief during the summer heat, making Atami a popular destination for resort vacations year-round.

Remote Work and Relocation

Thanks to excellent broadband internet infrastructure and reliable transport, Atami has become a preferred option for many professionals who wish to pursue a career in remote work or those who want to relocate away from the city. The local environment offers incredible opportunities for productivity, both in terms of professional and leisure activities.

Final Thoughts

Today, Atami has managed to transform itself from a sleepy hot-spring village into one of Japan’s most desirable seaside resorts. Whether it be the traditional hot-spring baths, the new developments in its culinary scene, and the spectacular coastal views, Atami is a town that offers something for everyone. Combined with excellent transport links, including the Shinkansen, which allow residents and visitors to experience the best of both worlds, Atami offers an incredible value for both visitors and residents.

Whether you are looking for a luxury condo with spectacular ocean views or a second home within easy commuting distance from Tokyo, Atami is the perfect choice for discerning buyers who wish to enjoy the many benefits offered by a resort lifestyle in one of Shizuoka’s most desirable cities.

Source

• Atami City Official Website
• Atami City Tourism Association
• Shizuoka Prefectural Government
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
• East Japan Railway Company (JR East)
• Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) – Tokaido Shinkansen
• MOA Museum of Art
• Kinomiya Shrine
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) – Land General Information System
• SUUMO – Property Listings and Market Information
• At Home Japan – Real Estate Listings
• LIFULL HOME'S – Housing Market Data

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