When I was a university student, I took my girlfriend on a 3-day, 2-night trip to Atami—and honestly, it’s still one of the most memorable getaways we’ve ever had.
Atami is one of those places every Japanese person dreams of visiting at least once. It has this nostalgic, peaceful vibe that makes you feel like time slows down a little. Nestled between the ocean and mountains, it blends old-school charm with just the right touch of modern flair. If you’re planning a romantic trip in Japan, Atami should be high on your list.
Day 1: Arrival and Sweet Surprises
As soon as we got off the train, we were greeted by a lively shopping street buzzing with energy. It was lined with shops selling traditional Japanese sweets, colorful shaved ice, and quirky souvenirs. But the real star? The famous Atami Pudding shop. It’s all over Instagram for a reason—the pudding is insanely smooth and creamy, served in these cute retro-style glass jars. Definitely a must-try.
Our stay for the night was at a spacious apartment-style hotel. It had both Japanese tatami rooms and Western-style beds, so we got the best of both worlds. After dropping off our bags and freshening up, we headed to the dining area for a traditional kaiseki dinner. Each dish was beautifully plated and packed with seasonal flavors—delicate sashimi, simmered vegetables, grilled fish. It was a full-on feast and a real introduction to Japanese culinary art.
After dinner, we soaked in the onsen. If you’ve never experienced a Japanese onsen, it’s something else. The minerals in the water ease all your travel fatigue. Even better, we booked a private open-air bath for couples, so we could enjoy the quiet night under the stars, just the two of us. It was peaceful, warm, and honestly kind of magical.
Day 2: Nature and Nostalgia
The next morning, we hopped on a local bus to a botanical garden just outside the city. If you’re into photography, this spot is gold. Lush greenery, seasonal flowers, and scenic walking paths make it perfect for snapping romantic shots or just enjoying nature. It wasn’t crowded either, so we took our time and soaked it all in. By the way, my girlfriend is so cute…
In the afternoon, we checked out Atami Castle. While it’s not an ancient samurai fortress (it was built more recently), it still has that classic Japanese castle look and offers panoramic views of the coastline. Plus, there’s a quirky trick art museum inside—think optical illusions, fun photo ops, and lots of laughs.
We also stumbled upon a rare adults-only museum nearby. It was definitely unexpected, but hey, part of Atami sightseeing is embracing the quirky side of Japanese culture too.
Dinner that night was more casual, and we ended up strolling the quiet streets with soft-serve ice cream in hand, talking about everything and nothing. Sometimes the simple moments hit the hardest.
Day 3: One Last Dip and Goodbye
Before heading back, we took one last dip in the onsen. I’m telling you, hot springs in Japan just hit different. There’s something so grounding about starting your day with warm water and mountain views.
We grabbed a few souvenirs, including more Atami Pudding (can you blame us?), and boarded the train home feeling relaxed, happy, and just a little more connected than before.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for things to do in Atami, there’s plenty—from sweet treats to scenic spots, cultural quirks to classic experiences. But what stood out to me the most was the atmosphere. Atami has this way of making you slow down, appreciate the moment, and really connect—with your travel partner, with nature, with Japan itself.
This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a memory. And for anyone looking for a romantic trip in Japan, I can’t recommend Atami enough.
Whether you’re into Japan travel blogs, planning a couples getaway, or chasing the perfect Japanese onsen experience, Atami is the kind of place that lingers in your heart long after you leave.
Let me know if you want help planning your own trip—I’d go back in a heartbeat.
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