In Shizuoka Prefecture, Hamamatsu—home to Lake Hamana, which brings together the blessings of the sea and rivers—is a sightseeing area with a character you do not often find elsewhere. With famous castles like Hamamatsu Castle, hot springs around Lake Hamana, and Lake Hamana’s famous eel, here is a recommended sightseeing route around Lake Hamana.

Recommended Hotel: Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu

When traveling with someone special, stay at a wonderful hotel and enjoy a wonderful time together.

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Here are the best hotels in Hamamatsu City!

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Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu

Lake Hamana has eel and hot springs, but packing a full day into one route feels impossible, right?

Totally get it. This car-friendly course ties castle, ropeway, music-box museum, and onsen into one easy plan.

Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana Recommended Sightseeing Route

1. Rent a Car at Hamamatsu Station

2. Stroll Around Hamamatsu Castle

3. Lake Hamana Unagi Restaurant

4. Ropeway

5. Relaxing at Kanzanji Onsen

6. Unagi Pie Factory

For the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana recommended sightseeing route, renting a car at the station and traveling by car is the way to go.

Renting a Car at Hamamatsu Station

For the Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana route, traveling by car is recommended. Get off at Hamamatsu Station, rent a car, and tour around.

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Please book early.

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Strolling Through Hamamatsu Castle

Start the sightseeing route at Hamamatsu Castle in Hamamatsu City. Taking in the cityscape of Hamamatsu from the castle tower, then having tea at the atmospheric Starbucks next to the Hamamatsu Castle parking lot, makes a wonderful start to the day.

From Hamamatsu Station to Hamamatsu Castle takes just minutes by car—first, build up excitement at a sightseeing spot you can visit right after renting a car.

Route from Hamamatsu Station to Hamamatsu Castle

Detailed sightseeing guidance for Hamamatsu Castle is right here.

Recommended

Highlights & How to Enjoy Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka

Among the sightseeing spots in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, “Hamamatsu Castle” is an easily accessible and impressive attraction highly recommended for visitors. This article introduces the charms and key highlights of Hamamatsu Castle, as well as a wonderful Starbucks store located within the castle grounds.

＼ Features a Recommended Starbucks Spot ／

Click here for the article: Highlights & How to Enjoy Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka

The view of downtown Hamamatsu from the castle tower is captivating!

Head Straight to an “Eel” Restaurant at Lake Hamana

After Hamamatsu Castle, drive straight to the eel restaurant Hamanoki on the shore of Lake Hamana. Inside, Hamanoki is spacious with many tables, but it gets crowded in high season, so reserving ahead by phone or similar is recommended.

Plump eel eaten while gazing at the stunning view of Lake Hamana is truly exquisite.

Route from Hamamatsu Castle to Hamanoki

From Hamamatsu Castle to Hamanoki takes about 25 minutes by car—just the right drive. After climbing up and down Hamamatsu Castle since morning, it also comes at a good time when you’re just getting hungry.

Ropeway and Music Box Museum

To take in views over Lake Hamana, Kanzanji Ropeway is the recommendation. It is rare as the only ropeway in Japan that crosses over a lake. As you ride up overlooking Lake Hamana, an observation deck and a music box museum await.

It is a ropeway trip of about 5 minutes. The view of Lake Hamana is beautiful.

Route from Hamanoki to Kanzanji Ropeway

From Hamanoki to the Kanzanji Ropeway station is 2 minutes by car. Extremely close.

Observation Deck

Observation decks are a lovers’ sanctuary; the pairing of the bell at the observation deck with the stunning view of Lake Hamana is photo-worthy.

Music Box Museum

After the observation deck, you can go straight into the Music Box Museum. You can listen to live music box performances along with staff explanations, and also take in displays of music boxes from all eras and places.

Many wonderful souvenir music boxes are also sold, so shopping for souvenirs—or a music box for yourself—is fun too.

Relaxing at Kanzanji Onsen

After getting off the ropeway, the open-air baths and pool with stunning views overlooking Lake Hamana at Lake Hamana Kanzanji Onsen Kanzanji Sago Royal Hotel are recommended.

The rooftop open-air bath overlooking Lake Hamana is a hexagonal bath (the water is fairly hot), built like an observation deck; looking out over Lake Hamana unclothed, with both arms spread, feels extremely good. For families or couples on a date, enjoying the pool is also wonderful.

You can use the baths on a day trip, but for those who want to enjoy Lake Hamana’s open-air baths at sunset or under beautiful night lights, staying overnight to relax is also recommended.

Route from Kanzanji Ropeway to Kanzanji Sago Royal Hotel

This is also about 2 minutes by car—so close you won’t get lost.

Unagi Pie Factory

At the Unagi Pie Factory, you can take a factory tour for Unagi Pie. It’s surprisingly fun—a spot you should definitely visit.

The small exhibits at the Unagi Pie Factory are also heartwarming. Of course, you can also buy Unagi Pie—just the right souvenir for the trip.

Route from Kanzanji Sago Royal Hotel to Unagi Pie Factory

About 17 minutes by car, and conveniently placed so you can drop by on the way back from Lake Hamana.

For Late-Night Hamamatsu Cuisine: Gozarou

If you want delicious cuisine in Hamamatsu, Gozarou is a recommended spot. Located in the station entertainment district, the interior is calm and comfortable, with an adult atmosphere. Staff hospitality is excellent, and both the food and drinks are delicious.

You can enjoy elaborate dishes one by one. Hamamatsu has seafood unique to the seaside and also Lake Hamana—a distinctive fishing ground where you can enjoy fish unique to brackish lakes—making it an irresistible city for gourmets. Please enjoy the many delicious dishes.

Location

Located between Hamamatsu Castle and Hamamatsu Station, stopping by on the way back for a delicious meal is nice. It is a popular spot, so a reservation is recommended.

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Make a reservation for “Gozarou” on Tabelog here.

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Summary: Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana Recommended Sightseeing Route Guidance and Model Course

The Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana area is a sightseeing destination packed with diverse charms, from historical spots tied to Tokugawa Ieyasu to stunning views over the lake and eel known nationwide. By car, you can enjoy these scattered famous spots efficiently and freely.

1. Rent a Car at Hamamatsu Station

2. Stroll Around Hamamatsu Castle

3. Lake Hamana Unagi Restaurant

4. Ropeway

5. Relaxing at Kanzanji Onsen

6. Unagi Pie Factory

Hamamatsu, where sea, mountains, lakes, and historic streetscapes coexist, is an ideal area for dates with someone special, family trips, or touring freely on your own. Please try finding your own favorite spots and thoroughly enjoy the rich charms of Lake Hamana.

For a Wonderful Hotel in Hamamatsu City: “Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu”

Hamamatsu City is actually a recommended sightseeing destination where you can enjoy not only Hamamatsu Castle, but also hot spring tours at Lake Hamana, gourmet food like eel, and water sports unique to Lake Hamana. It is fun whether going as a couple, with family, or among friends.

Since you’re making a special trip, you’ll want to carefully choose a wonderful hotel to stay at.

Recommended Hotel: Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu

When traveling with someone special, stay at a wonderful hotel and enjoy a wonderful time together.

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Here are the best hotels in Hamamatsu City!

Click here for hotel details and reservations on Agoda.

Worried about availability? Book early!

Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu

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Author: Boon

Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.

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One recommended tourist spot in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka—easy to reach within the city and impressive as an attraction—is “Hamamatsu Castle.”

I’ve heard that Hamamatsu Castle is wonderful when you visit Hamamatsu—but what’s it actually like?

Hamamatsu Castle sits within Hamamatsu City, so its location makes it easy to reach. The grounds are spacious enough and well worth seeing, making it one of the tourist spots that represent Hamamatsu City.

In this article, we introduce the highlights and recommended points of “Hamamatsu Castle,” as well as a recommended Starbucks on the Hamamatsu Castle grounds.

Highlights of “Hamamatsu Castle”

Hamamatsu Cityscape from the Castle Tower

The castle tower of Hamamatsu Castle was reconstructed in the Showa era (1958), but the upper floor is an observation deck with an expansive view of the Hamamatsu cityscape. As you’d expect of a castle, the keep sits at a height like a high hill; looking out from above gives you a panorama from quite a height, well suited for a full view of the cityscape.

Telescopes are installed too, but even without one, the height and proximity are enough to thoroughly enjoy the scenery and cityscape. The sea in the distance and the bridges over it are wonderful as well, so you should definitely climb up and take a look. Thinking that everything you can see from here was once a castle town brings a strange feeling again.

Exhibits Inside the Castle Tower Are Also Rich in Atmosphere

Exhibits inside the castle tower are also rich in atmosphere. Looking around carefully seems like it would take about 30 minutes to an hour. As you’d expect of Hamamatsu, many exhibits feel tied to Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu.

There were stairs leading to the basement, and since no one was going down, I went to look—and it was a well. I see; that alone can feel a little scary. Many coins had fallen into the well. Everyone had thrown in small change with their wishes. Whether it is okay to throw them in, I do not know.

The Path Up to the Castle Tower Feels Like a Real Castle Climb—and Full of Atmosphere

Castles from the Warring States period are, after all, built for defense—so the keep sits atop a rise, and the approach feels like a light mountain hike. Along the way, climbing past the castle’s stone walls and turrets keeps things interesting. It can be a bit tough physically at times, so when climbing in the summer heat, please hydrate well.

Since Hamamatsu Castle’s keep sits quite far up at the top, approach it expecting plenty of uphill paths! If you get exhausted along the way, climbing with breaks is also important. Looking at stone walls, structures, torii gates, and the like, you will not get bored—and may even find beauty—so climbing while enjoying yourself is recommended.

Hamamatsu Castle, Where a Japanese Garden Spreads Out

For the return from the Hamamatsu Castle tower, a stroll through the Japanese garden is recommended. It is unexpectedly spacious—large enough for a walk of about 20 to 30 minutes. There is a pond, and although small, there is also a waterfall. It is a Japanese garden well worth seeing.

Relaxing at Starbucks

Where you enter the grounds from the Hamamatsu Castle parking lot, there is a big, prominent Starbucks. Buildings whose designs do not break the atmosphere of Hamamatsu Castle are delightful as well.

Inside, the Starbucks feels open with good sunlight; even in the hot summer, it is well air-conditioned and cool—just right for resting with a delicious latte at the end of sightseeing at Hamamatsu Castle. However, it gets quite crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.

Also, because quite a few people bring laptops and do nomad work, there might be a short wait for a table to free up. Since there are also many tourists, turnover is relatively fast (except for people doing nomad work…).

Location and Access for Hamamatsu Castle

Hamamatsu Castle sits within Hamamatsu City, so the location is convenient; you can go by car, bus, or—depending on where you start—even on foot, making it a very easy tourist spot to visit.

Location

From Hamamatsu Station to Hamamatsu Castle is about 10 minutes by car and about 30 minutes on foot; walking feels a bit far, as you’d expect, so taking a taxi is fine for that distance. By car, there is a rather large parking lot, which is reassuring.

Bonus: For Enjoying Hamamatsu Cuisine, “Gozarou”

If you want to enjoy delicious cuisine in Hamamatsu, “Gozarou” is a recommended shop. Located in the station’s entertainment district, the interior is calm and comfortable, with adult-oriented décor. Staff hospitality is high, and both food and alcohol are delicious.

Elaborate dishes can be enjoyed one by one. Hamamatsu has seaside seafood, and also Lake Hamana—a unique fishing ground where you can enjoy fish distinctive to brackish lakes—making it an irresistible city for gourmets; please enjoy the many delicious dishes.

location

Located between Hamamatsu Castle and Hamamatsu Station, stopping by on the way back for delicious food is nice. It is a popular shop, so a reservation is recommended.

Wonderful Hotels in Hamamatsu City

Hamamatsu City is actually a recommended sightseeing destination where you can enjoy not only Hamamatsu Castle, but also hot spring tours at Lake Hamana, gourmet food like eel, and water sports unique to Lake Hamana. It is fun whether you go as a couple, with family, or among friends.

Since you are making a special trip, you will want to carefully choose a wonderful hotel to stay at.

Recommended Hotel: Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu

When traveling with someone special, stay at a wonderful hotel and enjoy a wonderful time together.

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Here are the best hotels in Hamamatsu City!

Click here for hotel details and reservations on Agoda.

Worried about availability? Book early!

Okura Act City Hotel Hamamatsu

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Author: Boon

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November 2022—a travelogue of a free-spirited solo male trip! Fully enjoying Atami Onsen on a 1-night 2-day stay: I eagerly went to eat simmered alfonsino at an eatery in front of the station, but it was super crowded, and when I tried Atami snacks at my second-choice “sushi shop,” accidentally eating scallops from Hokkaido remains an eternal secret.

In this article, we share the charm of a solo male trip to Atami.

Click here for the Instagram intro to Atami

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Does a solo guy trip to Atami Onsen feel awkward—and are restaurants hard alone?

Not at all. Station-area spots work fine solo, and this one-night diary shows an easygoing pace.

Atami 1-Night 2-Day Hot Spring Travelogue (November 2022)

The Charm of Solo Male Travel

A solo trip you can enjoy casually—the destination is up to you, whatever you do is up to you (being late and oversleeping included), bathing when you like, eating when you like, and sightseeing as you like. Solo travel, regardless of gender, is an easy trip that will become one of the standard travel styles going forward.

In November 2022, I traveled solo to Atami for one night and two days, so here is a solo male travelogue (the real thrill).

At night, toward the neon lights… (I won’t go, though—lol)

Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel: Getting to Atami

Thinking I wanted a drink with “simmered alfonsino” or “sushi” at a famous Atami eatery, and figuring the noon slot would be crowded, I took a Shinkansen arriving in Atami around 1:00 PM—and then fully enjoyed Okinawa!

Why…

I’m the type who rides in the last car of the Shinkansen! This time too, arriving in Atami in Car 16 (non-reserved seats), the exit was way up ahead! Seriously regretted it…

Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel: Fully Enjoying the Footbath at Atami Station

At Atami Station, there’s a footbath plaza out front. Want to use the footbath… want to use the footbath… want to use the footbath… But I don’t have a towel… If I hop in on impulse, I can’t wipe my wet feet when I get out.

Extremely disappointed, I went around behind the footbath—and there it was! A towel vending machine! At 100 JPY, super cheap; after wiping my feet, this towel becomes a souvenir to take home! Who would say they want a towel that wiped my feet…

Sexy shot! The moment I thought I needed hair removal…

Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel: Savoring Sushi for Lunch

Eateries in front of Atami Station were packed; even though it was a weekday, every shop had a long queue, making me unintentionally…

Seriously considered McDonald’s. No no no no—a McDonald’s with a colossal “M” you can eat anywhere in Japan, aka a Do-M McDonald’s! I think that’s wrong…

Avoiding the crowded area in front of Atami Station, I headed to a sushi shop in Atami City: from the left, engawa (flounder fin) pickled-something nigiri; the middle is engawa pickled-something nigiri; the right end is engawa salt-sauce nigiri—I’m eating nothing but engawa.

Super delicious!

Trying something else, the scallop I ordered was thick and delicious—Hokkaido-produced. Coming to Atami and yet Hokkaido…

Savoring the sushi shop in Atami—fun and delicious—with turban shell in the shell and a good drink.

Although it’s the Sendai main shop, “Umai Sushikan” is a delicious sushi shop even in Atami.

To go eat the Atami Enjoyment Set, an Atami shop original menu item—won’t someone come with me? As expected, I can’t finish it alone… Meeting at the sushi shop and parting at the sushi shop is also OK. No no no no…

Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel: Omiya and Kanichi

Speaking of Atami, it’s the sea—but the tourist spot along the coast, the statue of Omiya and Kanichi, is rusted. Now and in the past, you must not kick women! No, seriously!

Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel: Labyrinth

Speaking of Atami, it’s the sea—but the sea has a boat dock. To get to Atami’s boat dock, there are stairs like a labyrinth. Beautiful, but kind of in the way, right?

Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel: Relaxing Hot Spring, Meals, and Sleep at the Inn

For the inn, I reserved a slightly older hotel/ryokan with an ocean view along the Atami coast; as for the bath, it’s a small open-air bath where you can see the sea, but as expected I can’t take photos, so here are room photos!

This is it!

Darn it! I reserved a Western-style room… While the atmosphere of a Japanese-style room typical of Atami Onsen is also nice, a Western-style bed for solo travel is actually easy to sleep in—but sleeping alone in a twin room feels awkward; it’s a bed for going back to sleep in the morning…

The ocean view from the room is also good, but the Atami coast seen all at once from the stair landing was quite worth seeing.

The hotel/ryokan dinner I enjoyed to the fullest even on a solo trip was the “Abalone, Sashimi, and Tempura Set”; I thought there were a few too few dishes, but with beer it was just right.

Since it’s a hotel where bringing things into your room is OK, for drinking alone slowly in the room at night while looking at the sea, the beers I bought at a nearby convenience store were blue, yellow, and red.

It’s a traffic light!

That I chose these 3 cans just to take this photo goes without saying…

Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel: Found a Good Souvenir!

The recommended souvenir from Atami is a towel. 100 JPY apiece, properly brand new—let’s hand them out.

Bonus: Atami Sightseeing Solo Male Travel—Travel Expenses

Here are the expenses for this Atami Onsen trip.

The price for a solo male 1-night 2-day trip to Atami Onsen was 25,980 JPY! For enjoying one night and two days to your heart’s content, I think it turned out to be a trip with good value. Price-wise, I’m satisfied too.

Click here for Traveling Atami: “Easy to Access, Relaxing, and Great Hot Springs! Atami Sightseeing”

あわせて読みたい

Atami Travel Guide: Easy Access, Relaxing Hot Springs & Things to Do Atami is a charming seaside resort town that is easy to reach by train or car, especially from Tokyo. With beautiful ocean views, fresh seafood, local mountain cuisine, hot springs, and historic attractions, Atami offers a perfect blend of relaxation and sightseeing. After experiencing a revival in recent years, Atami has become a popular destination once again. In this article, we introduce the highlights of this rejuvenated hot spring town and the best ways to enjoy your visit.

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Author: Boon

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May 2021: a free-spirited solo male travelogue! After Atami Onsen, I explored Odawara on a 1-night 2-day trip—here’s the real thrill of going alone.

That the post-bath lounge was stacked with manga—and I nearly spent the whole night reading—is an eternal secret.

Can a solo guy cover Atami and Odawara in one night without cramming too hard?

Easily. This real diary packs onsen, kinmedai, and Odawara sightseeing without feeling rushed.

“Atami and Odawara 1-Night 2-Day Hot Spring Travelogue (May 2021)”

Journey 1. Moving to Atami

I was planning to eat “seafood” or “simmered alfonsino” for lunch at an eatery in Atami, so I meant to take the 11:00 Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and arrive around noon—but I ended up more than an hour late!

Nobody gets mad when you’re late—that’s the upside of solo travel—but I get mad at myself!

I almost bought an ekiben on the Shinkansen platform without thinking, but somehow held out. If I ate there, I wouldn’t have room for lunch in Atami! I ended up arriving past 1:00 PM.

I arrived at Atami Station completely starving, and the McDonald’s right in front of me looked way too tempting—but luckily traffic was jammed, so I couldn’t go. Solo travel is full of traps! Eating at McDonald’s would have been fine, but it would have halved the point of coming to Atami.

With a stomach this empty, even these guys look like food! …No they don’t

Journey 2. Lunch is Alfonsino at a Famous Restaurant

Walking along the shopping street in front of Atami Station, a famous eatery featured on Atami guide sites comes into view.

Since I was completely empty (I’d overslept), I walked in without really checking the place (I was late), and they recommended the course—so I picked one with “simmered alfonsino.” I ordered a beer and waited about 10 minutes; the simmered dish that arrived was jet black.

Honestly, the simmered dish tasted fairly salty, so I was glad I’d ordered beer—but it wasn’t very good, so I won’t name the shop.

The course was supposed to come with sherbet for dessert, and I was looking forward to rinsing that salty taste with something sweet and cold—but the dessert was iced coffee!

Haaah?! Σ(￣□￣;)

The dessert is iced coffee!?

The dessert is iced coffee!?

The dessert is iced coffee!?

Doesn’t a salty mouth just turn into a bitter one? Be careful!

Journey 3. Sightseeing in Atami

Atami has a beach called “Atami Sun Beach.” In May, wanting to see the calm sand without swimmers, I left the eatery and walked toward the coast—then realized something along the way.

Atami Station is halfway up a mountain, Sun Beach is on the coastline!

Of course! It’s a slope, right?! Going down means climbing back up on the return.

At Atami Sun Beach, couples were scattered here and there, so I thoughtfully took a photo—of the couples!

It’s “Omiya” and “Kanichi”! And subtly backlit. In the story of “Omiya and Kanichi,” Kanichi kicks Omiya for his own sake—but as an ally of women everywhere, I want to kick Kanichi’s back.

It’s “The Back I Want to Kick.”

Classic beach play means the “brinkmanship game”—and almost without fail, I don’t stop until I get wet.

Journey 4. TEA Time at a Stylish Cafe

After playing in the waves at Sun Beach, I figured I’d head back to the inn—but of course the way back is uphill! Against the refreshing sea breeze, I climbed a mountain-grade slope that came out of nowhere, drenched in sweat, wandering steep little paths for 30 minutes with no idea where the inn was—until my smartphone battery finally died…

Σ（￣□￣;）

If the map (my phone) was gone too, worst case I’d be sleeping outdoors on an Atami hillside! Realizing that (not really going to happen (lol)), I looked around and spotted a cafe.

Blue Nine Cafe

They said it becomes a “BAR” at night, so I thought about coming back after a soak—but right now I’m gloriously lost on Atami’s steep little paths! I have no confidence I can find my way back (T_T).

Journey 5. Arriving at the Inn

Tonight’s inn is “Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami,” which I’d reserved. It’s a great-value plan with a “funamori alfonsino” platter, plus all-you-can-eat buffets for dinner and breakfast—I just want to get there fast and wash off this sweat from the hillside climb in a hot spring!

I want to wash it away!

I want to wash it away!

I want to wash it away!

Praying like that and staring at my phone map, I finally arrived—”Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami” was above me!

Σ（￣□￣;）

Now what? “Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami” towers far overhead, but there’s no way I’m climbing that stone wall. I checked Google Maps on the phone I’d charged at the cafe and sized up the situation!

I’m torn between going up then down, or down then up!

Thinking I’d go down then up (the blue route), I walked about 5m and noticed a normal “back door.” I’ll go in that way. (Still need to check in, though).

Check-in was at the 5th-floor front desk; I took the elevator up and checked in without a hitch. Out of frustration, I went back outside once to photograph the front entrance—something I probably could have done at checkout on the way out. Hotel staff might have thought, “What is this guy doing?”

Journey 6. Taking a Bath Before Dinner

As expected, I can’t photograph the large public bath, so I shot the post-bath lounge instead! There was a forest of manga—once you wander in, you can’t get out!

Manga is the best!

Gazing at bare-faced ladies in yukata, fresh from the bath and coming out cheerfully, while I read manga intently—it was truly Shangri-La. If I fell asleep like that, I’d miss dinner, so I forced myself back to my room!

Journey 7. Dinner is a Luxurious Buffet

When I got to the dinner venue (restaurant), families, couples, and women’s travel groups had already filled the tables—but I also spotted a solo male guest like me!

A comrade!

I shouted it in my heart, but didn’t actually approach. If anything, the table of two soft-looking ladies in picturesque post-bath yukata had an irresistible scent♡ Looking nervously—isn’t that solo male guest from earlier already sitting right next to them?

He wasn’t a comrade, he was a formidable rival!

There was a funamori alfonsino sashimi platter—and that I thought about bringing the whole boat over as-is is a secret. Destination: the table of that two-woman group! …That would only annoy the people it was brought to.

The all-you-can-eat sushi is delightful too, but with “sushi,” “soba,” “curry,” and “mixed rice,” I worried I couldn’t finish it all. Here, bringing the whole box to the ladies’ table…

Alright already, enough of that!

8 pieces of sushi, simmered dishes, chicken wings, 8 slices of sashimi, steak, tempura, mapo tofu, simmered alfonsino, chawanmushi, tofu, egg tofu, white soup (lol), fruit for dessert—appetite exploded right over romance! If I get in the bath after this, I’ll sink from sheer weight (I ate too much)!

Journey 8. Relaxing in the Room

In a cozy 7.5-tatami Japanese-style room, sitting in the chair by the window, I enjoy the ocean view of Atami.

It was a building view!

On a solo trip you don’t have to worry about anyone else, so I drink while watching a movie (anime) on a tablet in the room, and when I get sleepy, I lie down. Let’s sleep properly in a futon!

Journey 9. Breakfast is Also a Buffet

At the breakfast venue (restaurant), I sat at the same table as last night, the two-woman group sat at theirs, and the solo male guest sat next to them again—I thought they were assigned seats! Breakfast is buffet-style too.

No “greenery”! Man food!

Thinking this food might be what built my “selfish dosukoi body,” I reflect a little—then enjoy it thoroughly!

Recommended

Let’s take a closer look at Oedo Onsen Atami

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Journey 10. Moving from Atami to Odawara

Atami to Odawara takes 22 minutes on the local line (Tokaido Line). Even on a local, seats are fairly easy to find, so I let my guard down thinking “If I just sit quietly, 22 minutes is nothing”—then hit a stretch with no smartphone signal (T_T).

You weren’t sitting quietly! You were using the internet.

The paper lantern at Odawara Station is amazing. Leaving the station, I walk toward Odawara Castle.

Journey 11. Odawara Castle is Truly “Mountain Climbing”

Since it’s “Odawara Castle,” a famous Hojo stronghold from the Sengoku period, I figured it was a top-tier impregnable fortress. Looking at the scenery around the moat, I felt oddly at peace amid the graceful view—but one thought hit me: it’s huge, and the main gate is far! Still, walking the flat path along the moat felt good; even in the early-summer heat of May, it wasn’t hard—until I passed through the main gate and realized…

Could it be uphill all the way?

I’m no gutsy hiker—mountain climbing isn’t on my itinerary—but I’d let my guard down. This is a famous Sengoku castle; of course putting the keep on top of a hill makes it harder to attack. Still, having come this far I couldn’t turn back, so I climbed in the early-summer heat of May, reached the keep, and realized!

It’s blatantly a slope!

Thinking “the long-awaited keep” if I just finish this last slope, I pushed myself up, entered the castle tower—and as expected, realized!

After climbing the stairs of a 5-story building with no elevator, there’s an observation deck on the top floor of the keep. Are you telling me to climb five more floors of stairs from here?!

Sagami Bay from the keep’s observation deck is wonderful. Imagining Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s vast army pressing into this bay during the Conquest of Hojo was a moment of sending my thoughts back through history.

Journey 12. A Hot Spring on the Way Back!

I was sweaty from the Odawara Castle climb, but figuring there was no helping it, I headed toward the station thinking I’d eat and head home—when it appeared right in front of me, as if aimed at me!

A super sento appears. Odawara Ohoribata “Manyo no Yu”—as if designed to snare people who sweated it out at Odawara Castle and desperately need a shower, then reel them in. Showing up right before my eyes at this moment is far too perfect!

Morning hot springs in Atami, afternoon at an Odawara super sento—this Atami–Odawara solo male trip is done! Thank you very much!

Bonus: “Atami and Odawara 1-Night 2-Day Hot Spring Travelogue” Travel Expenses

Here are the costs for this Atami/Odawara 1-night 2-day hot spring trip.

The cost of a solo male 1-night 2-day hot spring trip to Atami and Odawara came to 34,148 JPY! Price-wise, I’m satisfied.

Enjoy a great time on your solo trip!

More on traveling Atami: “Easy to Access, Relaxing, and Great Hot Springs! Atami Sightseeing”

あわせて読みたい

Atami Travel Guide: Easy Access, Relaxing Hot Springs & Things to Do Atami is a charming seaside resort town that is easy to reach by train or car, especially from Tokyo. With beautiful ocean views, fresh seafood, local mountain cuisine, hot springs, and historic attractions, Atami offers a perfect blend of relaxation and sightseeing. After experiencing a revival in recent years, Atami has become a popular destination once again. In this article, we introduce the highlights of this rejuvenated hot spring town and the best ways to enjoy your visit.

Atami 1-Night 2-Day Hot Spring Travelogue (November 2022)

あわせて読みたい

Atami: 1-Night, 2-Day Hot Spring Trip for Solo Male Travelers (November 2022 Travelogue) This is the travelogue of my carefree solo trip in November 2022. I enjoyed a one-night, two-day hot spring trip to Atami. I eagerly headed to a restaurant near the station to try simmered splendid alfonsino, but it was so crowded that I couldn’t get in. I then went to my second choice—a sushi restaurant—to enjoy Atami’s local seafood, but somehow ended up ordering scallops from Hokkaido instead. Let’s keep that my little secret forever.

Recommended hotels in Odawara

＼Recommended Hotel: Tenseien Odawara Station Annex／

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Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

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“Atami,” a hot spring town easily accessible by both train and car, is an interesting and wonderful tourist spot with the sea, seafood, mountain produce, and sightseeing spots.

I want to go to Atami and relax…

That sounds wonderful! Atami is an easily accessible Japanese resort. The town has everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable getaway.

Why not enjoy a wonderful trip in Atami, which has recently regained its vitality?

Introducing an Itinerary for Traveling Atami

Atami Station to Enjoy Foot Baths

Arriving in Atami in 40 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, getting off at Atami Station, right in front of you is a healing spot: a foot bath. Why not start your Atami trip with a relaxing foot bath?

Atami Heiwa-dori Shopping Street

Right after leaving Atami Station, Heiwa-dori Shopping Street—lined with many souvenir shops, specialty stores, and places to eat—adds to the excitement of arriving in Atami. Atami is a fishing port, making it a shopping street where you can buy souvenirs (dried fish, etc.) made with locally caught seafood ingredients, or stop at a restaurant to enjoy kinmedai (alfonsino) or freshly caught fish.

When you feel a little hungry, street food is also a fun option. The local beer, Atami Beer, is also delicious.

The hot spring source “Fukufuku no Yu” located around the middle of the shopping street is a hand bath. Entering a “foot bath” in front of Atami Station, and entering a “hand bath” in the shopping street. Finishing with a full-body hot spring bath at an inn, it all adds to the hot-spring experience that Atami is known for—a uniquely Atami experience.

Atami is a Town of Slopes

Atami is a town built on steep slopes, a characteristic unique to Atami where you can enjoy the natural beauty stretching from the mountains to the sea. From Atami Station toward the sea, you descend Atami’s steep slope. Going down is easy, but returning is an uphill climb! It’s a good idea to plan your sightseeing route carefully.

Enjoying Atami’s Food

Seafood is particularly delicious in Atami; fresh seafood, especially sashimi and simmered dishes at city restaurants, is exquisite. “Simmered Kinmedai (Alfonsino),” which is a must-try, will take your Atami experience to the next level.

Power Spot of Kinomiya Shrine

Kinomiya Shrine, worshipped as a deity of bringing fortune and good luck, is also famous as a power spot. Be sure to visit Kinomiya Shrine, where walking around the sacred O-kusu tree—over 2,000 years old—is said to extend your lifespan and fulfill your wishes.

Atami Sun Beach

The name “Atami” literally evokes the image of a “hot sea,” which fits this seaside resort perfectly. Atami Sun Beach becomes packed with sea bathers in summer, but even just strolling along the comfortable coastline, the contrast between Atami’s city buildings built on steep mountains and the sea stretching to the horizon creates the distinctive beauty of Atami’s coastline.

The combination of Atami’s night view, coastline, and fireworks on a summer night—gazing at such fireworks together would be a wonderful experience.

Strolling in Atami City

Descending to the sea from Atami Station brings you to Atami City. In Atami City, pleasant tree-lined paths continue around a small stream. Strolling along the stream while touring souvenir shops and restaurants in Atami City might feel pleasant.

When tired from walking, take a rest at a stylish cafe☆

Relaxing in Hot Springs

Soothing the day’s fatigue in a hot spring, the relaxing Atami experience continues. Finishing daytime sightseeing, heading to an Atami inn, enjoying a delicious dinner, seafood, and walking inside the facility in a yukata, let’s slowly soak in a hot spring. Overlooking Atami’s fireworks from an ocean-view window is the perfect way to end the day! I want to go to Atami—easy to access and so enjoyable.

Summary: Introducing an Itinerary for Traveling Atami

This article introduces the sightseeing appeal of “Atami,” a resort destination blessed with a rich sea and hot springs, easily accessible in about 40 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo. It summarizes major sightseeing spots and travel pleasures where you can easily visit and relax mind and body—from the lively station vicinity to historical shrines and beautiful coastlines.

Atami is an ideal destination for an easy and relaxing getaway, offering a variety of sightseeing attractions, excellent food, and abundant hot springs. From day-trip strolls to stays at inns, it is filled with charm that lets you easily refresh according to your travel purpose.

This website is operated by "Don Don Travel Guide"

Author: Boon

Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.

Learn more about Don Don Travel Guide.

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