Atami Onsen: These hot springs will make you feel like you're floating in the ocean

If you’re itching for a quick getaway from the hustle of Tokyo, don’t fret – the onsen (hot spring) town of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is closer than you think. It’s located on the Izu peninsula, a scenic bit of the mainland that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, just over an hour southwest of the metropolis.

Atami is a cultural landmark with healing waters where Japanese – including Edo Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa – have been visiting for over 1,000 years. The town’s sulfate and salt-rich hot springs are great for relaxing the entire body and healing minor aches and pains.

Even if you don’t have an entire weekend to spare, there are excellent onsen resorts in the city that accommodate day-trippers, too. There are some gorgeous ocean-side hot springs to check out and a few attractions along the way. Let’s explore…

Ajiro Onsen Hiratsuru

This onsen features indoor and outdoor baths. However, its major feature is an open-air bath with such amazing views of Sagami Bay you’ll feel like you’re actually floating in the ocean. The water in the baths is drained every night so you need not worry about soaking in old water.

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© GaijinPot Travel