Atakawa Hot Spring, Shizuoka Prefecture Complete Guide｜Izu Hot Spring Resort Where Steam and Spectacular Views Intertwine
Atakawa Hot Spring, located in Higashi-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of the leading hot spring destinations on the Izu Peninsula, boasting abundant hot spring water and authentic hot spring atmosphere. The sight of steam rising throughout the town is truly characteristic of a hot spring resort. This article provides comprehensive information about Atakawa Hot Spring, from its history and spring quality to access methods and nearby tourist attractions, covering everything you should know before visiting.
About Atakawa Hot Spring｜Izu’s Hot Spring Town Enveloped in Steam
Atakawa Hot Spring is a hot spring destination located in Higashi-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, where 19 inns and hotels line up in the narrow terrain with mountains extending to the coast. Its greatest feature is that the source spring temperature is nearly 100°C, extremely hot. More than 15 hot spring towers stand within the small hot spring town, with steam rising from everywhere creating an authentic hot spring atmosphere.
Spreading out from Izu Atakawa Station on the Izu Kyuko Line, the compact hot spring town is concentrated with charm as a hot spring destination, offering various ways to enjoy it from day-trip bathing to accommodation at this hot spring resort.
History and Origin of Atakawa Hot Spring
Several legends remain about the discovery of Atakawa Hot Spring. The most famous involves a tale related to Ota Dokan, the warrior known for building Edo Castle during the Muromachi period. According to the legend, when Ota Dokan visited this area during a hunt, he discovered the hot spring after seeing a monkey healing its wounds in the steaming river. This discovery legend is passed down locally as evidence of the hot spring’s ancient existence and a story attesting to the high efficacy of the spring.
Historical records show that during the Sengoku and Edo periods, this area’s hot spring was used as a therapeutic bathing resort. The modern Atakawa Hot Spring developed as a hot spring resort through tourism development in the Showa period. With the opening of the Izu Kyuko Line, access from Tokyo improved, and it became a popular hot spring destination attracting many tourists.
Spring Quality and Benefits of Atakawa Hot Spring｜Abundant Hot Water Generated by 100°C High-Temperature Source Springs
Characteristics of the Hot Spring and Bath Water
Atakawa Hot Spring’s source spring temperature is approximately 100°C, extremely hot, and this high temperature is the factor supporting the abundant hot spring water. The spring quality is primarily sodium chloride spring water, and while colorless and transparent, it contains solid hot spring components.
Main Spring Quality:
- Sodium and Calcium-Chloride and Sulfate Spring
- Source Spring Temperature: Approximately 95–100°C
- pH Value: Weakly Alkaline
- Discharge Volume: Approximately 16,000 liters per minute (one of the abundant hot spring volumes in Izu)
Many facilities offer source spring run-off bathing, allowing guests to enjoy fresh hot spring water. The high-temperature source spring is piped to each inn and hotel, adjusted to comfortable temperature, and used.
Benefits of the Hot Spring
Chloride spring water is also called “hot water,” known for its high heat retention effect. The following benefits can be expected from Atakawa Hot Spring:
- Neuralgia and Muscle Pain: Blood circulation promotion through thermal effects
- Joint Pain and Frozen Shoulder: Inflammation relief through hot spring components
- Cold Sensitivity: Heat retention effect from salt content
- Fatigue Recovery: Relaxation effects and blood circulation promotion
- Health Improvement: Autonomic nerve adjustment through hot spring bathing
- Cuts and Burns: Sterilization effects from chloride
- Chronic Skin Conditions: Skin improvement through hot spring components
The “wound-healing” effect in the Ota Dokan legend is thought to have been based on the actual efficacy of the spring quality.
Attractions of Atakawa Hot Spring｜Hot Spring Town Atmosphere and Convenience
Hot Spring Atmosphere Created by Steam
The greatest attraction of Atakawa Hot Spring is the landscape of steam rising from the hot spring towers lining the town. More than 15 hot spring towers are scattered throughout, and the sight of steam rising morning and evening truly gives the feeling of “visiting a hot spring destination.”
Especially in early morning and dusk, the steam envelops the town, creating a fantastical atmosphere. This landscape of steam has captivated many photographers and tourists as a symbol of Atakawa Hot Spring.
Spectacular Ocean-View Open-Air Baths
Since Atakawa Hot Spring is located along the coast, many inns and hotels offer open-air baths with ocean views. Bathing in hot springs while overlooking Sagami Bay is special, and on clear days, you can also see Izu Oshima and the Izu Seven Islands.
The experience of watching the sunrise over the ocean from an open-air bath is a luxury unique to Atakawa Hot Spring. At night, you can also enjoy the fishing fires and starry sky, and the changing appearance of the ocean depending on the time of day enriches the hot spring experience.
Compact and Convenient Hot Spring Town
The hot spring town, centered on Izu Atakawa Station and compactly arranged, is ideal for exploring on foot. Access from the station to each inn and hotel is good, with most facilities located within a 10-minute walk.
The hot spring town is equipped with foot bath spots and walking trails, allowing non-guests to enjoy the hot spring atmosphere. In recent years, a new attraction called “lantern passageway” has appeared, increasing the charm of nighttime hot spring town exploration.
Recommended Hotels and Inns at Atakawa Hot Spring
Luxury Resort Inns
Izu Retreat Atakawa Suikou by Wako Chishin
All 16 rooms are luxuriously equipped with private open-air baths with ocean views. You can enjoy source spring run-off hot springs in each room, making it ideal for those prioritizing private time. This is a retreat-concept inn where modern Japanese space and nostalgic atmosphere blend, allowing guests to spend special time away from daily life.
Ocean Resort Hotels
Atakawa Ocean Resort
A resort hotel boasting a spectacular ocean view location overlooking Sagami Bay. The view from the open-air bath is magnificent, and bathing in hot springs while watching the sunrise is exceptional. Equipped with a large bath and open-air bath utilizing abundant hot spring water, you can enjoy hot spring bathing to your heart’s content.
Hotel Takami (Yu-yado Takami Hotel)
A highly convenient location right from Izu Atakawa Station. All rooms offer ocean views, with the observation open-air bath popular. Private use is possible from 8 PM to midnight, allowing couples and families to enjoy private hot spring time. A distinctive service is enjoying alcohol in the bath.
Casual Hot Spring Inns
The hot spring town has many inns where you can stay at reasonable prices. Some facilities offer one night with two meals for as low as 10,000 yen, and the abundance of options according to budget is also a charm of Atakawa Hot Spring.
Enjoying Day-Trip Hot Springs
At Atakawa Hot Spring, you can enjoy hot springs without staying overnight.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities
Multiple inns and hotels accept day-trip bathing, allowing you to experience spectacular open-air baths casually. Fees typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 yen, and many facilities offer towel set plans.
Foot Bath Spots
Foot bath spots are scattered throughout the hot spring town. Free to enjoy and easily accessible during sightseeing, foot bath spots are popular with tourists. Foot bathing while viewing the ocean allows day-trippers to fully experience the Atakawa atmosphere.
Yu Beach
A unique spot specific to Atakawa Hot Spring is “Yu Beach.” It’s a natural hot spring pool-like place where hot springs emerge on the coast, allowing you to enjoy both sea bathing and hot springs simultaneously during summer.
Access Methods to Atakawa Hot Spring
Access by Train
From Tokyo Area:
- Limited Express “Odoriko” from JR Tokyo Station in about 2 hours to Izu Atakawa Station
- Change to Izu Kyuko Line at JR Atami Station, arriving at Izu Atakawa Station in about 50 minutes
- Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station in about 40 minutes, then Izu Kyuko Line in about 50 minutes
From Nagoya Area:
- Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station in about 1 hour 30 minutes, change to Izu Kyuko Line for about 50 minutes
Izu Atakawa Station is one of the main stations on the Izu Kyuko Line, with Limited Express “Odoriko” also stopping there. From the station to each accommodation, use walking or hotel shuttle buses.
Access by Car
From Tokyo Area:
- About 2 hours from Atsugi IC on the Tomei Expressway
- Via Odawara-Atsugi Road, heading south on National Route 135
- Route via Izu Skyline also available (with good scenery)
Parking Information:
Nearly all inns and hotels are equipped with free parking. For day-trip hot spring use, you can typically use the facility’s parking lot.
Address and Basic Information
- Location: Nara and Atakawa Districts, Higashi-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Nearest Station: Izu Atakawa Station on the Izu Kyuko Line
- Inquiries: Atakawa Hot Spring Inn Association
- Official Website: https://atagawa.net/
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Here are nearby tourist attractions you should visit when going to Atakawa Hot Spring.
Atakawa Banana Crocodile Garden
A popular leisure spot in an excellent location, just a 1-minute walk from Izu Atakawa Station. Approximately 140 crocodiles from around the world are displayed, allowing you to see 17 different crocodile species. Greenhouses using hot spring heat cultivate bananas and tropical plants, allowing you to experience tropical atmosphere year-round.
In the botanical garden area, you can enjoy colorful tropical flowers and rare fruit trees, with red pandas also popular. An ideal tourist spot for families.
Atakawa Herb Terrace
Located about a 3-minute walk from Izu Atakawa Station on a hillside with nature. Surrounded by forests and bamboo groves where squirrels and wild birds fly, you can enjoy various herbs and seasonal flowers.
One of the appeals is that you can enter with your pet dog. There’s also a shop selling herb tea and herb goods, ideal for souvenir shopping.
Atakawa You Yu Beach
A unique beach using hot springs emerging on the coast. During summer, you can enjoy both sea bathing and hot springs simultaneously, a rare spot. Since shell gathering is also possible, it’s popular with families with children.
Inatori Hot Spring and Izu Okawa Hot Spring
South and north of Atakawa Hot Spring are neighboring hot springs like Inatori Hot Spring and Izu Okawa Hot Spring. If you want to enjoy hot spring hopping, visiting these hot springs is recommended.
Izu Animal Kingdom (formerly Izu Biopark)
A zoo about 15 minutes by car away. You can observe large animals like rhinoceros, giraffes, and white tigers up close, with abundant hands-on experiences. With attractions like an observation wheel and go-kart, it’s a facility where you can enjoy a full day.
Jogasaki Coast
A scenic spot about 30 minutes by car away. A rough coastline about 9 km long was created approximately 4,000 years ago by the Daiomuro Mountain eruption, with lava flowing into the sea. The view from the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge is spectacular, popular as a photography spot.
Ways to Enjoy Atakawa Hot Spring｜Model Courses
1-Night 2-Day Plan
Day 1:
- 12:00 Arrive at Izu Atakawa Station
- 12:30 Hot spring town exploration, foot bath hopping
- 14:00 Check in at inn/hotel
- 15:00 Relax in hot spring
- 18:00 Dinner (enjoying local seafood)
- 20:00 Nighttime hot spring town exploration, enjoy lantern passageway
- 21:00 Return to hot spring
Day 2:
- 6:00 Morning bath watching sunrise
- 8:00 Breakfast
- 10:00 Check out
- 10:30 Visit Atakawa Banana Crocodile Garden
- 12:00 Lunch
- 13:00 Nearby sightseeing (Jogasaki Coast, etc.)
- 16:00 Depart
Day-Trip Plan
Day-Trip Course:
- 10:00 Arrive at Izu Atakawa Station
- 10:30 Atakawa Banana Crocodile Garden
- 12:00 Lunch (seafood cuisine)
- 13:30 Day-trip hot spring (spectacular open-air bath)
- 15:30 Hot spring town exploration, souvenir shopping
- 16:30 Depart
Gourmet Information at Atakawa Hot Spring
Seafood
Facing Sagami Bay, Atakawa Hot Spring boasts fresh seafood. You can enjoy local hot spring cuisine including kinmedai (alfonsino) simmered, sashimi, spiny lobster, and abalone. Kinmedai is known as a famous product of Izu, provided by many inns.
Local Ingredients
South fruit like bananas and mangoes cultivated using hot spring heat are also specialty products. Banana soft ice cream sold at Atakawa Banana Crocodile Garden is a must-try.
Hot Spring Buns and Souvenirs
Souvenir shops dealing with hot spring buns and local specialty products are scattered throughout the hot spring town. A wide variety of souvenirs is available, including sweets inspired by hot spring steam and Izu seafood processed products.
Seasonal Enjoyment of Atakawa Hot Spring
Spring (March–May)
During cherry blossom season, you can enjoy flower viewing around the hot spring town. The mild climate makes it ideal for exploration. Golden Week is crowded, but it’s a good time to enjoy hot springs and ocean scenery.
Summer (June–August)
The only season to enjoy both sea bathing and hot springs simultaneously at Yu Beach. Summer vacations bring crowds of families. Hot springs feel pleasant even in summer mornings and evenings, making it popular as a summer retreat.
Autumn (September–November)
A season with stable climate, ideal for enjoying hot springs. Autumn flavors are abundant, with seafood like kinmedai becoming even more delicious. During autumn foliage season, surrounding mountains also color up, with beautiful scenery.
Winter (December–February)
The season when hot springs are most desired. Winter is when Atakawa Hot Spring’s high-temperature spring truly shines. Clear air provides exceptional open-air bath views. Izu Oshima and Mount Fuji may be visible.
Reviews and Reputation of Atakawa Hot Spring
Overall Satisfaction
Visitors to Atakawa Hot Spring have left the following high ratings:
High-Evaluation Points:
- Abundant hot spring water with source spring run-off bathing
- Spectacular ocean-view open-air baths
- Excellent hot spring town atmosphere with evocative steam
- Excellent accessibility from Tokyo
- Fresh, delicious seafood
- Abundant tourist attractions including Atakawa Banana Crocodile Garden
Points for Improvement:
- Small hot spring town scale with few nighttime entertainment facilities
- Many sloped areas, difficult for those with leg concerns
- Crowded on weekends and holidays
Visitor Comments
“The sight of rising steam was wonderful, allowing full enjoyment of hot spring atmosphere. The sunrise view from the open-air bath was moving.” (50s female)
“The accessibility from Tokyo with a 2-hour express is attractive. Perfect for weekend short trips.” (30s male)
“The simmered kinmedai was exquisite. Fully satisfied enjoying both hot springs and seafood.” (40s female)
Precautions When Visiting Atakawa Hot Spring
Reservations
Weekends, holidays, and particularly Golden Week, summer vacation, and year-end/new-year periods get crowded. Early reservation is recommended. Weekdays are relatively quiet, allowing leisurely hot spring enjoyment.
Clothing and Belongings
The hot spring town has many slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can get cool, so bringing something to wear is wise.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Business Hours
Day-trip hot spring reception hours vary by facility, but most accept until about 1–3 PM. Checking in advance is recommended.
Conclusion｜Experience Special Hot Spring Moments at Atakawa Hot Spring
Atakawa Hot Spring in Higashi-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, with steam rising from nearly 100°C high-temperature source springs, spectacular ocean-view open-air baths, and fresh seafood, is a hot spring destination with concentrated charm as a hot spring resort.
The good accessibility from Tokyo by express in about 2 hours is also attractive, allowing enjoyment in various styles from weekend short trips to full hot spring vacations. The compact hot spring town centered on Izu Atakawa Station is ideal for foot exploration, and wandering the hot spring town while viewing rising steam is exceptional.
With tourist attractions like Atakawa Banana Crocodile Garden fully equipped, you can enjoy tourism in addition to hot springs, characteristic of Atakawa Hot Spring. Recommendable for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Source spring run-off abundant hot water, spectacular Sagami Bay views, and hot spring atmosphere-filled townscapes. Enjoy special hot spring experiences at Atakawa Hot Spring, forgetting daily life. Atakawa Hot Spring, with unique charm among the Izu and Hakone regions, will surely become a memorable hot spring destination in your heart.
