Guide · Atami
Atami without a car
By Minpaku X editorsUpdated 3 min read4 sources
The short answer
You don't need a car for Atami. The Tokaido Shinkansen reaches Atami from Tokyo in about 40–50 minutes, the local line in about 1 hour 45. In town, route buses climb the hills from the station, where Atami Umihoshi picks you up for free.
From Tokyo
The quickest way is the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo, Shinagawa or Shin-Yokohama. Kodama trains stop at Atami all day; a few Hikari do too. The JR Tokaido Line runs all the way without a change: slower and cheaper, with the sea on your left after Odawara.
| Train | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen Kodama | about 50 min | Stops at Atami all day |
| Shinkansen Hikari | about 40 min | Only some stop at Atami |
| JR Tokaido Line | about 1 h 45 min | No change; the sea after Odawara |
From Hakone and Odawara
Hakone and Atami are neighbours, but the mountains send the trains the long way round: the Hakone Tozan Line down to Odawara, then the shinkansen (about 10 minutes) or the Tokaido Line (about 25).
Sources: [1]
Getting around town
Atami climbs straight up from the bay, so the streets are steep. Tokai Bus route buses leave from the stands in front of Atami Station for the hills and the sights, and its Atami 1-day ticket covers them around town for ¥950 a day (¥850 on the EMot app). Buy it at the Tokai Bus counter by the station or in the app: it isn't sold on board. Taxis wait at the station.
The Yu~Yu~Bus sightseeing loop has been suspended since 11 October 2025, and Tokai Bus's page gives no date for its return. Fares and times change: check that page before you set out.
Sources: [3]
Up the hill to your stay
Atami Umihoshi meets you for free at Atami, Kinomiya or Ajiro Station, and in Hakone or at Odawara if you're coming from there; the drive from Atami Station takes 15 to 20 minutes. The pickup is never charged. For a door-to-door car, the host books a licensed hire car that bills you directly.
On Minpaku X, the 'no car needed' filter counts only public transport and a host's free pickup, never a taxi.
Sources: [2]
The last train back
We haven't printed a time here: it depends on the day. Check JR Central's timetable for the last shinkansen and the last Tokaido Line train to Tokyo before you plan a late dinner.
Sources: [4]
Questions
Do I need a car in Atami?
No. Trains reach Atami from Tokyo in under an hour, route buses climb the hills from the station, and some hosts pick you up from the station for free.
How long is the shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami?
About 50 minutes on a Kodama, which stops at Atami all day, or about 40 on the few Hikari that stop there.
Is there a bus around Atami?
Yes: Tokai Bus route buses from Atami Station, with a ¥950 day ticket (¥850 on the EMot app). The Yu~Yu~Bus sightseeing loop has been suspended since 11 October 2025; check Tokai Bus for its return.
Can I walk from Ajiro Station to Atami Umihoshi?
You can, but it's steep: 15 to 20 minutes uphill all the way. With luggage, take the free pickup.
Does the station pickup cost anything?
No. A host's pickup on Minpaku X is always free; a door-to-door car is a licensed hire car that bills you directly.
Sources
How we write guides: every figure that can change names its source and the day we read it; a figure marked 'to verify' is still to check against its primary source. Nobody pays to appear in a guide.
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