Marine Spa Atami Marine Spa Atami is an all-weather health and exercise facility where anyone can easily enjoy Atami’s hot springs while taking in a seaside view unique to the city. A blue ocean stretches out before you, and beyond the soothing feeling of the hot springs themselves, Atami’s celebrated natural scenery comforts visitors. Since bathing suits are required, visitors can enjoy the hot springs without gender separation, making it easy for families, couples, and groups of friends to spend pleasant time together. You can get active on an approximately 8-meter-high water slide and in the hot spring pool, or take your time restoring your body in the health hot bath and bathing facilities. There are many ways to enjoy the facility. Address / 4-39 Wadahaminamicho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0023 Phone / 0557-86-2020 Access / About 10 minutes by bus from JR Atami Station toward Atami Port or Ajiro → get off at Marine Spa Atami (Please inquire about shuttle bus operation) Hours / 10:00–19:00 (last admission at 18:30) * Hours may vary during the New Year holidays and summer season Closed / Every Thursday (see the official page for other closed days) Admission / Adults 1,360 yen; elementary and junior high students 680 yen; ages 3 to preschool 420 yen; under 3 years 310 yen (see the official page for other pricing) Parking / Adjacent municipal Wadahama Parking Lot, 125 spaces (municipal rate 110 yen per 30 minutes; bring your parking ticket for a 2-hour discount) * During busy periods such as summer, entry restrictions may be applied * Temporary closures may occur, so please check the official page in advance

Jacaranda Flowers Are you familiar with jacaranda, a member of the Bignoniaceae family native to South America? As shown in the photos, it produces clusters of purple flowers like bunches of grapes, and the contrast of green leaves and purple blooms makes it a very beautiful deciduous tall tree. In Atami City, you can find tall trees (towering overhead) and smaller shrubs (at eye level) along Route 135 (the Jacaranda Promenade in Tokaigancho to Shinshicho “Waterside Park” along the sidewalk, and inside Waterside Park). Although jacaranda’s flowering season in Japan is said to be June, it is extremely rare for it to bloom outdoors on the mainland because of the climate. Some years in Atami saw no flowering at all, and some trees bloom a second time in September or October rather than only in June. Even when they do bloom, not all trees flower; some years only a few trees bloom. Some trees produce many flowers, some only a single cluster, and some not at all. How much will bloom this season? ※Bougainvillea along the Itagawa River also reaches its best viewing at the same time, so please visit both. Main jacaranda planting locations and numbers ● Jacaranda Promenade (along Route 135, beside the sun deck) … one tall tree about 10 m, four trees 3–5 m, and 100 shrubs 1–2 m ● Along Route 135, downbound (from the Central Police Box to Waterside Park Section 2) … 20 trees 5–6 m ● Waterside Park Section 3 … one tall tree of about 2 m near the pedestrian bridge, and five shrubs on the Wada River slope Total above: 25 tall trees (non-shrub) and 105 shrubs History ・In July 1990, one tree was planted in Omiya Green Space to commemorate the sister-city partnership with Cascais, Portugal ・In 2000, 24 trees were planted along the national highway (diagonally in front of the Central Police Box to in front of the Waterside Park event plaza) (Since then, some have been transplanted and others newly planted.) ・In April 2013, trees were planted in Waterside Park Section 2 (in front of the Tourist Association) and Section 3 (three trees in Section 2 and two in Section 3) ・On June 1, 2013, the “Jacaranda Promenade” was completed in Omiya Green Space (45 young trees planted) ・From September 2013 to June 2014, Omiya Green Space (west side) was developed (planting), and a few trees were transplanted from along the national highway ・June 2014, completion of the “Jacaranda Promenade” Address / Tokaigancho to Nagisacho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Park and Greenery Division) Access / To the Jacaranda Promenade (Omiya no Matsu) ■ About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station ■ About a 5-minute bus ride from JR atami station toward Atami Port → get off at “Omiya no Matsu” Parking / City-operated paid parking (East parking lot, Waterside Park, etc.) and others

Nishikigaura One of Atami’s scenic spots. This celebrated coastline of sheer cliffs stretches about 1 kilometer south from Uomizaki, the gateway to the Izu Peninsula. (Uomizaki–Nishikigaura–Sogaura totals about 2 kilometers) When the sun rises, its light pours over the bay and flashes in five brilliant colors, so the place took the poetic name Nishikigaura, borrowing the image of woven brocade from Kyoto. Remnants of the Atami-Taga volcano remain here, and legends linked to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kato Kiyomasa still survive. The cliffs tower about 80 meters high. Strange rock formations carved by the rough waves—Kabuto Rock, Bedrock, Eboshi Rock, Benten Rock—stand in a row, while Hatsushima and Oshima float offshore. For the best view, head to the area near Hotel New Akao and the cafe “Hana no Yousei.” Note: Access to Hotel New Akao’s rooftop garden is limited to hotel guests only. Thank you for your understanding. Address / 〒413-0033 Atami, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (near Hotel New Akao) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Ajiro for about 15 minutes and get off at Nishikigaura Parking / None

Atami Sightseeing Boat SANREMO (Sanremo) The Sanremo was named after Atami’s sister city, the Italian port town of Sanremo. Departing from Shinsui Park Third Pier (at the mouth of the Hatsukawa River), this roughly 30-minute cruise passes offshore sites such as Nishikigaura and Sogaura, turns back just before Akanesaki, and offers sea views of Atami, the Manazuru Peninsula, Kawana in Ito City, and Izu Oshima. In the underwater observation room with glass windows, you can see fish from inside the boat. If you climb the steps to the open deck, you can feed the seagulls and feel as if you are flying over the sea with them. The vessel has a capacity of 50 passengers, and small pets are allowed on board. Enjoy cruising around Atami. Address / 3rd District, Shinsui Park (near Hatsukawa), Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0014 Phone / 0557-52-6657 Access / About 10 minutes by bus from JR atami station bound for Atami Port, Korakuen, or Ajiro Asahi-cho → get off at Shinsui Park → 1-minute walk Departure times / 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 12:00, 13:00, 13:40, 14:20, 15:00, 15:40 (approx. 30 minutes) Closed / Every Tuesday, in severe weather, and during maintenance. Please check the official website beforehand just in case. Fares / Adults (junior high school and older) ¥1,700; Children (ages 3 to elementary school) ¥900 Children under 3 free; small dogs free; discounts available for people with disabilities. Parking / Adjacent municipal Shinsui Park Second Parking Lot and others (municipal parking rate: ¥110 per 30 minutes) Tickets are available at the boarding point. Routes may change or services may be canceled due to weather. The underwater observation room is only likely to show fish before departure.

Shinsui Park - Moon Terrace A waterside park stretching south from Sun Beach. Atami City is a sister city of Sanremo in northern Italy, and because the terrain and townscape are similar, the park was developed with the image of a northern Mediterranean resort. The first section, Sky Deck, evokes the South of Europe and the Côte d'Azur and is primarily brick. The second section, Rainbow Deck, evokes the northern Italian Riviera of Sanremo and is mainly stone. The third section, Nagisa Deck, linked by Nagisa Small Park and a pedestrian bridge, evokes the Bay of Naples in southern Italy and features planted flowers and trees. The park is loved by locals and visitors alike as a place for walks, sunbathing, events, and commemorative photos. ・March 1997: Completion of the first section (including Moon Terrace), approximately 170 by 50 meters ・March 2000: Completion of the second section (138 meters) ・April 2009: Completion of the third section, approximately 160 by 40 meters Nicknames ・September 2003: Names decided for the first section as Sky Deck and the second section as Rainbow Deck ・October 2009: Name decided for the third section as Nagisa Deck Address / 〒413-0014 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Atami Port for about 10 minutes and get off at Ginza or Shinsui Park-shita Parking / Municipal Shinsui Park parking lot, 140 spaces (municipal parking: 110 yen per 30 minutes)

Atami Ropeway Just in front of the Atami Korakuen bus stop, enjoy a retro gondola and a roughly three-minute aerial stroll. When you step off the ropeway, you arrive at the summit of Mt. Hachiman, Atami’s premier observation point. From the summit terrace you can look down over Atami city. On clear days you can see the Boso Peninsula and Miura Misaki to the east, Hatsushima in the foreground to the south, and far out in the Pacific Ocean, Izu Oshima. At the tip of the observation deck is the Umi-Sora Terrace, where you can feel how close the sea and sky are. Pay attention also to the lovers’ memory spot, the Aijo Monument, the popular Umi-Sora Cafe known for its ice cream, and the Koimikuji Hall. Address / 8-15 Wadahamaminami-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0023 Phone / 0557-81-5800 Access [Foot of the Mountain Station (in front of Korakuen Hotel)] From JR atami station take the bus bound for Atami Port/Korakuen for about 10 minutes and get off at "Korakuen." [Summit Station] From JR atami station take the Yu-Yu bus for about 15 minutes and get off at Atami Castle, then walk about 3 minutes. Business Hours / First uphill 9:30, last uphill 17:00, last downhill 17:30 Open year-round (may close temporarily during severe weather or maintenance) Fees/ Adults (junior high school and older) one way 400 yen, round trip 700 yen Children (ages 4 to elementary school) one way 300 yen, round trip 400 yen Parking / Use the Atami Korakuen Hotel multi-story parking garage (show your parking ticket at the counter for 2 hours free)

Atami Sun Beach A blue sea and white sand, a row of hotels, and a palm-lined promenade create a beach that feels like an upscale overseas resort. In summer it serves as a bathing beach and, as a place to stroll along the sand or play in the waves, it is popular with families and couples. At dawn you can see a beautiful scene as the sunrise rises from the horizon, dyeing the beach and town, and at night the beach is lit in a magical display—the first beach illumination in Japan—designed by world-renowned lighting designer Mikako Ishii. During the summer season many people use the beach as a swimming area, and the hugely popular Sun Beach Water Park is also thriving. The beach is frequently used as a location for TV and photo shoots, including the drama Hibana. Address / 〒413-0012 Higashikaigancho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture Phone / 0557-86-6218 (Atami City Parks and Greenery Division) Access / About a 20-minute walk from JR atami station / About 5 minutes by bus from JR atami station toward Atami Port or Momijigaoka → get off at Sun Beach → about a 3-minute walk Hours / Swimming permitted during the beach season from 9:00 to 16:00 Illumination every night from sunset to 22:00 (lights off during fireworks displays) Parking / Adjacent municipal Higashi Parking Lot, 250 spaces (municipal P parking fee: 110 yen per 30 minutes) *This is a non-smoking beach; please smoke only in designated areas.

Hatsushima, a small island floating off Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a 30-minute boat ride from Atami Port. The island measures about 4 km around. Wrapped in a tropical atmosphere, Hatsushima is full of nature! You can enjoy park walks among seasonal flowers, an athletic course, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and many other activities. The island’s greatest appeal is its food. In addition to fresh seafood, you’ll find restaurants and cafes with a distinctly tropical vibe. On Hatsushima, the island’s popular annual winter event “Hatsushima Fishermen’s Donburi Battle” is now under way! All 13 local fishers’ eateries on the island, plus the terrace restaurant ENAK, a total of 14 venues, are offering original donburi dishes. For the event period only, a special value set ticket is on sale that includes a round-trip boat ticket on the Hatsushima route and meal coupons valid at participating island restaurants. Take this chance to savor Hatsushima’s delicious donburi. Hatsushima Fishermen’s Donburi Battle Period: Saturday, February 10, 2024 to Sunday, March 10, 2024 Donburi Battle set ticket (round-trip boat + meal coupon): Adults 3,990 yen (regular 4,400 yen); Children 2,800 yen (regular 3,000 yen) Set tickets sold at: Atami Port ticket counter

Today, Monday, February 12 (substitute holiday), marks the first Atami Marine Fireworks Festival of 2024! Fireworks are held in many places, but Atami’s defining feature is its launch site. Because the fireworks are set off over Atami Bay, a sea surrounded on three sides by mountains, the sound echoes as if you were in a stadium. Watching from the shoreline lets the sound resonate through your body, so you can feel the full impact! We will hold this year’s events as listed below, so please come and experience Atami’s fireworks at least once! 2024 (Reiwa 6) Atami Marine Fireworks Festival dates (scheduled) February 12 (Monday, substitute holiday) · February 24 (Saturday) · March 20 (Wednesday, public holiday) April 13 (Saturday) · May 2 (Thursday) July 26 (Friday) · August 5 (Monday) · August 8 (Thursday) · August 18 (Sunday) · August 23 (Friday) September 16 (Monday, public holiday) · October 19 (Saturday) · November 4 (Monday, substitute holiday) December 8 (Sunday) Time: 20:20–20:40 (July and August only: 20:20–20:45) Venue: Atami Bay Viewing areas: Atami Sun Beach to the waterfront park and others Note: The event goes ahead even in rain.

The lighthouse at the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, Shiocape, and the Pacific Ocean seen from the lighthouse are magnificent.

It is a sunset view of the coast of Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture. I took a picture with a slow shutter.

I went to Kujukuri Beach in early January 2024. I experienced two mornings, and I was so impressed by its beauty that I went crazy to shoot it. Is it an impression that it is only if you are a citizen of the prefecture without the sea? Ever-changing lights and colors. Is it a scene unique to winter?

A wide area of the southern Izu Peninsula, including Nishi-Izu and Minami-Izu, formed from submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands that erupted before Izu collided with the main island of Honshu. Senganmon, which lies at the end of a walking path, and Mt. Eboshi, seen to the right of Senganmon, are parts of a volcanic neck—the exposed "magma conduits" that once lay beneath submarine volcanoes. At Senganmon, a tunnel carved by the waves cuts through the center of the rock, forming a huge gate-like opening. Locals once likened this to the gate of Kumomi Sengen Shrine at the summit of Mt. Eboshi and called it Sengenmon, but it later became known as Senganmon, meaning it is worth a thousand kanme (an old measure of value), or "a gate worth a thousand coins."

This is the Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association in Shizuoka Prefecture. Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, sits at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, a natural treasure where verdant mountains meet crystal-clear seas. In upcoming Cool Japan videos, we will fully introduce the charms of this small town of about 8,000 residents, leaving nothing out. Stay tuned! For this first post, we will briefly share recommended spots and travel information for Minami-Izu Town, and we plan to introduce as many places as possible. ■■■ Introducing sightseeing spots in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Minami-Izu Town offers many spots to enjoy the beauty of nature! You are sure to find a favorite place of your own. ◇ Irozaki Ocean Park Irouzaki Ocean Park opened in 2019 on a 100-meter cliff as a facility to better enjoy Irouzaki. Parking and rest facilities are available, and the Minami Izu Visitor Center inside the park provides geo-site explanations and tours. Irouzaki is also popular as a power spot for matchmaking. ◇ Yuigahama Beach This beach stretches 1.2 kilometers of pure white sand. It has a gently sloping seabed and calm waves, and it is busy with swimmers in summer. The stunning sunsets over the open sea make it a popular photo spot. ◇ Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana This roadside station at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula offers fresh local vegetables and specialty products. It’s a great place to find souvenirs and local gourmet food, so be sure to stop by when visiting Minami-Izu Town. The facility also features a footbath using Shimogamo Onsen water to soothe your travel fatigue. ◇ Hagachizaki Monkey Bay At Hagachizaki, a wild monkey park attracts about 300 monkeys that come to feed, allowing close observation of their behavior. It is one of the largest monkey parks in eastern Japan. ◇ Hirizo Beach Hidden between Irouzaki and Nakagi, this beach is accessible only by boat and boasts exceptional water clarity. The area is part of a national park, preserving vast, unchanging natural scenery. ■■■ Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Surrounded by the sea, Minami-Izu Town is blessed with seafood, letting you fully savor the ocean’s bounty. ◇ Spiny lobster (ise-ebi) Minami-Izu Town ranks first in Shizuoka Prefecture and ninth nationwide for spiny lobster catch volume. The spiny lobster caught here is known for its size and rich flavor. ◇ Turban shell (sazae) and abalone The coastal waters around Minami-Izu Town are rich in seaweed, producing nutritious, flavorful turban shells and abalone. Sazae-meshi, a dish that lavishly uses the meaty local turban shell, won the top prize at the 2012 Izu Specialty Market. ■■■ Events and festivals in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Minami-Izu Town hosts various events and festivals throughout the seasons. ◇ Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival About 800 cherry trees line the banks of the Aono River and reach full bloom a little earlier than elsewhere. Along the river by Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana, the festival features lotteries, food stalls, and nighttime cherry blossom illuminations timed with the blooms. The carpet of pink cherry blossoms and yellow rape blossoms together is a sight worth seeing. ◇ Yuigahama Fireworks Festival This fireworks festival takes place at Yuigahama, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches, where powerful offshore fireworks can be enjoyed from the sand. ■■■ Hot springs and accommodations in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Shimogamo Onsen is a historic and beloved hot spring; soaking there lets you forget daily noise and refresh both body and mind. With the sea nearby, hotels, minshuku, and ryokan at Shimogamo Onsen serve exquisite dishes featuring abundant seafood and local ingredients. We will continue to share attractive information about recommended spots to inspire viewers of Cool Japan videos to visit Minami-Izu Town. We warmly await your visit! Please enjoy a wonderful trip to Minami-Izu Town!

Photographed at Chichibugahama Beach in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture It is 🫧 called the Salar de Uyuni in Japan It's not a picture of a mirror in the sky, Just looking at the sea is very soothing ☺️

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future From Kobe to the ⛴️ world yes, yes, I think it's good. See statue It's a trading town.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future I like the view from here and have taken pictures before, but Meriken Park has changed a lot from the past, and the number of tourists has increased and it has become lively.

This photo was taken at a service area along the sea in Ishikawa Prefecture. I thought the contrast between the sunset sun and the Sea of Japan was beautiful, so I applied!

Local symbol: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge At the Dream Lens Hyogo Prefecture Kobe City Akashi Kaikyo Bridge I'm used to seeing it, so I don't shoot much, but from the camera lens, I can see it through the dream lens.

It is the sunset of Miyakojima. The sun setting over the beautiful sea of Miyakojima was mysterious.

Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture is a sight that I don't see very often, but I would like to visit it again if I have a chance

Fishing port in Kumihama, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture This is the best and smallest fishing port I've ever seen, but it's a very atmospheric place.

Gulf art in Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture The bay has become art here, and I was impressed when I came. It was also an Instagrammable spot, and there were quite a few young photographers who were all photographed in fashionable clothes It's not fun to shoot normally, so everyone was laughing at my family's style, so the atmosphere of the place was relaxed and it was 😌 fun

Mt. Fuji seen from Tateishi Park in Yokosuka City is a work of art itself. I want to see this scenery forever.

I took this photo at the couple's cape in Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture.

Hello everyone! Today's weather in Ginoza Village is sunny and the temperature is 19 degrees. It's a little chilly, but it's a 🌞 good day to go out Today, I would like to introduce ♪ you to the roadside station "Ginoza", where the Ginoza Village Tourism Association is located The roadside station "Ginoza" is a very popular roadside station for families, with large playground equipment, a water play area, and a kids' room that can be enjoyed by infants to 3 years old! In addition, the sea spreads out in front of you, and the view from the observation hall on the third floor is superb 🌟 Of course, you can also enjoy 😋 delicious food You can enjoy Okinawa soba noodles made with Ginoza Village's specialty potato noodles, seafood bowls, and sweets made with strawberries at this time of year! When you come to Okinawa, be sure to 😊 stop by

Eku Town, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture. In winter, the Seto Inland Sea is very beautiful with sunlight shining on the surface of the sea.

It is a nori net of Aosa in Yaguchiura, Kihoku Town, Mie Prefecture. Grown in the calm waters of the waves, the flavorful sea lions are harvested around March.