The Ajiro Onsen Himo Festival takes place every autumn and winter at Ajiro Onsen in the South Atami Area. Visitors are treated to sun‑dried, oil‑rich horse mackerel fillets grilled over charcoal (about 2,500 fillets served each day). Fresh vegetables delivered directly from farms, squid salted and pickled, yakisoba, and soups made with locally sourced ingredients will also be for sale. Come and taste the delicious dried fish of the port town of Ajiro! Please note that items for sale are subject to change. Please also note that venues may change depending on the event date. 【2024】 11/9 (Sat) 10:00–14:30 Ajiro Oonawa Park 11/10 (Sun) 10:00–14:30 Ajiro Oonawa Park 12/14 (Sat) 10:00–14:30 Ajiro Oonawa Park 12/15 (Sun) 10:00–14:30 Ajiro Oonawa Park 【2025】 1/12 (Sun) 10:00–14:30 Ajiro Oonawa Park 1/13 (Mon, public holiday) 10:00–14:30 Ajiro Oonawa Park 2/15 (Sat) 10:00–14:30 Umiere Nagahama 2/16 (Sun) 10:00–14:30 Umiere Nagahama ■ (Oonawa Park) From JR Atami Station, take the JR Ito Line to JR Ajiro Station, then about a 10‑minute walk. ■ (Nagahama Seaside Park) From JR Atami Station, take the JR Ito Line to JR Izu‑Taga Station, then about a 10‑minute walk. Free admission Parking / Oonawa Park: none; Nagahama Seaside Park: free parking available. Inquiries / Ajiro Onsen Tourism Association Tel: 0557-68-0136

Thank you for waiting! We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2025 Atami Bay Fireworks Festival. 2025 (Reiwa 7) Atami Bay Fireworks Festival Dates Spring: February 21 (Fri), March 23 (Sun), April 20 (Sun), April 28 (Mon) Summer: July 25 (Fri), August 5 (Tue), August 8 (Fri), August 18 (Mon), August 25 (Mon) Autumn: September 15 (Mon, national holiday), October 13 (Mon, national holiday), November 3 (Mon, national holiday) Winter: December 7 (Sun) Time: 8:20 PM–8:40 PM (July and August only: 8:15 PM–8:40 PM) Venue: Atami Bay ※Held rain or shine * The above dates and times are current as of October 29, 2024. They may change depending on future circumstances, so please check the latest information on the Atami City Tourism Association official site “Atami News” or by calling the number below. Inquiries: Atami City Tourism Association Tel: 0557-85-2222

On October 26 and 27, at the Shinsui Park venue, we will hold the 14th Atami Fish Festival (2024), where you can enjoy Atami’s delicious seafood on the spot. Event period: Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, 2024 Hours: 10:00–16:00 (until 15:00 on October 27) Venue: Shinsui Park Event Plaza (2018-8 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Contact: Atami City Tourism Association 0557-85-2222 Fee: Free admission Parking: Municipal Shinsui Park P and others (paid) *The event may be canceled or changed due to weather or other reasons. Food and drink vendors Around 10 vendors, mainly local restaurants, are scheduled to participate. Dates/times: October 26, 2024 (Sat) 10:00–16:00; October 27, 2024 (Sun) 10:00–15:00 Grilled seafood on the beach (hamayaki) Dates/times: October 26, 2024 (Sat) 10:00–16:00 (reception until 15:00); October 27, 2024 (Sun) 10:00–15:00 (reception until 14:00) One table seats four (40 tables total, 160 seats) Hamayaki ingredient set: 3,000 yen (Each table must purchase one set. After purchase, individual ingredients may be bought separately.) *No advance reservations; reception is on-site only on the day. Dried fish workshop Date: October 26, 2024 (Sat) Participation fee: Adults 3,000 yen; children elementary school age and under 2,000 yen (both tax included) *Children elementary school age and under require a guardian to participate or accompany them because knives are used. Same-day take-home plan: 10:00–15:00 Fish filleting → salting → drying (2 hours) → completion Shipping plan: 13:00–15:00 Fish filleting → salting → drying (left to the professionals) → shipped after completion *Additional shipping fee applies (from 1,045 yen). Capacity: Each plan limited to the first 10 applicants Reservation deadline: By 17:00 the day before; if capacity is not reached, same-day participation is possible. Please contact the number below. What to bring / clothing: Apron and clothes that can get slightly dirty. *Wearing a mask is required. Reservations: Atami City Tourism Association, tel. 0557-85-2222 (9:00–17:00; closed on October 16) Stage program October 26 (Sat) 11:00–11:40 Kids’ dance (Eyes Dance School) 12:00–12:30 Band performance (Itokawa Ventures) 12:30–13:00 Character appearance (Atsuo, Mamekko) 13:00–13:30 Kayou show (Ami Mitsuya) October 27 (Sun) 11:00–11:30 Hula dance (Ka Fuakai Hula Studio) 11:45–12:15 Kids’ dance (Infinity Dance Studio) Special operation of the Sun Remo sightseeing boat Dates: October 26 and 27, 2024 Free service times (approx. 30-minute ride) October 26 (Sat): 8th voyage departs 15:00; 9th voyage departs 15:40 October 27 (Sun): 7th voyage departs 14:20; 8th voyage departs 15:00 Capacity: 50 passengers per voyage Inquiries: Sun Remo Sightseeing Boat tel. 0557-52-6657 *Tickets will be distributed on the day (October 26 from 14:30; October 27 from 13:50) at the sightseeing boat boarding area: Shinsui Park Third Pier. *Voyages 1–7 on October 26 and voyages 1–6 on October 27 will operate at the regular fare. (The 9th voyage on October 27 is reserved and not available for boarding.) *Please note that operations may be suspended depending on sea conditions on the day.

On October 14 and 19, we held the Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival! Thank you for attending. The next event is on Monday, November 4, 2024.

On Saturday, October 19, Fujikyu Marine Resort will operate a fireworks cruise for the first 100 guests to celebrate the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival. With no obstructing views and the unique experience of being on a boat, why not watch 3,000 fireworks light up Atami’s night sky? We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Date / Saturday, October 19, 2024 Time / Departing 19:50 – Fireworks viewing (20:20–20:40) – Scheduled return around 20:50 Boarding location / Atami Port (ticket window for Hatsushima departures) Fare / Adults ¥2,800; Children ¥1,400. One preschool child free per paying adult. Tickets / Limited to 100 people ● Advance phone reservation required (Please purchase your ticket at the day-of waiting area counter between 19:10 and 19:40.) Vessel in service / Ile de Vacances III *The event may be canceled due to weather or other circumstances. Thank you for your understanding. *Please fill out the boarding register. Reservations & Inquiries / Fujikyu Marine Resort Phone: 0557-81-0541

The Atami Plum Garden Autumn Leaves Festival will be held from Saturday, November 16, 2024 to Sunday, December 8, 2024. Known as the earliest-blooming plum site in Japan, Atami Plum Garden is also a spot for autumn foliage. About 380 maple trees line the garden, and thanks to the warm climate they often change color from late November into December, making this place sometimes called the latest autumn foliage in Japan. Early-blooming plums begin to flower around mid-November, so you may see plum blossoms and autumn leaves at the same time. During the festival there will be a footbath, a photo contest, jazz performances, illumination, and a wildflower moss-ball (kokedama) workshop, among other events. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the red-hued Atami Plum Garden. *On November 16 (Sat) and 17 (Sun), the Japan–Korea Gourmet Fair 2024 in Atami will also take place.* Event period: November 16–December 8, 2024 Hours: Illumination daily during the period, 16:30–21:00 Venue: Atami Plum Garden (8-11 Umezonocho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Phone: 0557-85-2222 Contact: Atami City Tourism Association Access: ■ From JR Atami Station, take a bus bound for Ainohara Danchi for about 15 minutes and get off at "Ume-en" (Plum Garden). ■ From Atami Station, take the Ito Line for about 3 minutes to Kinomiya Station, then walk about 10 minutes. Admission: Free Parking: 100 spaces in front of the Plum Garden (open only during the event period) (Weekdays) 9:00–17:00 (Sat, Sun, and public holidays) 8:30–17:00 Fees: Ordinary cars 300 yen; motorcycles & bicycles 100 yen; microbuses 1,000 yen

Atami Marine Fireworks Festival, a Specialties of Atami, is Held in more than 10 times not only in summer but also throughout the year I have been there many times so far, but this time I tried to intertwine it with Atami Castle. There are many ways to enjoy the fireworks here, such as from the Ocean, from the Coast, or from the top of the Hilltop.

Atami Sun Beach Water Park is getting rave reviews every day! Come and join us! Event period / Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Sunday, August 25, 2024 Venue / Atami Sun Beach (east side) – approximately a 30m by 30m area offshore (check-in on the nearby sandy beach) Address / Higashikaigancho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (offshore, east side of Sun Beach) Hours of use / 10:00–16:00 (check-in ends at 15:15) *Strict time-slot system (including turnover and break times) 10:00–11:00 11:00–12:00 12:00–13:00 13:00–14:00 14:00–15:00 15:00–16:00 Fees / High school and older: 2,000 yen per hour; Elementary and junior high students: 1,500 yen per hour. Children below elementary school age are not permitted. Inquiries / Atami City Tourism Association Tel: 0557-85-2222 Access / About 5 minutes by bus from Atami Station toward Atami Port → get off at Sun Beach → 3-minute walk ●Check-in is available only on the sandy beach at the site on the day (no phone or online reservations) *Check-in opens at 9:30 on the sandy beach on the day (advance phone reservations are not accepted). At check-in you may purchase a time slot that still has availability for that day. *Even during operating hours, check-in will end once capacity is reached. *All users must wear a life jacket (loaned on site). *Extension of time slots is not allowed. (Consecutive slot purchases are prohibited as a heatstroke countermeasure.) *Children in grades 1–3 may enter only when accompanied by a guardian. (Accompanying guardians must be adults.) *Entry may be restricted in severe weather (strong winds, etc.) or when advisories (such as lightning) are issued. (Restrictions apply even during booked time slots.) *In advance of an approaching typhoon, equipment may be temporarily removed and use suspended. *If entry is suddenly restricted under the above conditions, refunds will be issued for uses under 30 minutes; no refunds will be given for uses of 30 minutes or more. Please understand in advance. *Lifeguards will be on duty and an AED will be available. *If Sun Beach swimming area is closed, the Water Park will also be canceled.

Atami City's Cultural Facility Management Committee has developed a drink using Atami’s specialty citrus, daidai: the "Atami Daidai Fireworks Squash," and sales have begun! This is the second seasonal drink following the well-received winter 2023 limited release "Atami Daidai Nectar." The recipe again comes from culinary researcher Aya Osada. It features an additive-free daidai marmalade blended into a spiced, herbed black tea and topped with soda, offering a refreshing, firework-inspired brightness with a grown-up sweetness. The drink is available at Yasuragi café inside the Kyuunkaku cultural tourism facility. The sales period is undecided, so please visit soon if you’re interested.

Today, Saturday, July 6, three bathing beaches in Atami City opened for the season simultaneously. At Atami Sun Beach, officials attended a safety prayer ceremony led by Kinomiya Shrine. After the safety prayer ceremony, swimming began at 9:00. Handheld fireworks were given as gifts to the children who gathered. Please enjoy the sea in Atami this summer as well! Beach opening period / Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Sunday, August 25, 2024 Atami Sun Beach: Higashikaigancho, Atami City Nagahama Beach: Kamitaga, Atami City Ajiro Onsen Beach: Shimotaga, Atami City * The Atami Sun Beach Water Park runs from Saturday, July 13, 2024 to Sunday, August 25, 2024.

The “2024 Spring Railway Exhibition” by the Atami Railway Enthusiasts Club will be held on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. This year centers on N-gauge (1/150 scale) model trains, running on two separate quadruple-track layouts measuring 13 meters and 8 meters each. Over 1,000 model vehicles will be on display, including Shinkansen, limited express trains, freight trains, and models of trains that serve Atami, with many vehicles handcrafted by club members. A popular miniature Plarail layout will also be set up by request. On the morning of the first day, May 25 only, and with the cooperation of JR East and Atami Station, there will be a coloring workshop, commemorative photos of children wearing stationmaster uniforms (photos to be taken by accompanying guardians), and free novelty giveaways. Please come with your family. 2024 Spring Railway Exhibition Date and Time: Saturday, May 25, 10:00–17:00; Sunday, May 26, 10:00–16:00 Venue: Ikiiki Plaza, 7th Floor, Multipurpose Conference Room Program: Public runs of model trains and Plarail, and a photo exhibition by club members (theme: “Flowers and Railways”) Morning of May 25 only: coloring corner (limited quantity), free novelty giveaways (limited quantity), commemorative photos of children in stationmaster uniforms Cooperation: JR East

In the summer of 2024, MOA Museum of Art presents the special exhibition Pokemon × Crafts: A Grand Discovery of Beauty and Techniques! What kind of “chemical reaction” would occur if Pokemon and traditional crafts met head-on? Twenty artists, from Living National Treasures to emerging creators, took on this question with full commitment. The works evoke Pokemon forms, gestures, and presences. Some trace memories from the games, such as evolution, trading, travel settings, and highly effective moves. Others lure Pokemon into everyday life as tableware, kimono accessories, and stylish obis. What will your encounter with the pieces waiting for you in the gallery be like…exciting, entrancing, smirking, or spine-tingling? Enjoy discoveries of beauty and technique amplified by multiplying powers. Exhibition title: Pokemon × Crafts: A Grand Discovery of Beauty and Techniques Venue: MOA Museum of Art Dates: Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Monday, September 9, 2024 To ensure smooth entry and a pleasant viewing experience, please purchase a timed-entry ticket in advance. (Same-day tickets will be available.) During busy periods, visitors with timed-entry tickets will be admitted with priority. Same-day ticket holders may be asked to wait before entering. *Children up to junior high school age, members of the Friends of the Museum, visitors with disability certificates (up to two accompanying helpers), and holders of invitation postcards may enter free of charge and do not need a timed-entry ticket. *Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation in advance. Please contact the MOA Museum of Art at 0557-84-2511 to apply. Ⓒ2024 Pokémon. Ⓒ1995-2024 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, Ⓡ, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo. ⒸPhotograph by Taiichiro Yoshida and Taku Saijo For details, please check the museum’s official website.

The jacaranda, the flower that heralds early summer in Atami. Whether it will bloom or not is something you won’t know until the season arrives. The jacaranda is a bit capricious that way. Two trees gifted in 1990 from Atami’s sister city, Cascais in Portugal, have grown into more than 100 plantings today. Once native mainly to tropical regions, one of the world’s three great flowering trees has now come to announce early summer in Atami. Along the shore in June, clusters of small trumpet-shaped, blue-violet jacaranda flowers paint the sky like bouquets from Omiya Green Space to Sun Beach. Each year in early June during the blooming season, we hold the Jacaranda Festival. Legend says that if a flower falls on your head, happiness will come. How many will bloom this season? Come and see these precious purple blossoms.♪ *During the event period, light-ups will take place. Please note that blooming times may vary.* Event period / June 1, 2024 – June 16, 2024 Venue / Jacaranda Promenade (around Omiya no Matsu) Light-up hours / Daily during the above period from 18:00 to 22:00

The Atami Karaoke Grand Prix 2024 Spring will take place over three days from Saturday, April 27 to Monday, April 29 (public holiday) at Shinsui Park Event Plaza. To energize Atami and Izusan, Izusan-based voice coach Turner Sensei will hold a karaoke competition in Atami. Fifty representatives of Atami, chosen through in-person preliminaries and recommendations held from January to March, and fifty national representatives selected by online audio screening will advance to the finals. With total prizes of 500,000 yen, 100 contestants will compete with their proud voices. Food and drink vendors will be on site, so please come support the performers! Atami Karaoke Grand Prix 2024 Spring Date and Time / Saturday, April 27 to Monday, April 29, 2024 (public holiday) 10:00–16:00 Venue / Shinsui Park Event Plaza (Nagisacho, Atami City) *Free admission*

On April 17th, the azaleas on the sun deck and the wisteria at Atami Port Sunremo Park are in full bloom!

The additional dates for this year’s Atami Bay Fireworks Festival have been decided. We are sharing them together with the dates already announced. (As of April 6, 2024) [Atami Bay Fireworks Festival 2024 (Reiwa 6) Dates] Spring: April 13 (Sat) and May 2 (Thu) Summer: July 26 (Fri), August 5 (Mon), August 8 (Thu), August 18 (Sun), and August 23 (Fri) Autumn: September 16 (Mon, public holiday), October 14 (Mon, public holiday), October 19 (Sat), and November 4 (Mon, substitute holiday) Winter: December 8 (Sun) and December 22 (Sun) 2025: March 23 (Sun) Note: The newly added dates are October 14, December 22, and March 23, 2025. Time: 20:20–20:40 (In July and August only: 20:20–20:45) Venue: Atami Bay ※The event will go ahead in rain. Please note that the above dates and times are tentative and may change depending on future circumstances.

*The images are from past events.* From Tuesday, April 9 through Tuesday, April 16, the Ichimura Kiyoshi Technical Foundation Botanical Research Garden will open to the public for its spring viewing. Seikeisō was the villa of the late Ricoh San-Ai Group founders Kiyoshi and Yukie Ichimura. Later used as a company retreat by the Ricoh San-Ai Group, it was bequeathed to the foundation in 1988 according to the late Mrs. Yukie’s wishes after her passing. A mountain stream runs through the garden, and many trees, flowering plants and mosses form a rich plant ecosystem. Below the garden you can see Sagami Bay and Hatsushima; farther out, Izu Oshima appears on the horizon, while surrounding mountains and trees shelter the site. Normally the garden is used only by researchers involved in plant studies, but it opens to the public twice a year: in spring when fresh green leaves and flowers are at their best, and in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful spring garden. Ichimura Kiyoshi Technical Foundation Botanical Research Garden — Spring Public Opening Period: Tuesday, April 9 to Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Address: 11-8 Ainokahara-cho, Atami City Phone: 0557-81-2656 Opening hours: 9:30 (gate opens) to 15:30 (gate closes) Admission: Free Access: From JR Atami Station or JR Kinomiya Station, take a bus bound for Ainokahara Housing Complex, get off at Kamiainekahara, then walk about 50 m downhill. Please note that the schedule may change suddenly depending on circumstances, so check the foundation’s website before visiting.

I visited Atami City’s power spot, Kinomiya Shrine, for the first time in a long while. When I drew a fortune by the more-than-2,100-year-old natural monument "Ookusu", a cute little leaf was tucked inside.🌿

The 81st issue of Atami de Asobo, the magazine that introduces restaurants, souvenir shops, and other businesses in Atami City, has been published. This free paper is packed with ways to enjoy Atami. It features 74 recommended spots, including trending eateries and shops offering special deals, Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants, safe nightlife venues, day-use hot springs, and specialty stores. This issue also includes a special feature titled "Retro Atami Time: Savoring the Past at a Historic Western-Style Restaurant." Copies of Atami de Asobo are available from the Atami City Tourism Association, the Atami Tourist Information Center (Lusca Atami station building, 1st floor), the Atami Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other local shops, so please pick one up.

A gourmet guidebook collecting genuinely delicious local-favorite restaurants, "Jimoto Gourmet: Atami & Yugawara," will be published! When the Izusan debris flow disaster struck in 2021, the publisher, Izukyu Cable Network Co., set out to return the support it had received from industry peers to the communities hit by that disaster and by the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidebook was produced as a token of gratitude and encouragement for those communities. Under the principle of "no advertising fees whatsoever," the book is filled with crowd-sourced restaurant tips, interviews spotlighting local contributors, profiles of athletes from the area, and information on anime and manga set in Atami—offering a wealth of hometown knowledge. If you’re interested or a fan of Atami, please pick up a copy♪ Jimoto Gourmet: Atami & Yugawara Publisher: Izukyu Cable Network Co., Ltd. On sale from April 1, 2024, at the following locations - Bushu Yamakichi, Lusca Atami store (2nd floor, Lusca Atami building at atami station) - Ishigaki Bookstore (1st floor, Atami Ekimae Daiichi Building) - Iwakami Bookstore (1189-20 Yawatano, Ito City, along National Route 135) Price: 500 yen (tax included)

Atami Station, operated by JR East and opened in 1925 (Taishō 14), celebrated its 99th anniversary yesterday on Monday, March 25. On the previous day, Sunday, March 24, a high-grade train not normally in regular service—the E655 series “Nagomi” (all seats are Green Car specification)—made a round trip between Shinagawa Station and Atami Station, carrying 105 passengers to Atami. Tickets sold out within five minutes of sales opening, a phenomenal response. Many rail fans gathered and photographed the special train as it arrived on the platform. A welcome ceremony took place on the Atami Station platform, featuring a performance by the Atami High School Eisa Club and greetings from Mamekko, the official character of the Atami Geigi Okiya Union, and Atsuo, the official character of the Atami Onsen Hotel and Ryokan Cooperative.

※There is a possibility of cancellation due to wind conditions, so please inquire in advance. A fireworks cruise will operate for the first 150 guests on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to coincide with the Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival. With no obstructions and from the extraordinary setting of a ship, why not watch 3,000 fireworks light up Atami’s night sky? It’s a perfect addition to your spring break memories. We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Date and time / Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Depart 19:50 – Fireworks viewing (20:20–20:40) – Return to port around 20:50 Boarding location / Atami Port (ticket booth for Hatsushima departures) ※Ticket sales begin at 19:10 (limited to the first 150 guests on the day) Fare / Adults ¥2,800, Children ¥1,400 ※Preschool children free How to purchase tickets / Tickets will be sold at the waiting area ticket window on the day. Please visit the window between 19:10 and 19:40. Vessel in service / Ild Vacances Premier ※The event may be canceled due to weather or other circumstances on the day. Thank you for your understanding. Inquiries / Fujikyuu Marine Resort Tel 0557-81-0541

On Saturday, March 16, we released firefly larvae into Hatsukawa within Atami Plum Garden. As an annual tradition, children from Umeenomachi helped us again! Japan is said to be home to around 50 species of fireflies. The species released in Atami is Japan’s representative firefly, the genji-botaru. We hatch the larvae, feed them kawanina (freshwater snails) about once a month while raising them, and release the final-instar larvae when they reach 2–3 centimeters. These larvae leave the river on humid nights from mid to late April, burrow into the soil, and form oval “soil cocoons.” Inside those soil cocoons they pupate and emerge as adults from late May to early June. This year we will hold “Evenings for Firefly Viewing” from Saturday, June 1 through Sunday, June 9. Please come and see the pale glow of the fireflies that can be seen only during this season.

Photographed on February 26 The early-blooming Oshima cherry in Nagisa Elementary Park is now at its best. This large cherry is said to be a cultivar created by crossing Oshima-zakura with Somei-yoshino, and it usually reaches peak bloom from early to mid-March each year. Perhaps because temperatures have been high this year, it is already in full bloom! The tree has many flower buds and is truly impressive. Nagisa Elementary Park Address / Nagisacho, Atami City (in front of the third section of the waterfront park)

Yesterday, Saturday, February 24, we held the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival! The weather blessed the mid-holiday weekend day, and beautiful fireworks colored the night sky. The next event is on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (a national holiday).

Soukakisha The residence where Shoyo Tsubouchi, a Meiji literary master also famed for his translations of Shakespeare, lived for fifteen years from 1920 (Taisho 9) until his death in 1935 (Showa 10). Tsubouchi lived for about nine years in Arayado (present-day Ginzacho), where he translated Shakespearean plays and wrote dramas such as The Lingering Moonlit Night and The Last Days of Yoshitoki. As the once-quiet Arayado grew noisy and no longer suited his writing life, he built this new house in Minaguchicho. It became known as Soukakisha, named after two great persimmon trees said to be over 300 years old. On the grounds you can see a tower-shaped study and a monument to writing implements, and a notable highlight is the gate plaque penned by Aizu Yaichi. ※You can tour the garden and the study. <Middle Gate> The inscription reading “Soukakisha” was written by Aizu Yaichi (Shūsō Dōjin) and carved by Terayama Takuboku (Taisho 12). <Main Building (Guest Room and Study)> The tea room, the couple’s living room, and the study on the second floor of the main building were used for creative work and special calligraphy sessions. <Persimmon Trees> Of the old persimmon trees that inspired the name Soukakisha, one was toppled by a typhoon in 1979 (Showa 54). “In the winter garden the gaunt guardian stands; the two-trunked persimmon makes a curious sight.” “Two persimmons dye the gate along with the evening sun.” ※Because the remaining tree had also gone into decline, in February 1999 (Heisei 11) a Hachiya persimmon was donated and planted from Tsubouchi’s birthplace, Minokamo City in Gifu Prefecture. <Monument to Writing Implements> Erected by his wife on the third anniversary of Tsubouchi’s death in 1937 (Showa 12). The stone is natural Tsukuba stone. Beneath it are Tsubouchi’s brushes and fountain pen stored in a granite box. The inscription on the monument is by Aizu Yaichi. <Monument to Fuku no Yu> Erected at Minaguchien in 1932 (Showa 7) and relocated to Soukakisha in 2007 (Heisei 19). It is made of Nebu River stone, measuring 207 cm high, 122 cm wide, and 22 cm thick. When the hot spring drilling succeeded in 1928 (Showa 3), Tsubouchi named the spring Fuku no Yu. Later, in 1932 (Showa 7), at the request of Minaguchien owner Yoshio Mizutani, he wrote the title plaque and the inscription describing its origin. “Long ago this area had scarcely any fields to see; then multistoried thickets grew hereabouts. When the village’s large house moved and Mizutani the owner considered how to use the land, in the early part of Taisho 11 a portion was turned into a pleasure garden and later run as an inn. In the autumn of Showa 2 further drilling began, and by July of the following year the work was completed as intended. Naming the hot spring Fuku no Yu, I was asked to record its origin in an inscription. The land west of the Hatsu River was believed to lack spring veins; even trial drillings usually failed. That our garden’s owner should alone complete such a feat — is this not a wondrous heavenly blessing? Alas, such heaven-sent fortune may spur this garden to flourish; indeed may the spring well up like this very bath — with such celebratory feelings I name the spring.” Dated an auspicious day in August, Showa 7. The neighboring house’s persimmon tree and a bald brush record this. <Raku-style Kiln-like Incinerator> Made by Fukuoh Ikuta. “This is the raku kiln; it knows no hardship, made by Fukuoh’s own hands.” “Plum blossoms — who peers into the kiln? Two sweet potatoes.” <Yabu Camellia> On the sixtieth memorial of Tsubouchi’s death in 1995 (Heisei 7), a Yabu camellia was gifted from his birthplace in Minokamo City, Gifu Prefecture and planted here. <Tsubouchi’s Study House> Completed in 1928 (Showa 3). Tsubouchi designed it himself in a fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Western styles. The tower’s shaft and roof express Japanese style; the balustrades and turtle-back base express Chinese style; the rooftop battlements express Western style. The tower’s weather vane, a kingfisher and its olive leaf, was made by Aida Tomiyasu. The kingfisher references a line from Shakespeare’s King Lear. <East Wing (Detached)> Built as his wife’s retreat; completed in 1934 (Showa 9). ----------------- <Shoyo Tsubouchi’s Gravesite> Kaizo-ji Temple — a three-minute walk south from Soukakisha. Posthumous Buddhist name: “Soshin-in Shijo Shoyo Koji.” Address / 11-17 Minaguchicho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0016 Phone / 0557-86-6232 (Atami City Lifelong Learning Division, Cultural Exchange Office — weekdays only) Access / ■From JR atami station take a bus bound for Ainohara about 10 minutes → get off at kinomiya station mae → about a 10-minute walk ■From JR atami station by taxi about 10 minutes Opening Hours / Open only on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00–16:00 Admission / Free Parking / None

Mikan picking (October–December) In Atami, you can enjoy mikan picking from October through December. The golden mikans you pick yourself taste absolutely delicious! In Atami City, you can enjoy it in the Minami-Atami (Shimotaga) area and the eastern Izu-san area, where orchards are full of mikan. Bring the whole family or a group and head out for a fun day. Nishijima Farm (Shimotaga) From JR Atami Station take the Ito Line for about 15 minutes → get off at JR Ajiro Station → about a 10-minute walk Marufuku Garden (Izu-san) From JR Atami Station take a bus toward Yugawara for about 20 minutes → get off at Kamigo Shimizu → about a 10-minute walk

TODA KOSHIRO Picture Book Museum A picture book museum themed on "Living in Harmony with Nature" Nestled in a quiet villa district of Atami City, the TODA KOSHIRO Picture Book Museum, themed on "Living in Harmony with Nature," was entirely designed by picture book author Toda Koshiro to express the world of picture books through the building, garden, and every detail. The museum displays many original picture book illustrations by Toda, educational and creative picture books, and picture book adaptations of classics such as Osamu Dazai’s Run, Melos. Visitors can read loaner picture books on the lawn, listen to birdsong, and enjoy seasonal scenery while spending a relaxed time. The attached café also offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains. This is a place where Atami’s nature and Toda Koshiro’s spirit come together. Address / 1055-30 Kamitaga, Shizenkyo, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0101 Phone / 0557-67-1107 Access / About 20–30 minutes by taxi from Atami Station (JR Atami Station) *Please note that there is no taxi stand at JR Izu-Taga Station.* Opening hours / 10:00–16:30 (last admission at 16:00) Closed / Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Open on public holidays (open daily during the New Year holidays, Golden Week, and summer season) Admission / Adults 800 yen, elementary school children and younger 400 yen, free for children under 3 Parking / 10 spaces (free)

Atami Yamaguchi Art Museum Atami Yamaguchi Art Museum opened in Atami City in December 2020. The collection includes many works by famous artists such as Renoir, Picasso, and Taro Okamoto. The museum offers a variety of experiences beyond simply visiting the galleries. ・Admission includes one drink (you may choose to have matcha served in a vessel by a Living National Treasure craftsperson) ・Admission includes a mug-painting experience (you can finish it in about 10 minutes and take it home) ・Unlike many museums, photography is allowed in the galleries (only flash is prohibited) ・Some works can be touched, including pieces by Taro Okamoto ・Two Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan are on display Address / 24-1 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0014 Phone / 0557-27-2411 Access / From JR atami station take a bus bound for Atami Port for about 10 minutes, get off at Shinsui Park, then walk 3 minutes Hours / 10:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00) Open year-round Admission fees / General 1,400 yen, university and high school students 1,200 yen, junior high school students and younger 500 yen (includes a drink; preschool children free) Parking / None (use nearby paid parking)

Yuzenn Shrine Founded in 749 (the first year of Tenpyō Shōhō). The shrine venerates the hot springs of Atami According to a divine oracle that spoke of a hot spring with the power to cure illness, a small shrine was erected to enshrine the deity. Since then, the shrine has protected Atami’s hot springs. To give thanks to Atami’s springs and pray that their flow never ceases, grand festivals are held every spring and autumn. The shrine’s votive plaques bear a long list of inn names, including those of inns that no longer exist, offering a glimpse into the history of modern hot-spring ryokan. In front of the shrine, the great hot spring source known as Oyu bubbles up; its intermittent geyser is also a local attraction. Address／4-12 Kamijukucho, Atami City, Shizuoka 413-0018 Phone／0557-81-9817 Parking／None