Atami Castle Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum Atami Castle rises atop the summit of Nishikigaura, a scenic spot in Atami. The castle keep’s observation deck offers a 360-degree panorama: it looks out over Atami city, Yugawara, the Manazuru Peninsula, and on clear days the floating silhouettes of Hatsushima and Oshima, with the Ajiro–Ito side of the Izu Peninsula stretching beyond—making it Atami’s premier viewpoint. In spring the castle is famous for cherry blossoms, and in summer you can watch fireworks from the keep like a feudal lord. (The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from late March to early April.) Inside the castle you’ll find the Samurai Culture Museum displaying armor and swords, a ukiyo-e shunga gallery, an Edo costume experience room where you can dress up for photos, a jet footbath at 120 meters above sea level, and a free game corner—packed with sights and surprises. In the castle annex, the Atami Trick Art Labyrinth Museum offers wonderfully strange illusions where flat paintings appear three-dimensional. About 40 trick artworks feature marine creatures, dinosaurs, wild beasts, and Jaws-style scenes. You can do more than admire the art—take hilarious photos, experience illusions of becoming a giant or a tiny person, touch the exhibits, and snap shots for big laughs. Lose track of time as you get absorbed in the tricks. It’s a place that excites families, friends, and couples alike. Address / 1993 Sogayama, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0033 Phone / 0557-81-6206 (Atami Castle) Access / ■ About 10 minutes by car from atami station ■ About 10 minutes by bus from atami station toward Atami Port or Korakuen; get off at "Korakuen" → take the AtamiRopeway for about 3 minutes → about a 3-minute walk from Summit Station ■ About 15 minutes from atami station by Yu~Yu~ Bus → get off at Atami Castle Open / 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Open year-round Admission / Adults 1,100 yen; elementary and junior high students 600 yen; ages 3–6 450 yen (Two-site set ticket / Adults 1,800 yen; elementary and junior high students 950 yen; ages 3–6 700 yen) Parking / 100 spaces; parking fee: 500 yen (per visit)