How to get from Tokyo to Atami

Beaches & Tropical · Japan · Nature & Outdoors · Atami · Tokyo

Tokyo to Atami is a classic Tokyo escape—fast Shinkansen, direct Limited Express “Odoriko,” slower but cheap JR local/rapid trains, highway buses from Shinjuku, or a scenic self-drive/charter along Sagami Bay. Pick speed vs. budget, then follow the simple steps and map links.

At A Glance (Tokyo to Atami)

Mode Duration Best For
🚄 Tokaidō Shinkansen (Kodama/Hikari) Tokyo/Shinagawa → Atami ~40–55m (direct) Fastest, most comfortable
🏷️ Cost: ~JPY 4,000–5,500 one-way (seat/class/time) » seat & pass options | Trip.com trains
🚆 JR Limited Express “Odoriko” (Shinjuku/Tokyo → Atami) ~80–100m (direct) No transfers, sea views
🏷️ Cost: ~JPY 3,500–5,000 one-way (reserved) » check seats | Trip.com schedules
🚉 JR Local/Rapid (Tokaidō Line) via Yokohama/Odawara ~100–140m (1–2 transfers) Lowest rail cost, frequent
🏷️ Cost: ~JPY 2,000–3,000 one-way » compare locals
🚌 Highway Bus (Shinjuku → Atami) ~150–210m (traffic-dependent) Cheap, luggage under the bus
🏷️ Cost: ~JPY 2,000–3,500 one-way » bus listings
🚐 Private Transfer / 🚘 Self-Drive ~110–180m (route/traffic) Door-to-door, groups, scenic stops
🏷️ Cost: Private ~JPY 35,000–70,000 per vehicle » get quotes | Car rental ~JPY 6,000–12,000/day » compare rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Seat reservations: Shinkansen and Odoriko run reserved/unreserved cars. Reserve on Klook or check Trip.com trains.
  • Luggage: Store big bags at stations with Radical Storage Tokyo if you’re sightseeing pre/post ride.
  • Activities: Consider onsen/day trips via GetYourGuide (Atami).
  • Local rides: Use IC cards (Suica/PASMO). Taxis are easy; ride-hail (Uber/DiDi) exists but is taxi-dispatch in many areas.

🚄 Option #1 — Tokaidō Shinkansen (Fastest & Easiest)

~40–55m Frequent Reserved seats available

  • Overview: Board a Kodama (and occasional Hikari) on the Tokaidō Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa; alight at Atami. Wide seats, restrooms, vending/ekiben at stations.
  • How to book (with price): ~JPY 4,000–5,500 one-way depending on time/class. Compare seats/passes on Klook or check schedules/fares on Trip.com trains. Official: JR Central timetable (for reference).
  • Pros: Fastest, frequent, smooth. Cons: Slightly pricier than local/express.

Step-by-step: Tokaidō Shinkansen

  1. Get to your departure station: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station (use JR/subway or taxi).
  2. Buy/reserve tickets (same-day machines or online via Klook / Trip.com), then follow “Shinkansen South/North” gates.
  3. Board a Kodama for Atami (car numbers and seat display above doors).
  4. Arrive Atami Station; transfer to local buses/taxis or walk to central hotels.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tokyo/Shinagawa → Atami)

  • Tokyo Station: JR lines, Marunouchi Line; many signs to Shinkansen gates.
  • Shinagawa Station: Compact hub; quick platform changes.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #2 — JR Limited Express “Odoriko” (No Transfers, Scenic)

~80–100m Reserved seats Direct from Shinjuku/Tokyo

  • Overview: The Odoriko links Shinjuku or Tokyo to Atami, then on to the Izu Peninsula. Comfortable reserved seating and seaside segments after Odawara.
  • How to book (with price): ~JPY 3,500–5,000 one-way reserved. Check seats on Klook or compare times on Trip.com trains. Official: JR East Odoriko page.
  • Pros: Direct from Shinjuku; scenic. Cons: Slightly slower than Shinkansen; timetable-dependent.

Step-by-step: Odoriko Limited Express

  1. Reach Shinjuku Station (or Tokyo Station) via JR/subway or taxi.
  2. Reserve seats via machines/counters or online (see Klook / Trip.com).
  3. Follow signs for Limited Express platforms; board the Odoriko to Atami/Izu.
  4. Arrive Atami Station; exit to buses/taxis or walk to onsen hotels.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shinjuku/Tokyo → Atami)

  • Shinjuku: Look for JR “Limited Express” concourse; leave buffer time in this large station.
  • Tokyo: JR local/express concourses separate from Shinkansen—watch signage.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚉 Option #3 — JR Local/Rapid via Yokohama & Odawara (Cheapest Rail)

~100–140m Frequent 1–2 transfers

  • Overview: Use JR Tokaidō Line Rapid/Local from Tokyo via Yokohama and Odawara to Atami. Cheap and frequent; stand at peak times.
  • How to book (with price): Pay with IC card at gates—~JPY 2,000–3,000. To preview times, see Trip.com trains.
  • Pros: Lowest fare; trains every few minutes in metro area. Cons: Can be crowded; slower with stops.

Step-by-step: JR Local/Rapid

  1. Enter Tokyo Station JR gates with IC card (Suica/PASMO).
  2. Board a Tokaidō Line service toward Odawara/Atami (or change at Yokohama/Odawara if needed).
  3. Ride to Atami Station; tap out with IC card.
  4. If carrying large bags, consider off-peak times to find seats.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tokyo/Yokohama/Odawara)

  • Tokyo Station: Follow orange Tokaidō Line signs; platforms often 8–10.
  • Transfers: Clear signage at Yokohama & Odawara between local/rapid platforms.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — Highway Bus from Shinjuku (Budget, Direct to Center)

~150–210m Stored luggage Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: Direct coaches from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta) to Atami Station on select schedules; comfy seats, restroom breaks.
  • How to book (with price): ~JPY 2,000–3,500 one-way. Compare departures on Trip.com bus listings. Official: highway bus operator pages (JR Bus/Keio/others) show latest timetables.
  • Pros: Cheap, no train changes. Cons: Slower; peak-hour traffic.

Step-by-step: Highway Bus

  1. Reach Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) via JR/subway—connected to Shinjuku Station South Gate.
  2. Buy online (Trip.com) or at terminal counters; arrive ~15–20 minutes early for boarding lane.
  3. Stow big luggage in hold; keep valuables with you. Board for Atami Station.
  4. On arrival, walk or taxi to your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (Busta Shinjuku → Atami)

  • Busta Shinjuku: Signed inside the station complex near South Gate; elevators/escalators available.
  • Atami: Buses arrive by Atami Station; taxis/buses right out front.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer (Door-to-Door, Group-Friendly)

Direct hotel pickup Comfort Higher cost

  • Overview: A chauffeured sedan/van picks you up anywhere in Tokyo and drives straight to your Atami hotel—no transfers, ideal with kids/elderly or lots of luggage.
  • How to book (with price): From ~JPY 35,000–70,000 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare quotes on GetTransfer. Alternative: local taxi companies or ride-hail apps (Uber/DiDi) for shorter hops in Tokyo.
  • Pros: Fully door-to-door. Cons: Most expensive option; traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and luggage count via GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm inclusions (highway tolls, waiting time, child seats) and meeting point.
  3. Driver meets you at your hotel/apartment; ride 2–3 hours to Atami (longer at peak).
  4. Drop at your door; settle payment as per booking.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

  • Pickup: Any Tokyo address (hotel/residence); share a pin for easy meet-up.
  • Drop: Atami hotels/ryokan; many on hills—confirm vehicle access.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #6 — Self-Drive (Scenic, Flexible Stops)

Flexible Great for groups Tolls/parking

  • Overview: Drive the Shuto → Tomei/Chuo expressways toward Odawara, then coastal roads to Atami. Stop at Ebina SA, Odawara Castle, or Manazuru Cape for views.
  • How to book (with price): Rental cars from ~JPY 6,000–12,000/day. Compare providers/locations on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Door-to-door, trunk space, scenic detours. Cons: Tolls (ETC), parking costs, peak-hour traffic.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car in Tokyo (ETC toll card recommended) and set navigation to Atami via Odawara.
  2. Join expressways toward Odawara; consider breaks at Ebina Service Area.
  3. Continue coastal route to Atami; many ryokan have limited parking—call ahead.
  4. Return car in Tokyo or nearby Odawara/Atami branches if available (one-way fees may apply).

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Route)

  • Tokyo pickup: Major depots around Tokyo Station/Shinjuku.
  • Route idea: Tokyo → Ebina SA → Odawara → Atami for an easy first drive.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Tokyo to Atami)

Shinkansen or Odoriko—what’s better?
Shinkansen is fastest and most frequent; Odoriko is direct from Shinjuku with scenic coastal stretches and reserved seats.

Do I need reservations?
Not strictly for unreserved cars on Shinkansen/locals, but weekends/holidays sell out—reserve when possible (Klook/Trip.com or station machines).

How far is Atami Station from onsen hotels?
Many are a 5–15 minute walk or short taxi/bus ride uphill. Check your property’s shuttle.

Can I use a JR Pass?
Most nationwide JR passes cover the Tokaidō Shinkansen (Kodama/Hikari portions per pass rules) and Odoriko; confirm specifics when purchasing.

Any luggage tips?
Pack light for hills/stairs; consider station storage in Tokyo via Radical Storage if day-tripping.

Best season to visit?
Year-round onsens; spring for cherry blossoms, summer beach vibes, autumn foliage, winter hot-spring escapes.

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