Atami is a popular hot spring resort destination, just 35 minutes from Tokyo by the Shinkansen bullet train at the fastest, making it incredibly accessible for both short visits and longer stays. Beautiful coastlines, abundant hot springs, and fresh seafood make it an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.This article provides detailed information about various ways to access Atami from Tokyo. Whether you're budget-conscious or seeking comfort, we'll help you find the optimal transportation method with practical information tailored to your needs.Comparing Transportation from Tokyo to Atami | Choose by Time & ComfortThere are four main ways to reach Atami from Tokyo. Each has its own characteristics, allowing you to choose based on your travel purpose and preferences. Please see the table below.Transportation Comparison TableTransportationTimeJR PassFeaturesShinkansen(Hikari)35 min✓Fastest optionShinkansen(Nozomi)45 min✓Fastest optionLocal Train1h 50min✓Most economicalOdoriko1h 20min✓Comfortable seatsSaphir Odoriko1h 20min✓*Premium serviceCar2.5h-Flexible route*Saphir Odoriko: Green Car only. Additional fees for some seats with JR PassAs shown in this table, the Shinkansen is the fastest option, while local trains are the most economical. The limited express train ”Odoriko” offers a popular middle-ground choice. Traveling by car is suitable for those who want to explore surrounding areas or are traveling in large groups.Tokyo to Atami by Shinkansen (Kodama/Hikari) | The Fastest 35-Minute JourneyThe Shinkansen is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Tokyo to Atami. Using the Shinkansen(Hikari), you can arrive in just 35 minutes. Please check current fares at JR ticket offices or official websites.Shinkansen Types and Atami StopsTypeStops at AtamiFeaturesNozomi✗Fastest, but does not stop at AtamiHikari✓Stops at major stations, runs frequentlyKodama✓Stops at all stationsImportant note: "Nozomi" does not stop at Atami Station, so you must choose either "Hikari" or "Kodama." Between Tokyo and Atami, both Hikari and Kodama stop at the same stations, so travel time is identical.Shinkansen Boarding Guide【STEP 1】 Find Shinkansen Gates- Use Yaesu/Marunouchi entrance- Follow blue "Shinkansen" signs【STEP 2】 Get Your Ticket- Ticket office or machines- JR Pass → staffed gate【STEP 3】 Go to Platform- Platform 14 or 15- Check the station board for the location of non-reserved cars【STEP 4】 Board Train- Bilingual announcements- Stop before Atami: Odawara (Kodama), Shinagawa (Hikari)Non-reserved cars are often less crowded on weekdays, but may be busier on weekends and holidays. If you want to be sure of a seat, consider purchasing a reserved ticket.Local Trains & Limited Express to Atami | Comfortable Travel Options If you want to enjoy scenic views or prefer different comfort levels, consider taking local trains or Odorikos. Each offers unique features to your travel style. Local Train vs OdorikoTrain TypeTimeFeaturesJR PassTokaido Line1h 50minOrange train, direct service✓Odoriko1h 20minComfy seats, ocean view✓Saphir Odoriko1h 20minPremium, all reserved✓*The Tokaido Line is JR East's orange-colored train operating direct service from Tokyo to Atami. It stops at major stations including Shinagawa, Yokohama, and Odawara. Green Cars (first class) are available for additional comfort.Tokyo → Atami Stops① Tokyo ────── First stop② Shinagawa ─── 0h 10min③ Yokohama ──── 0h 30min④ Ofuna ─────── 0h 45min⑤ Odawara ───── 1h 20min⑥ Atami ─────── 1h 50minThe "Odoriko" offers comfortable reclining seats for pleasant travel. Departing from Tokyo or Shinjuku stations, it stops at Atami on the way to the Izu Peninsula. "Saphir Odoriko" provides premium service with all reserved seats and Wi-Fi.*Saphir Odoriko requires additional Green Car and limited express feesTicket Purchase Methods and Tips for international travelersPurchasing tickets can be a challenge for international travelers at first. However, knowing a few methods will make the process easier. For the latest current ticket prices, please check at station ticket offices.Ticket Purchase Checklist■ Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi)- English-speaking staff may be available.- Credit cards OK■ Ticket Machines- English language option available- Select “Atami” on the touchscreen- Payment by cash or IC card accepted■ Online (Ekinet)- Book your tickets in advance- Choose your seats- Pick up tickets at stationDiscount Tickets■ JR Pass- For: international travelers- All JR trains ✓- Best value for multiple trips■ Other Passes- Various regional passes available- Check eligibility at ticket offices- Some weekend-only optionsFor more information about tourist passes available in the Atami area, please refer to the detailed guide belowhttps://visitatami.com/en/access/tourist-passJR Pass holders can use all Shinkansen (except Nozomi), local trains, and limited express trains without additional fees. However, some premium seats require extra charges.IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.) are convenient but cannot be used for Shinkansen. You must purchase tickets. IC cards work perfectly for local trains.Tokyo to Atami by Car | Driving Routes and Important NotesTraveling by rental car or private vehicle offers high flexibility and easy access to surrounding tourist spots. However, be aware of traffic congestion on weekends.Driving Information■ Route- Tokyo IC → Tomei Expressway- → Atsugi IC → Odawara-Atsugi Road- → Route 135 → Atami- Time: 2.5h (no traffic)- Check current toll fees at highway entrances■ Rental Car- Available near Tokyo Station- International driving permit required- Book in advance for better rates■ Parking in Atami- Station area parking available- Tourist spot parking varies- Hotels often provide parkingToll roads like Izu Skyline and Nishi-Izu Skyline offer spectacular views but have many mountain roads requiring careful driving. Atami city has many steep hills, so those unfamiliar with driving may prefer public transportation.Summary | Choose Your Optimal Transportation MethodWe've explored various ways to access Atami from Tokyo. Each transportation method has these characteristics:- Shinkansen → Best for: Time-conscious, comfort seekers, JR Pass holders- Local trains → Best for: Budget travelers, leisurely journeys- Limited express(Odoriko) → Best for: Balance of comfort and speed- Car → Best for: Exploring surrounding areas, large groupsRegardless of your choice, getting to Atami from Tokyo is pretty easy. Use this guide to find the transportation method that best suits your travel style, and enjoy your unforgettable trip to Atami. Relax in hot springs, try some fresh seafood, and soak up the beautiful views waiting for you.Note: This guide provides general information about transportation options. Please verify current schedules, fares, and availability at official sources before traveling.