35 minutes from Tokyo Station, 29 minutes from Shinagawa — Atami is the fastest onsen (hot spring) resort to reach from central Tokyo by Shinkansen, with no transfers required. The 29-minute Hikari runs only about three times a day. The Kodama runs every 30 minutes and takes about 45 minutes from Tokyo—and it’s the train most travelers will take.But Atami isn’t just close. With nearly 1,300 years of onsen culture along the Pacific coast, you’ll find sea-view hot springs, forested temple trails, the offshore island of Hatsushima, fresh seafood from the harbor, and historic villas once loved by Japan’s writers and statesmen — plus year-round fireworks displays over the bay. There’s far more here than a day trip can hold.This guide covers every route, what tickets to buy, and what to do the moment you step off the train.Tokyo to Atami: All the Ways to Get ThereThe fastest way to reach Atami is the Shinkansen Hikari from Shinagawa — just 29 minutes with no transfers. From Tokyo Station, it’s 35 minutes.Here’s how every route from Tokyo to Atami compares.RouteFromTimeCostJR PassBest forShinkansen (Kodama) ★Tokyo~45 min$$$✓Most practical (every 30 min)Shinkansen (Kodama) ★Shinagawa~38 min$$$✓Most practical (closest to Haneda)Shinkansen (Hikari)Tokyo~35 min$$$✓Fastest (~3/day at Atami)Shinkansen (Hikari)Shinagawa~29 min$$$✓Fastest (closest to Haneda)Odoriko (limited express)Tokyo / Shinjuku~80–100 min$$✓Ocean viewsSaphir Odoriko (premium)Tokyo (Shinjuku on weekends)~80 min$$$$Green JR Pass onlyLuxury experienceJR Tokaido Line (local)Tokyo~1 h 50 min$✓BudgetCarCentral Tokyo~2–2.5 hTolls + gas—FlexibilityFor current fares, check JR Central (Shinkansen) or JR East (local trains & Odoriko). The JR local train is roughly half the Shinkansen fare.★ Kodama is the recommended choice for most travelers — it runs every 30 minutes and always stops at Atami.Important: The Nozomi Shinkansen does not stop at Atami. Take a Hikari or Kodama instead.Shinkansen from Tokyo or ShinagawaFrom Shinagawa Station, the Hikari Shinkansen reaches Atami in just 29 minutes — the fastest door-to-door connection to any onsen town from central Tokyo.The Tokaido Shinkansen is the go-to choice for most travelers heading to Atami. Two types stop here:Kodama — about 45 minutes from Tokyo, 38 minutes from Shinagawa. Runs roughly every 30 minutes and stops at every station along the route, so it always serves Atami. This is the train most travelers will take.Hikari — about 35 minutes from Tokyo, 29 minutes from Shinagawa. It’s faster, but only about 3 Hikari per day stop at Atami. If you happen to catch one, great — but don’t plan around it.At Tokyo Station: Follow signs for “Tokaido Shinkansen” to reach the gates, then check the departure boards for trains stopping at Atami.Why Shinagawa matters: If you’re coming from Haneda Airport (Keikyu Line to Shinagawa, about 15 minutes), or staying near the Yamanote Line, boarding at Shinagawa saves about 7 minutes and avoids the busier Tokyo Station concourse.Large luggage: If your suitcase exceeds 160 cm total (length + width + height), you must reserve an oversized-baggage area behind the last row of seats when booking. This applies to all Tokaido Shinkansen services. Reserve through ticket counters, machines, or the Smart EX app.How to Buy TicketsYou have four options:Ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi / みどりの窓口) — staffed counters at Tokyo and Shinagawa stations. Look for “Ticket Office” signs near the Shinkansen gates. Some staff speak English. Credit cards accepted.Ticket machines — touchscreen machines near the Shinkansen gates offer an English menu. Select “Tokaido Shinkansen,” choose Atami, pick your train, and pay by cash or credit card.Smart EX app — JR Central’s reservation app lets you book in advance from your phone. You’ll need to register and link a credit card before your trip (it takes a few minutes — don’t try to set it up at the gate). Once set up, choose your seat and tap through the Shinkansen gate with your IC card — no paper ticket needed. The app is in English.JR Pass — valid for both Hikari and Kodama (not Nozomi). Show your pass at the staffed gate.A note on IC cards: You cannot tap a regular Suica or PASMO to ride the Shinkansen. These cards work on local and express trains, but Shinkansen requires a separate ticket — or the Smart EX app linked to your IC card.For a full breakdown of discount passes in the Atami area, see our Tourist Pass Guide.Reserved vs. Non-Reserved SeatsNon-reserved seats are available in cars 1–5 on Hikari and cars 1–7 plus 13–15 on Kodama. On weekday mornings and midday, finding a seat is usually easy — non-reserved means first come, first served. On Friday evenings, weekends, and holidays, trains fill up — a reserved seat (a small surcharge) is worth the peace of mind.Odoriko & Saphir Odoriko: The Scenic RouteThe Odoriko limited express runs from Tokyo and Shinjuku to Atami in about 80–100 minutes depending on the service — slower than the Shinkansen but with wide windows framing the Pacific coast past Odawara.If speed isn’t everything, the Odoriko is a journey worth taking. After Odawara, the train hugs the coastline — the Pacific fills your window and the rhythm of the tracks slows as you pass through small seaside towns.Odoriko — comfortable reclining seats, about 80 minutes from Tokyo Station (around 100 minutes from Shinjuku). Trains also depart from Shinjuku Station, which is convenient if you’re staying in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or nearby. Covered by JR Pass.Saphir Odoriko — JR East’s premium limited express with private compartments, Green Car seats, and a café car. All seats are reserved. A Green JR Pass covers Green Car seats (cars 5–8) at no extra charge; an Ordinary JR Pass requires a top-up for all seats. Private compartments and Premium Green (car 1) require additional fees regardless of pass type.Both trains continue beyond Atami toward the Izu Peninsula — worth knowing if you’re planning to extend your trip to Ito, Shimoda, or Shuzenji.JR Local Train: The Budget OptionThe JR Tokaido Line runs direct from Tokyo to Atami in about 1 hour 50 minutes — no reservation needed, covered by JR Pass, and roughly half the price of the Shinkansen.The JR Tokaido Line is the most affordable route. Most daytime services run direct from Tokyo Station to Atami with no transfers required. Major stops along the way include Shinagawa, Yokohama, and Odawara.The train runs frequently throughout the day. Grab a seat, watch the suburbs give way to coastline, and arrive relaxed. Green Car (first class) is available for a small surcharge if you’d like a wider seat.If you’re not in a rush and want to keep costs down, this is the route.Driving to AtamiDriving from central Tokyo to Atami takes about 2 to 2.5 hours via the Tomei Expressway and Route 135 — a practical choice for groups or travelers exploring the Izu coast.Route: Tokyo IC → Tomei Expressway → Atsugi IC → Odawara-Atsugi Road → Route 135 → Atami.Expect delays on Friday evenings and weekend mornings, especially around Odawara. The drive is straightforward on weekdays.Check road conditions before you drive: NEXCO Central traffic restrictions — the official operator of the Tomei Expressway — lists ongoing construction and lane restrictions on your route.Parking: Most hotels provide parking (check when booking). Public lots near Atami Station are available but fill up quickly on weekends.Rental cars: Available near Tokyo Station and major airports. Required driving documents vary by country of issuance — please prepare according to your country's procedures.If you’re not planning to drive around the Izu coast, the Shinkansen is faster, cheaper (when you factor in tolls and gas), and eliminates the stress of mountain roads. Atami’s steep, narrow streets are not the friendliest for unfamiliar drivers.Arriving at Atami Station: What’s Waiting for YouAtami is built on steep hills — plan your footwear and transport accordingly.Step off the train and you’re at the heart of Atami. Here’s what you need to know:Luggage storage — coin lockers are available near the ticket gates and around the station building. Atami Daiichi Building (just outside the station) also offers paid luggage storage. Sizes range from small to large. Lockers fill up by 9–10 AM on weekends and holidays, so arrive early if you need one. If everything’s full, your hotel may store bags before check-in — call ahead to confirm.Tourist information — located on the 1st floor of Lusca Atami (the shopping building directly connected to the station). English maps and bus timetables are available, and staff can help with directions.What’s nearby: Shopping streets start right outside the station, with dried fish shops, onsen manju (steamed buns), and local cafés lining the way. Beaches, shrines, museums, and hot springs are all a short walk or bus ride away.See our Must-See Spots & Highlights for what to doSee What to Eat in Atami for where to eatPlanning around a fireworks night? See the Atami Fireworks Festival scheduleGetting around: Local route buses connect major spots, and taxis are easy to find around the station.For routes from airports, Osaka, Kyoto, and other cities, see our Getting to Atami guide.Getting Back to Tokyo — Last Trains & TipsThe last Shinkansen from Atami to Tokyo departs at 10:41 PM, reaching Tokyo Station by 11:24 PM. The last local train to Tokyo leaves at 10:09 PM.The return journey mirrors the outbound trip — same trains, same platforms, same prices. A few things worth knowing:Shinkansen back to Tokyo:Hikari — about 35 minutes to Tokyo, 29 minutes to Shinagawa. Only about 3 trains per day.Kodama — about 45 minutes to Tokyo, 38 minutes to Shinagawa. Runs roughly every 30 minutes.Last departure: 10:41 PM (Kodama), arriving Tokyo 11:24 PM.JR Tokaido Line (local):About 1 hour 50 minutes to Tokyo.Last departure to Tokyo: 10:09 PM, arriving Tokyo 11:46 PM.Last departure to Shinagawa: 10:35 PM, arriving Shinagawa 12:07 AM.These times are based on the regular timetable. Schedules shift slightly by season — always confirm the latest timetable on the day of travel.Non-reserved seats on the return: Weekend evenings and holiday Sundays are the busiest. The 5:00–7:00 PM window is peak — if your schedule is flexible, leaving before 4 PM or after 8 PM makes a noticeable difference.Consider staying the night. Atami after dark has a character all its own — onsen baths, fresh seafood dinners, and ocean views lit up at night. With dozens of hot spring hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) near the station, an overnight stay is well worth planning into your trip.FAQHow long is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami?The Hikari Shinkansen takes about 35 minutes from Tokyo Station and 29 minutes from Shinagawa. The Kodama takes about 45 minutes from Tokyo or 38 minutes from Shinagawa. Both stop at Atami — the Nozomi does not. Note that only about 3 Hikari trains per day stop at Atami, while Kodama runs roughly every 30 minutes.How much does it cost to get to Atami from Tokyo?The Shinkansen costs roughly double the JR local train for a one-way trip. JR Pass holders can ride both at no extra charge. Check current fares at JR Central (Shinkansen) or JR East (local trains) before traveling.Can I use a JR Pass to get to Atami?Yes. The JR Pass covers the Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen, JR local trains, and the Odoriko limited express on the Tokyo–Atami route. It does not cover the Nozomi Shinkansen. For the Saphir Odoriko, a Green JR Pass covers Green Car seats; an Ordinary JR Pass requires a top-up for all Saphir seats.Does the Nozomi stop at Atami?No. The Nozomi is the fastest Shinkansen on the Tokaido line but skips Atami entirely. Take a Hikari or Kodama instead.What is the last train from Atami to Tokyo?The last Shinkansen (Kodama) departs Atami at 10:41 PM, arriving at Tokyo Station by 11:24 PM. The last JR local train to Tokyo leaves at 10:09 PM (arriving 11:46 PM); to Shinagawa, the last is 10:35 PM (arriving 12:07 AM). Schedules shift slightly by season — check the latest timetable before you go.Is Atami a good day trip from Tokyo?Absolutely. With the Shinkansen taking just 35 minutes, you can leave Tokyo after breakfast, explore beaches, hot springs, and shrines, eat fresh seafood for lunch, and be back in Tokyo by dinner. For a fuller experience, stay overnight — Atami after dark is a different town entirely. It also makes an excellent base for exploring the Izu Peninsula.Can I get to Atami from Hakone?Yes. The JR Tokaido Line connects Odawara (the gateway to Hakone) and Atami in about 25 minutes. From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Odawara (about 15 minutes), then transfer to the JR Tokaido Line toward Atami. The entire trip takes about 45 minutes. After Odawara, the train runs along the coast — on a clear day, the ocean fills the windows and it’s a particularly scenic stretch.What is the fastest Shinkansen from Atami to Tokyo?The Hikari Shinkansen is the fastest, reaching Tokyo Station in about 35 minutes and Shinagawa in about 29 minutes. Only about 3 Hikari trains per day stop at Atami, so check the timetable. Kodama services take about 45 minutes to Shinagawa) and run roughly every 30 minutes — all stop at Atami.