Atami Castle

Atami Castle is an iconic landmark along the coast of Japan. If you visit Atami, a city famous for its onsen hot springs and fabulous abundance of seafood, you’re sure to see towering Atami Castle’s luminous white walls and red-trimmed roofing dominating the cliffside. Inside is a samurai museum as well as a museum dedicated to all of the castles in Japan. Both are included in the price of admission.

Location: Atami, Japan
atop Nishikigaura Mountain
Floors: 5 Exterior, 9 Interior
Year Built: 1959
Address: 1993 Atami
Shizuoka 413-0033, Japan
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission Price: ¥1,200

Atami Castle Quick Facts

Unlike other recently built castles, Atami Castle is not a reconstruction of a previously damaged castle like many destroyed during World War II. Instead, it was built in the late 1950s to capitalize on the region’s tourism boom.

Above: View of Atami from Atami Castle

More than 200 cherry blossom (sakura) trees are planted around Atami Castle’s base. This makes it a premier destination for springtime hanami, sketching, painting, and flower festival events.

The entire point of Atami Castle is to be a fun and educational spot for visitors. The basement level has free-to-play arcade games, table tennis, and lots more for all ages. Other floors are filled with historical relics, models of famous Japanese castles, and even an art gallery.

Above: Samurai Museum

Above: Japanese Castle Museum

Atami Castle is a great spot to visit during hot or rainy days. It’s easy to spend an entire day there. Plus, there’s an on-site café and several vending machines with drinks, snacks, and even ice cream.

The scenery alone is worth a visit. We spent a long while appreciating the fresh air and views of Sagami Bay, Atami Bay, and Izu Oshima Island. On clear days, Tokyo Skytree may be visible from the observation deck through the telescope. It’s an entertaining place regardless of the weather!