5 Days 4 Nights Shizuoka + Atami + Kawaguchiko Onsen Tour

5-Day, 4-Night Shizuoka, Atami, and Lake Kawaguchiko Onsen Tour: Explore Mount Fuji and the Ancient Hot Springs—a simple itinerary for the lazy!

🌟 Daily Itinerary: Take it easy and enjoy both hot springs and stunning scenery.

Day 1: Arrive in Shizuoka and experience the charm of Japan.

• Airport/Station → Downtown Shizuoka. Check into a hotel near the station (we recommend the Dormy Inn Shizuoka Station, a 5-minute walk from the shopping district).

• In the afternoon, visit Shizuoka Sensoji Temple (a popular prayer spot for locals, offering a quiet and uncrowded atmosphere). Enjoy the cherry blossoms and fall foliage at nearby Shizuoka Castle Park (seasonal only).

• Dinner: Enjoy Shizuoka's signature "Three Ways of Eel" (we recommend the long-established restaurant Nodaya). Before bed, soak in the hotel's large public bath to soothe travel fatigue.

Day 2: Shizuoka → Atami. Soak in a century-old hot spring bath and enjoy the ocean view.

• Morning: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Shizuoka Station to Atami Station (approximately 1 hour). Check into a hotel in the Atami Onsen area (we recommend the Atami Grand Hotel, with its stunning open-air baths directly overlooking the ocean).

• Afternoon: Stroll along Atami Ginza-dori and buy hot spring souvenirs (we recommend the sea salt cookies from Atami Meika). In the evening, visit Atami Coast to watch the sunset and take photos of Mount Fuji and the ocean (a must-have when the weather is good!).

• Evening: Soak in the hotel's Sunset Onsen, paired with Atami's signature seafood hot spring rice dish, a heartwarming experience.

Day 3: Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Atami, including its ancient town and hidden hot springs.

• Morning: Take a bus to Izu Kogen and visit Mount Omuro (take the cable car to the summit for 360-degree views of the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji). Snap Instagram-worthy photos at the nearby Cactus Park.

• Afternoon: Return to Atami, walk the Atami Old Streets, and visit the century-old hot spring resort, Hoshinoya Atami. (Even if you're not staying, you can purchase a day-trip ticket to enjoy the private hot springs.)

• Evening: Try the "Atami Night Onsen Bus" (advance reservations required), stopping at three hidden hot springs along the way. Enjoy a unique night view of the ocean while soaking.

Day 4: Atami → Kawaguchiko, Panoramic View of Mount Fuji

• Morning: Take the JR from Atami Station to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Bus to Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 2.5 hours). Check into a Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel (we recommend Kawaguchiko Konanso, whose private bath offers a direct view of Mount Fuji).

• Afternoon: Rent an electric scooter and circle the lake (the Kawaguchiko Ring Road is incredibly beautiful, with stops at Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge and the Chureito Observatory to photograph Mount Fuji's reflections). Visit the Kawaguchiko Music Box Museum to listen to music and take photos of the European-style architecture.

• Evening: Soak in the "Mount Fuji View Hot Springs" and enjoy Fuji Beef Sukiyaki. If the weather is good, enjoy a nighttime view of the Mount Fuji stars.

Day 5: Kawaguchiko → Return, bringing home a breathtaking view.

• Morning: Get up early to photograph the "Morning Mist of Mount Fuji" on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko (best between 6 and 7 pm), or visit Arakura Fuji Sengen Park (a must-see during fall foliage season, a classic five-story pagoda and Mount Fuji combo).

• Lunch: Enjoy Fujisan Yudofu (recommended at Tofu Cuisine Yuzuya) near Kawaguchiko Station and buy souvenirs (Fujiyama-shaped chocolate, hot spring manju).

• Afternoon: Take a bus to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the JR train back to Tokyo/Shizuoka Airport, concluding your trip.

⚠️ Must-Read Tips: Pitfalls to Avoid + Money-Saving Tips

1. Transportation Reservations: It's recommended to book the Kawaguchiko round-trip bus (Fujikyu Bus) on the official website one week in advance. Seats tend to be fully booked during peak season (spring cherry blossoms, autumn maples, and winter snow). For travel within Atami, the "Izu Bus One-Day Pass" is a better deal.

2. Hot Spring Etiquette: Rinse thoroughly before entering, avoid wearing swimwear, and tie up long hair. Some hotels require advance reservations for private hot springs; please confirm upon check-in.

3. Weather and Clothing: Lake Kawaguchiko is located at a high altitude, 3-5°C cooler than downtown. Even in summer, it's recommended to bring a light jacket. Photographing Mount Fuji is a matter of luck; check the "Mount Fuji Visibility" website before departure.

4. Avoid Peak Seasons: Spring cherry blossoms (late March to early April), autumn maples (mid-November), and winter snow (December to February) are peak seasons, when hotel prices rise and the weather is crowded. It's recommended to book a month or two in advance. May and September offer less crowds, good weather, and excellent value.

This trip combines the leisurely atmosphere of Shizuoka, the ancient hot springs of Atami, and the stunning views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko.
#Shizuoka #JapanRecommendations #Kawaguchiko #NewYearDestinations2025

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