Just 40 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo, Atami Castle (熱海城), located on a mountain at an elevation of 160m, offers stunning views, a free game center, and a foot bath, making it a "castle-themed park." It also features intricate models of famous castles like Osaka Castle (大阪城) and Himeji Castle (姫路城), allowing visitors to learn about Japan's castle history all at once. It's a popular spot for sightseeing in Atami, even on rainy days.
4 Reasons to Visit Atami Castle
First, let me clarify: Atami Castle is not a "real castle." It was built for tourism in 1959. If you want to see historical castles, Himeji Castle or Matsumoto Castle (松本城) are recommended.
However, Atami Castle has many unique features not found in other castles.
Unlimited access to the game center with just the entrance fee: Very popular with families!
Observation deck at 160m: Enjoy a 360-degree view of Atami city and the sea.
View the sea while relaxing in a foot bath: Free for visitors.
Fun even on rainy days: Indoors, so no worries about the weather.
Think of it as a place to "experience Japanese culture," not just to "see an old castle," and you're sure to enjoy it.
What is Atami Castle Like?
Atami Castle is a tourist facility built in 1959. It is not a "real castle" as you might find in history books.
Originally, during the Sengoku period (about 500 years ago), the Hojo clan (北条) tried to build a castle here. At that time, Atami was an important base for naval forces, but the terrain was too rugged for construction. Today's Atami Castle was built as a tourist attraction at that location.
The building has six floors above ground and one basement level. On the roof is a golden shachihoko (シャチホコ, a decorative ornament shaped like a fish), which is famous for being "the largest golden shachihoko in Japan," 15cm larger than that of Nagoya Castle.
Some online reviews express disappointment that it's not a real castle. But think about it: you can experience things here that you can't in a real castle. Compare models of famous castles from all over Japan, play games, and enjoy experiences you won't find in historical castles.
Highlights of Atami Castle: Floor-by-Floor Guide
Atami Castle has six floors, each offering different exhibits and experiences. The recommended route is to take the elevator to the top floor (6th) first, enjoy the view, and then walk down the stairs. Finally, have fun in the game corner in the basement.
6th Floor: Enjoy the View from the Observation Deck!
First, let's take the elevator to the 6th floor. From a height of 43m above ground and 160m above sea level, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. In front of you is Sagami Bay (相模湾), and below is the city of Atami. On clear days, you can even see Hatsushima (初島), Izu Oshima (伊豆大島), and the distant Boso Peninsula.
Some online reviews mention that the view reminds them of Monaco in Europe. The deck, surrounded by red railings, also has telescopes for leisurely viewing. On days of the Atami Fireworks Festival in summer, the castle stays open late, making it a popular spot to watch the fireworks.
5th Floor: Costume Experience Corner [Most Popular!]
The most popular floor at Atami Castle is this one. Why? Because you can wear samurai armor, kimonos, and ninja costumes for free and take photos! Such experiences are rare in real castles. There are changing rooms available, and you can change outfits as many times as you like.
[[10]]Available costumes (all free):[[/10]
Samurai armor: Includes a kabuto (metal helmet), making you look like a Sengoku warlord.
Costumes of lords and princesses: Sparkling, luxurious outfits for memorable photos.
Junihitoe (十二単) : A luxurious outfit worn by noblewomen about 1000 years ago, consisting of 12 layers.
Ninja costumes: Dress in black and strike a "Ninja!" pose.
In addition to wearing costumes, there are areas to experience life in ancient Japan. Try lifting a "senryōbako" (千両箱), a 14kg box that weighs as much as 1000 coins (kobans = 小判). You’ll be surprised at how heavy it is! You can also experience sitting in a palanquin used by feudal lords and sleeping on a high pillow from the past.
3rd Floor: Art Exhibits for Adults
This floor features ukiyo-e (浮世絵, traditional Japanese woodblock prints) aimed at adults. It is a valuable collection for understanding ancient Japanese culture, studied even in overseas museums. Those under 18 are not allowed, so families with children will need to split up here.
2nd Floor: Japanese Castle Museum [A Must-See for Castle Lovers!]
This floor allows you to compare famous castles from all over Japan. It features intricate models of iconic castles like Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle, Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Inuyama Castle (犬山城). For foreign tourists, being able to compare the shapes and characteristics of Japanese castles without traveling across the country is a great advantage.
Particularly noteworthy is a model of a castle made entirely from matchsticks. Some models use about 40,000 matchsticks for precise reproduction. You'll be amazed by Japanese craftsmanship.
There is also an exhibit comparing the heights of castles across Japan, showing how Atami Castle's height compares to that of Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle, and Kumamoto Castle. This floor is a treasure for castle enthusiasts.
1st Floor: Samurai Culture Museum & Foot Bath (足湯)
The "Samurai Culture Museum" displays armor, Japanese swords (日本刀), and matchlock guns (火縄銃) used by samurai in battles.
One particularly interesting exhibit is the "Kawari Kabuto" (変わり兜), featuring unique helmet designs like a demon's face, a rabbit, and a fish. It's amusing to think that warlords from the Sengoku period used such distinctive designs to stand out.
On the same floor, there is a foot bath (足湯) where you can enjoy the view while soaking your feet. Visitors can use it for free (towels are available for 100 yen). It uses natural hot spring water from Atami and has jet streams to relieve foot fatigue.
In front of you is the sea (Sagami Bay), and on clear days, you can see Hatsushima. It's a luxurious experience to warm your tired feet in the hot spring while enjoying the breathtaking view. This is included in the entrance fee, making it a great deal.
Basement Level 1: Free Game Center [The Biggest Surprise!]
"Wait, all of this is free?!"—everyone is surprised when they go down to the basement. With the entrance fee to Atami Castle, you can enjoy unlimited access to this game center for as long as you want. Normally, games cost 100 yen each, but here, you can play them all for free.
[[22]]Some of the games available: [[/22]
Taiko no Tatsujin (太鼓の達人) : A rhythm game where you hit drums. Very popular in Japan!
Racing games like Mario Kart : Thrilling on a large screen.
Shooting games : Shoot enemies with a gun-shaped controller.
Crane games (UFO catchers) : Free to try as many times as you want!
Air hockey and table tennis : Compete with friends or family for fun.
For families with small children: In addition to games, there is a ball pit (a colorful area filled with balls), bouldering (rock climbing), trampolines, and a kids' space. Facilities include diaper changing stations, nursing rooms, and hot water for milk. Free stroller rentals are also available, making it easy for families with babies.
There are also free massage chairs for adults. Many online reviews mention that "kids don't want to leave!" You can play all day long, making it perfect for sightseeing in Atami on rainy days.
Also Recommended: The Trick Art Labyrinth Next Door
Be sure to visit the "Trick Art Labyrinth" (トリックアート迷宮館), located right next to Atami Castle. [[31]]This experiential museum features art that creates optical illusions (さっかく), allowing you to take fun and interesting photos.
You can take pictures that make it look like you're being eaten by a giant or that you've stepped into a painting, with about 50 pieces of artwork available for photography. You'll find plenty of Instagram and TikTok-worthy shots. If you buy a combined ticket with Atami Castle, you can save 400 yen, so consider getting the "common ticket" (共通券) if you plan to visit both.
Hilltop Terrace (Restaurant)
The restaurant "Hilltop Terrace" in the castle garden offers meals with beautiful views. You can enjoy soba and udon made with wasabi from Amagi (天城), as well as rice bowls. If you sit on the terrace, you can bring your pet. You can use this restaurant without paying the entrance fee to Atami Castle.
Spring Cherry Blossoms, Summer Fireworks
Around Atami Castle, about 200 cherry blossom trees (ソメイヨシノ) are planted, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. The best time to see them is from late March to early April. The "Atami Castle Cherry Blossom Festival" is also held. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy them along with the night view of Atami.
During the summer "Atami Fireworks Festival," the castle stays open at night. Located on a mountain, Atami Castle is a perfect spot to watch the fireworks, with special reserved seats available.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fees for Atami Castle are as follows.
Atami Castle Only
Adults (high school students and older) : 1,200 yen
Elementary and middle school students : 650 yen
Ages 3-6 : 500 yen
Under 2 years old : Free
Set Ticket for Atami Castle + Trick Art Labyrinth
Adults : 2,000 yen
Elementary and middle school students : 1,050 yen
Ages 3-6 : 800 yen
Discount coupons are available, so check various coupon sites for cheaper tickets before you go.
How to Get to Atami Castle
Atami Castle is located on a mountain a bit away from Atami Station. Walking is difficult, so use a bus, taxi, or ropeway (gondola to the top).
Recommended Route: Bus + Ropeway
Take the bus from platform 7 at Atami Station to "Atami Port/Kōrakuen" for about 10 minutes. Get off at "Kōrakuen" and transfer to the Atami Ropeway. It takes about 3 minutes by ropeway, and then it's a 5-minute walk from the top station to Atami Castle.
Ropeway Fees:
One way : Adults 400 yen, Children 300 yen
Round trip : Adults 700 yen, Children 400 yen
The view from the ropeway is also fantastic. In about 3 minutes of aerial walking, you can see Atami city and the sea. On clear days, you may even see the Boso Peninsula.
By Taxi
It takes about 10 minutes by taxi from Atami Station, costing around 2,000 yen. If you're going as a group, splitting the fare is economical. However, travel time may increase if the roads are congested.
By Car
There is parking available at Atami Castle (170 cars, 500 yen per visit).
Basic Information
Address: 〒413-0033 Shizuoka Prefecture, Atami City, Atami 1993
Phone Number: 0557-81-6206
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Open year-round (no days off)
Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 to 1.5 hours
Parking: 170 cars (500 yen per visit)
For more information on other tourist spots in Atami, check the article below.
