Atami

Atami, city, eastern Shizuoka ken (prefecture), east-central Honshu, Japan. It lies on the northeastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, facing Sagami Gulf of the Pacific Ocean.

The city occupies the crater of the extinct volcano Mount Atami. The surrounding hills are remnants of the crater wall, which has been drowned by the sea on the east. Atami’s mild and warm climate, scenic seascape, and hot springs have made it a favoured resort since the 5th century ce. Development of the city and its surrounding region as a recreational area was rapid after 1934, when the opening of Tanna Tunnel brought the railway to the city. It is now on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen (bullet train) line. Overconstruction on mountainous land has caused landslides and traffic problems.

Of several attractions in the surrounding area, the Atami Tropical Garden contains hundreds of species of tropical plants and fish. An annual festival is held at the Atami Japanese-Apricot Garden. The Atami Art Museum, on a hill overlooking the city, contains a fine collection of Japanese sculpture and painting. Pop. (2005) 41,202; (2010) 39,611.