At Nakano Kajikawa Park in the Minami‑Atami area, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival unfolds in perfect harmony with the blooming season. Set atop a gentle hill overlooking the sparkling Sagami Bay, the park becomes a soft spring tableau as roughly 70 weeping cherry trees burst into delicate pink blossoms, their colour glowing beautifully against the fresh green backdrop of early spring.

Because there is no parking available on-site, visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus operating from Nagahama Seaside Park on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival period. Numbered tickets, distributed at Nagahama Park, are required to board the shuttle, a simple system that keeps the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

Location: Nakano Kajikawa Park in Atami City 

Period: 9 days from late March ~ early April (Depends on the flowering status)

For more information, visit their website https://izutaga.jp

The Hatsushima Resort Line carries travellers from Atami Port to the peaceful island of Hatsushima in just 30 minutes. Both the Kinwa Silver Wave and the Ildo Vacation Premier ferries welcome pets on board (free of charge!), making the journey especially enjoyable for those exploring with their dogs. Happening every 11th day of each month, called “One One Day”. 

After a breezy cruise across the bay, the island opens up as a relaxed resort escape. Spend the day unwinding at pet‑friendly facilities, or let your dog roam freely and explore the island’s open spaces. Whether you’re seeking a slow, restorative outing or a playful adventure with your furry companion, Hatsushima offers an easy, refreshing break from the everyday.

For more information, visit their website - https://www.hatsushima.jp/

At Izuyama Shrine, a series of time‑honoured rituals unfolds each April, offering a rare glimpse into Atami’s deep cultural heritage. The celebrations begin on April 14 with the Yoimiya Festival, held at 8 p.m., when the shrine is softly illuminated, and the atmosphere turns ceremonial.

The following day, April 15, is filled with successive rites: the Imperial Festival at 10:00, the Demimi Festival at 13:00, the Shimomiya Festival at 14:00, and the Return Festival at 16:00. 

On April 16, the Later Festival takes place at 10:00, bringing the three‑day observance to a graceful close.

Both the main festival and the later festival feature sacred performances: the Shrine Dance and the Actual Morning Dance, traditions that have been carefully preserved at Izuyama Shrine since ancient times. One of the most dramatic moments occurs during the Demi-go-sai Festival, when four mikoshi are carried down the steep stone steps leading to the lower shrine, drawing crowds eager to witness this powerful display of devotion.

Location: 708-1 Izusan, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0002, Japan

Period: April 14 (Tue) - April 16 (Thu), 2026

For more information, visit their website - https://izusanjinjya.jp/

Himenozawa Park, one of Japan’s top 100 urban parks, stretches across 1,080,000 square meters of mountainside greenery offering a sweeping natural stage that bursts into colour each spring. From late April, the park becomes a vibrant spectacle as around 60,000 azaleas reach full bloom, creating a lush tapestry of pinks, reds, and purples. Overhead, about 160 koinobori dance in the breeze, adding a festive touch that makes the entire landscape feel alive.

During Golden Week in May, the park takes on an even more celebratory atmosphere with food trucks, creative workshops, and family‑friendly activities. This year introduces a delightful new initiative: “Koinobori Made by Everyone,” where visitors craft origami koinobori that are combined to form one large, community‑made streamer. It’s a joyful blend of tradition, creativity, and shared springtime spirit.

For those seeking a more active outing, the Sports Plaza (available by reservation) offers space for soccer and ground golf, adding another layer of outdoor fun to this expansive, nature‑filled retreat.

Location: Japan, 〒413-0002 Shizuoka, Atami, Izusan, １１６４−1

Period: April 18, 2026 (Sat) ~ May 6, 2026 (Wed/Holiday)

For more information, visit their website - https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/himenosawa/

Famous for its sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Sagami Bay, Jukoku Pass is one of the region’s most breathtaking spots and an ideal destination for an outing with your dog. At the summit, visitors will find the popular “dog run in the sky,” a mountaintop play area divided into two zones: one for small dogs and another for larger breeds. It’s a joyful space where pups can run freely, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and pose for memorable photos against panoramic vistas.

Reaching the top is part of the adventure. The three‑minute Jukoku Pass Panoramic Cable Car welcomes dogs on a leash, making the ascent easy and enjoyable for both pets and their humans.

Please note that the dog run is available exclusively to guests who ride the cable car and to those staying at THE GLAMPING Hakone Jukoku Pass, ensuring a relaxed and well‑managed experience for all visitors.

“AtaWan Marche,” an event created to make Atami, Izu, and Hakone more welcoming for dog lovers, will take place at Jukoku Pass on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. The mountaintop transforms into a lively open‑air market, with stalls offering handmade goods, gourmet treats for dogs, and kitchen cars serving local favourites.

Dogs are welcome to ride the cable car as long as they’re on a leash, turning the ascent into part of the adventure. At the summit, visitors can relax together on the terrace or let their pups enjoy the exhilarating sky dog run, where fresh mountain air and sweeping views create a memorable day out for both pets and their humans.

Location: 1400-20 Kuwahara, Kannami, Tagata District, Shizuoka 419-0101, Japan

Period: April 25 (Sat) and April 26 (Sun), 2026

For more information, visit their website https://www.jukkoku-cable.jp/

Atami City maintains a sister‑city partnership with Sanremo in northern Italy, a connection inspired by their shared coastal landscapes and Mediterranean charm. This bond comes to life each year at the FIAT 500/500C owners’ gathering, where around 200 enthusiasts bring their beloved Italian cars to the Atami seaside. The event features vibrant vehicle displays, test‑drive sessions, and expert‑led talk shows, along with stalls selling related merchandise and a lively flea market. It’s a festive celebration that blends Italian style with Atami’s breezy oceanfront atmosphere.

Location: Atami City Kamitaga Nagahama Seaside Park Lawn Square

Date and time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:00-16:00

For more information, visit their website - https://www.lafita.net/

In 2026, the Atami Maritime Fireworks Festival will light up the city 15 times throughout the year, with the first display scheduled for Sunday, April 26. Atami’s fireworks are famous for their dramatic acoustics, amplified by the city’s unique mortar‑shaped terrain, where mountains embrace the bay on three sides. The grand finale, “Niagara in the Sky,” floods the night with a brilliance so intense it feels momentarily like daylight — a spectacle that can only be experienced here.

If you’re planning a spring getaway, make time to witness this unforgettable display. Atami’s fireworks aren’t just seen; they’re felt.

Festival dates as follows:

        Spring 4/26 (Sun) & 5/24 (Sun)

        Summer 7/20 (Mon. & Holiday), 7/26 (Sun.), 8/5 (Wed.), 8/9 (Sun.), 8/18 (Tue.), 8/24 (Mon.)

        Autumn 9/13 (Sun.), 10/12 (Mon., Holiday), 10/25 (Sun.), 11/8 (Sun.), 11/23 (Mon., Holiday)

        Winter 12/6 (Sun.) & 12/25 (Fri.)

Location: Sun Beach, Water Park, etc.

For more information, visit their website https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/8/

“Atami Geisha,” a tradition that has flourished since the Meiji era, remains one of the city’s most treasured cultural legacies. Today, around 70 geisha continue this heritage, performing every Saturday and Sunday at Yumemachi no Dori Hana no Mai, where visitors can enjoy their graceful dances up close.

On Wednesday, April 29, the annual Atami no Dori takes centre stage - a full scale performance showcasing the results of the geisha’s rigorous daily training. Dressed in exquisite, richly detailed costumes, the Atami geisha present a captivating program of classical dance that embodies elegance, discipline, and centuries of artistry. It is one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, offering a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese performance in its purest form.

Location: 17-13 Chuocho, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0015, Japan

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

3 performances, part opens 10:30, starts 11:10

        Part 2 Open 13:10, Start 13:40

        Part 3 Open 15:30, Start 16:00

Price: Pier seats 15,000 yen (tax included), reserved seats 6,000 yen (tax included)

For more information, visit their website  https://atami-geigi.jp/

ACAO FOREST spans a sweeping hillside of 200,000 tsubo, home to 13 distinctive gardens and a curated collection of outdoor art. It’s a resort‑style park where visitors can wander freely with their dogs, thanks to thoughtful amenities such as a dog terrace, dog site, and a spacious dog run.

For a scenic break, head to CODA ROSSA, the park’s seaside pizzeria, where both humans and pups are treated to a menu with flair — including playful offerings like Doggie Pizza and Doggie Tiramisu. Over at cokage, the park’s hands‑on herb and aroma workshop space, you can even join creative sessions together with your dog, making the experience as memorable as it is relaxing.

Every spring through early summer, ACAO FOREST bursts into colour with 4,000 roses spanning 600 varieties, creating one of the most enchanting floral displays in the region. Beginning in late April, the garden hosts ACAO ROSE FESTA 2026, widely regarded as one of the premier rose festivals in the Kanto area.

In the Evergarden and Collection Garden, visitors can wander through archways draped in vibrant blooms and experience a breathtaking 360‑degree panorama of roses in every shade imaginable. Throughout the park, guests can also enjoy rose‑inspired gourmet treats and take part in hands‑on workshops, making it a sensory‑rich celebration of the season.

Location: 1027-8 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0101, Japan

Period: Scheduled to be held from late April *Please check the official website for the latest information.

Admission Fees: 

        Adults 2,500 yen~ (varies depending on the season)

        Elementary school students 1,000 yen

        Preschool children Free

        * If you bring a pet, you will be charged an additional 1,000 yen regardless of the number of pets.

        * If you have a disability certificate, please present it at the ticket counter.

Parking fees: 1,000yen per car (up to 3 hours, an additional 200 yen will be charged every 30 minutes after 3 hours)

For more information, visit their website https://acao.jp/forest

Enjoy good Italian foodSanremo Solare 

This Italian restaurant in the Shimotaga area sits right beside the marina, offering uninterrupted sea views and a refreshing ocean breeze as you dine. Favourites on the menu include local fish carpaccio, fragrant Genovese pizza, and rich Genovese pasta — dishes that pair perfectly with the relaxed, waterfront setting. The terrace overlooking the sea is dog‑friendly, making it an ideal stop when exploring the area with your four‑legged companion.

Location: 541-24 Shimotaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0102, Japan

There are many dog-friendly hotels and inns in Atami. There are also plenty of villas and rental facilities where you can spend your time without hesitation. 

A new villa complex featuring five standalone buildings has opened within the grounds of Soratoniwa Atami Izuyama. Each villa is completely private and comes equipped with its own sauna and open‑air bath, creating a luxurious retreat surrounded by nature. Three of the villas are dog‑friendly and include a 100‑square‑meter private dog run, along with an open‑air bath and sauna fitted with hot and cold chillers. Every space is designed so you and your dog can relax freely throughout the villa, ensuring a truly special stay where comfort and companionship take centre stage.

Location: 1173-534 Izusan, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0002, Japan

Website: https://soratoniwa-atami.com/

Perched on a hill overlooking Sagami Bay, Yururi Atami with DOGS is a hot spring inn where guests can enjoy Atami’s signature onsen and seasonal cuisine while receiving thoughtful, dog‑friendly care. Every room welcomes dogs, allowing you to relax and dine together throughout your stay. The property also features three dedicated dog runs and a fully equipped trimming and drying room, where you can experience professional‑level grooming services. For an added treat, the inn offers a collaboration plan with ACAO FOREST, including admission tickets and complimentary pet entry — a perfect way to pair relaxation with a scenic day out.

Location: 411-292 Izumi, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0001, Japan

Website: https://yururi-atami.com/

Located within the villa community of Atami Nature Village, this rental accommodation offers a peaceful retreat midway between central Atami and the South Atami area. The spacious living room features a bright atrium that opens onto a wooden deck, and the property includes a private dog run of over 100 square meters, allowing you and your dog to relax and play without hesitation. The bathroom draws from Atami’s natural hot springs, adding a luxurious touch to your stay. Surrounded by greenery, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy hot springs, BBQs, and a resort‑style getaway with your dog.

Location: 1045-43 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0101, Japan

Website - https://calmvilla.jp/atami/

Ashiro Kanko Hotel 

Just a four‑minute walk from Ajiro Station, this pure Japanese‑style inn sits along the waterfront facing Ajiro Fishing Port. Dogs are welcome, allowing you to enjoy your stay as a natural extension of your everyday life — relaxing together on tatami mats and unwinding in a calm, traditional setting. Guests can savour a luxurious “live fish” kaiseki meal, featuring local seafood caught that very morning, and soak in free‑flowing natural hot springs drawn directly from the source. It’s a blissful retreat where both you and your dog can slow down and enjoy the gentle rhythm of Ajiro.

Location: 134 Shimotaga, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0102, Japan

Website - https://ajirokankou.com/

Because it’s a rare blend of everything travellers crave in spring:

        * Flowers at their peak

        * Festivals steeped in culture

        * Hot springs with ocean views

        * Fireworks that feel cinematic

        * A city that welcomes dogs with open arms

Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, planning a Golden Week escape, or simply craving a gentle reset by the sea, Atami in spring offers a season of colour, culture, and connection for you, your family, and your furry best friend.

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