Izu Atagawa Onsen
One of the Izu Peninsula's least-visited onsen towns — a tranquil riverside resort with hot spring water so abundant it is used to heat the famous Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden. The milky alkaline waters relax muscles while the forested gorge offers cool air even in summer.
1 night recommended
Ryokan day-baths from ¥600
Ryokan day baths: typically 11:00–15:00 (call ahead); outdoor ashi-yu foot bath near station: daytime
Year-round (autumn foliage October–November)
Izu-Atagawa Station on Izu Kyuko Line (2h 30min from Tokyo)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Hot spring water from here heats the Tropical & Alligator Garden's exotic species enclosures next door
- 2
The Inatori–Atagawa coast has black sand beaches — stark contrast to Tokyo's nearest resort coasts
- 3
Local onsen egg stalls sell eggs boiled in spring water outside ryokan every morning
Local Tips
Atagawa's claim to fame is the banana farm and tropical bird garden next to the onsen — bizarre but genuinely impressive. The hot spring water here flows directly from the hillside into the ryokan baths; some rooms have private outdoor baths (rotenburo) overlooking the river. The Izu Peninsula coastal road south to Shimoda is worth driving.
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