Atami City's Islands

Above, Atami Castle overlooks Atami City from its hilltop perch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About an hour from Tokyo via shinkansen is Atami City. Atami's claim to fame were the final moments of the battle between Godzilla and King Kong in 1962's King Kong vs. Godzilla. Atami Castle was demolished by both monsters.

Atami was also featured Monster From A Prehistoric Planet (1967) when the Gappas first came ashore.

Atami means "hot sea" and is noted for its hot spring onsens.

Above, Oshima Island can be seen on a clear day from Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are two islands visible from Atami. The biggest one is Oshima Island. It is noted for its volcano. It was here that Godzilla was lured to and ended up falling into the cauldron in Return of Godzilla (1984) (a.k.a. Godzilla 1985). There is a Godzilla statue at the Hamano Hot Springs Resort on the island. Oshima is 27 miles from Atami.

Above, Hatsushima Island as seen from from Atami Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Closer to Atami (about 7 miles) in Sagami Bay is the island of Hatsushima. It has hot spring resorts along with camping, cabins, aquarium, beaches, pool, surfing and diving. It is the closest island to Tokyo.

Atami is featured on page 35 of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Whether for an overnight stay or just a day-trip, Atami City is a great place to visit.

Spotlight On Atami Castle

Atami Castle, at the seacoast city of Atami, Japan, is an attraction built in 1959 in the Momoyama architectural style when the city was enjoying its heyday as a tourist town.

Atami is less than two hours away from Tokyo by car and it also is accessible by shinkansen. The castle is not a traditional castle as it was built for tourism.

The hilltop castle contains a museum which includes an exhibit of an old samurai homestead . Visitors may find temporary exhibits when visiting the castle.

Above, a view of Oshima Island from Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The castle is 160 meters in height (about 525 feet) and the observation deck at the top offers superb views of the surrounding countryside and ocean. Also, Oshima Island (featured in Return of Godzilla (1984)) can be seen from Atami.

Above, Atami Castle from the harbor of Atami City. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Atami Castle was the location for the end of the battle between Godzilla and King Kong in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962).

Atami has several hot spring (onsen) resorts to further entice visitors.

Atami is featured on page 35 in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.