Trip reports
Back to Nature in Atsugi
Not many people, apart from locals, are familiar with Atsugi, located in the center of Kanagawa Prefecture. The area does not come up so often when it comes to tourism, which makes it a perfect day trip destination if you’re searching for keywords like “hidden gem,” “hot spring,” and “nature.” We hope the following itinerary would be useful when planning a day trip from Tokyo to soak up nature and relax in a nice warm onsen.
Depart Shinjuku Station
Its ease of access is one of the main reasons to choose Atsugi as your day trip destination. The rapid express or the express train on the Odakyu Line will take you to Hon-Atsugi station in less than an hour (unlike the semi-express or local trains which will stop to let express trains pass).
Strawberry Picking
If you’re in Japan sometime between January and March, you’re in for a treat, as it’s the perfect time of the year to pick strawberries. Surprisingly, considering the proximity to Tokyo, Atsugi is home to a couple of strawberry farms that offer “all you can eat” strawberry picking. Guests typically get 30 minutes inside a greenhouse to pick and eat as many strawberries as they want. Below is a list of strawberries farms in Atsugi you can easily fit in the itinerary. Though some places accept “walk-ins” it is recommended that you make a reservation advance.
Wada Strawberry Farm (わだいちご園)
- Address: 216-1, Ohgami, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa
- Phone: 046-229-3415
- Fee: Mid-January to early April 1,900yen / Mid-April to early May 1,500yen
- Website: http://wada-ichigoen.com/
- Access: Bus: From Hon Atsugi Station, take the bus bound for Hiratsuka Station North Exit (about 15 minutes), and get off at Nakatoda Station (about 15 minutes on foot).
Seita Strawberry Farm (清田苺園)
- Address: 1759, Toda, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa
- Phone: 046-228-6857
- Fee: January to early April 1,700yen / mid-April 1,200yen / late April to early May 1,400yen / mid-May to late May 1,000yen
- Website: https://farm-2533.business.site/
- Access: Bus: From Hon Atsugi Station, take the bus bound for Hiratsuka Station North Exit (about 16 minutes), and get off at Shimotoda (about 3 minutes on foot).
Sugiyama Strawberry Farm 杉山いちご園
- Address: 1822, Toda, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa
- Phone: 090-5213-0922
- Fee: January to early April: 2,100 yen / early April to early May: 1,900 yen / early May to May 31: 1,700 yen / June - 1,300 yen
- Website: https://www.jalan.net/kankou/spt_guide000000192944/
- Access: Bus: From Hon Atsugi Station, take the bus bound for Hiratsuka Station North Exit (about 16 minutes), and get off at Shimotoda (about 5 minutes on foot).
Uchiumi Strawberry Farm (内海いちご園)
- Address: 696 Shimotsukoku, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa
- Phone: 046-228-6967
- Fee: Jan. 10 - Apr. 5: 2,100 yen / Apr. 6 - May 5: 1,800 yen / May 6 - Late May: 1,400 yen
- Website: https://www.uchiumi-ichigoen.com/
- Access: Bus: From Hon Atsugi Station, take the bus bound for Hiratsuka Station North Exit (about 13 minutes), and get off at Aitsubo Station (about 10 minutes on foot).
All of the strawberry farms above require you to take the same bus bound for Hiratsuka Station North Exit, so once you arrive at Hon-Atsugi station, head to the bus loop in front of the south exit, and hop on the #53 bus, and get off at the stop closest to your farm.
Hon-Atsugi Station
Take the #55 bus back to Hon-Atsugi station, and take some time to explore what was the most-searched-for location for potential renters in 2020, according to Lifull Homes (real estate portal). The progress in remote-working has allowed renters to consider areas outside of Tokyo, and Hon Atsugi’s great access to Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as its low rent and highly urban station area helped earn them the top spot last year. As you walk around you may begin to understand the reasons for the area’s popularity and even consider living here yourself. There are plenty of options for lunch if you’re still hungry.
Nanasawa Forest Park
Prepare yourself to spend the afternoon at the third largest park in Kanagawa Prefecture (65ha), Nanasawa Forest Park. As the name suggests, the park is covered in rich forest and is home to a range of wildlife, including monkeys, badgers, deers, and squirrels. You can enjoy a nice nature hike, capture the stunning view of the whole city from the observation deck, or consider pottery and crafts experiences offered at one of their ateliers. A barbeque area is also available from March to November. Any of the buses numbered 39, 44, 33, 38 from Hon Atsugi Station will take you close to the park.
Nanasawa Forest Park Details
- Address: 901-1 Nanasawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa
- Phone: 046-247-9870
- Fee: Free
- Website: http://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/nanasawa/
- Access: Bus: Take a bus from Atsugi Bus Center at Odakyu Line, Hon Atsugi Station and get off at Nanasawa Onsen bus stop
Nanasawa Onsen
What’s better than a dip in an onsen after a full day of excursion? Located 20-minutes on foot from Nanasawa Forest Park, Nanasawa onsen is a hot spring area home to several traditional Japanese ryokans (inns). The hot spring is known for its strong alkalinity which gives it a smooth gentle feel on the skin. Most ryokans accept day trip visitors so there is no need to stay overnight. All the ryokans at Nanasawa have a long history and you can tell from their architecture. Having this notable onsen town in proximity is also one of the reasons Hon Atsugi is increasing in popularity among renters. Relaxing in a high-quality hot spring offered by such a historic establishment is the perfect way to finish off the day trip.
Motoyu Tamagawakan
- Address: 2776, Nanasawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa
- Phone: 046-248-0002
- Fee: Day-use: 1,000 yen (11:30 - 17:00 (15:00 on weekends))
- Website: http://www.tamagawakan.co.jp/
- Access: Bus: Take a bus from Atsugi Bus Center at Hon Atsugi Station, alight at "Nanasawa Onsen" bus stop
Fukumotokan
- Address: 2758 Nanasawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa
- Phone: 046-248-0335
- Fee: Day-use: 1,000 yen (11:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00)
- Website: http://fukumotokan.jp/
- Access: Take a bus from Atsugi Bus Center at Hon Atsugi Station, alight at "Nanasawa Onsen" bus stop
To get back to Shinjuku Station, simply take #33, 38,or 39 bus to back to Hon Atsugi Station, and then the Odakyu Line.
Summary
We hope by the end of the trip you understand why many locals are considering this city as their potential home. What more can you ask for when the city offers good food and hot springs on top of a good balance of urban and nature?
- Shinjuku Station →
- (by Odakyu Line) Hon Atsugi Station →
- (by bus) Strawberry Farm →
- (by bus) Hon Atsugi Station →
- (by bus) Nanasawa Forest Park →
- (on foot) Nanasawa Onsen →
- (by bus) Hon Atsugii Station
