melody

This hotel with complimentary shuttle bus service to and from Atami station and a tower building offering all rooms panoramic ocean view is a good place to stay to watch the fireworks. The buffet dinner is quite good too, with unlimited crab legs and tempura (including zuwai crab legs). Rooms in Misaki building are much cheaper but they do not have ocean or fireworks view but you may squeeze with everyone else at the lobby on Level 2 to view the fireworks hahaha Book at least 2-3 months in advance if you want it for a fireworks night. Atami Korakuen Hotel Rate: JPY50,000+ (SGD$800) per room per night (include buffet dinner and breakfast) for tower building. On non-fireworks nights, you can book room only or B&B. Access: Take the train to Atami station and catch the complimentary shuttle service (half hourly but do check the timing with the hotel) Fireworks schedule

We decided this time to engage the Atami Goodwill Guide Club's help and we both agreed that it was an excellent decision.  Chie Matsuda san gave us really comprehensive information prior to our trip via email and when we arrived at Atami station, she was there holding a placard with our names on it =) Our guide was Henri san, a retiree who happily drove us around and patiently answered our questions. He prepared a file packed with useful information for us and we felt really touched by his effort. Henri san explained that Atami got its name because it is believed that many years ago, there was a volcano under the Atami sea, hence, it’s called 熱海 ‘hot sea’. The weather was excellent so for the first stop, Henri suggested we visit 十国峠 Jukkukotouge which had an awesome view of Mt Fuji =DD I was truly thrilled!! =D Henri san and Chie san, our Atami goodwill guides 梅園 Baien Park was also one of the recommended spots and it was the last day to view maple leaves so we managed yet ag...