Atami to Odawara train with JR Central

Information about the Atami to Odawara train route

The train from Atami to Odawara is a short but scenic coastal connection linking two of the Shizuoka and Kanagawa region's most rewarding destinations. Atami Station is located at 11 Tahara-honmachi, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0011, a compact station sitting close to the city's famous hot spring resort area. Odawara Station sits at 1-1-1 Sakaecho, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0011, serving as a key gateway to Hakone and the wider Kanagawa region.

The route follows the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Tokaido Main Line along Japan's Pacific coastline, passing through a stretch of terrain where mountains meet the sea, giving the journey a character that is far more scenic than its short length might suggest. The Kodama Shinkansen is the bullet train service that stops at both Atami and Odawara, making it the fastest option on this corridor. Travelers looking for a more relaxed and budget-friendly option can also take the Tokaido Main Line local or rapid trains, which run frequently and offer their own pleasant views along the Sagami Bay coastline.

This route is popular not only with tourists but also with commuters and day-trippers moving between the coastal resort towns of the Izu Peninsula and the historic castle town of Odawara. Whether you are heading onward to Hakone, continuing toward Tokyo, or simply exploring the area, the Atami to Odawara train connection is a reliable and well-serviced link.

We recommend using the JR Pass for traveling in trains all around Japan to save more money if you plan to do many trips. You can check the correct prices for every station or shinkansen connection in Omio's JR Pass information.

Atami to Odawara by train: what to expect on board

Traveling the Atami to Odawara route by train is a genuinely pleasant experience, regardless of which service you choose. Both the Shinkansen and the Tokaido Main Line are clean, punctual, and well-organized, qualities that make rail travel in Japan so consistently satisfying.

Best seats for the view

The scenery along this route is one of its highlights. As the train travels northeast from Atami toward Odawara, it skirts along the coastline with views opening out toward Sagami Bay.

• Sit on the left-hand side of the train (A or B window seats) when traveling from Atami to Odawara for the best coastal views.
• The most striking sea views appear shortly after departing Atami, as the train emerges from the tunnels cut through the Izu hills.
• On clear days, there is also a reasonable chance of catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji to the northwest, look toward the right-hand side of the train as you approach Odawara.

On-board experience

The Kodama Shinkansen, while the slowest of the Shinkansen services, is perfectly comfortable for this short hop. Seats are well-padded and the ride is smooth. Because the Kodama makes more stops than the Hikari or Nozomi, it tends to be quieter and less crowded, a pleasant bonus for travelers who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

On the local Tokaido Main Line trains, seating is open and unreserved. These trains are a good choice for those who want to take their time and enjoy the journey without the formality of a reserved Shinkansen seat.

Best time of year to travel

• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms are spectacular in both Atami and Odawara, particularly around Odawara Castle. Atami is actually famous for having one of Japan's earliest-blooming cherry blossoms, often appearing in late January or February, well ahead of the national season. Trains can fill up during peak hanami weekends, so traveling mid-week is advisable.
• Autumn (October to November): Cooler temperatures and autumn foliage make this a beautiful time to travel the coast. Crowds are more manageable than in spring.
• Winter (December to February): Atami's hot springs are at their most appealing in winter, and Odawara is far less crowded. Clear winter skies also offer the best chance of sharp Mount Fuji views from the train.
• Summer (July to August): The coastal areas get busy with domestic tourists. The Obon period in mid-August sees notably higher passenger volumes on all services in this corridor.

Getting to Odawara and beyond

Odawara Station is one of the most strategically useful train hubs in the greater Tokyo and Kanagawa region, offering a wide range of onward connections in multiple directions.

Toward Hakone

The most popular onward journey from Odawara is without question the trip into the Hakone area. The Hakone Tozan Railway departs directly from Odawara Station and climbs into the mountains toward Hakone-Yumoto and beyond, the starting point of the famous Hakone Round Course, which takes travelers through mountain railways, ropeways, lake cruises, and open-air art museums. The Odakyu Romancecar also connects Odawara to Shinjuku in Tokyo, and is a comfortable and scenic option for those heading back toward the capital.

Toward Tokyo

From Odawara, the Tokaido Shinkansen continues northeast with stops at Shin-Yokohama and Tokyo, making it one of the fastest ways back to the capital from this part of Japan. JR Pass holders can use the Kodama or Hikari services freely on this stretch.

Toward Atami and the Izu Peninsula

If you are traveling in the reverse direction, from Odawara back toward Atami or further down the Izu Peninsula, the same Tokaido Shinkansen and Tokaido Main Line services operate in both directions with similar frequency. The Izu Peninsula beyond Atami is served by the Izu Kyuko Line, which is not covered by the standard JR Pass but opens up access to resort towns such as Ito, Shimoda, and the dramatic southern tip of the peninsula.

What to expect when you arrive in Odawara

Odawara Station (1-1-1 Sakaecho, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0011) is a well-organized and easy-to-navigate hub that handles both Shinkansen and local train services under one roof. The station building connects directly to a shopping complex and has clear multilingual signage throughout, making arrival straightforward even for first-time visitors.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: The Odawara Tourist Information Center is located inside the station and offers English-language maps, Hakone travel advice, and local sightseeing guidance.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers of various sizes are available within the station. If you plan to explore the area before reaching your accommodation, this is a practical way to travel light. Luggage forwarding services are also available for sending bags ahead to your next destination.
• Currency and connectivity: International-compatible ATMs can be found inside the station building. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station.

Arriving in Odawara for the first time

The most visible landmark from the station is Odawara Castle, which sits just a short walk from the east exit and is visible above the surrounding rooftops. The castle grounds are open to the public and make an excellent first stop, particularly in spring when the cherry trees within the park are in bloom.

Odawara's city center is compact and walkable from the station, with a covered shopping arcade and local restaurants within easy reach of the main exits. For those heading directly to Hakone, the Hakone Tozan Railway and bus connections are clearly marked from the station's west side, keeping onward travel simple and efficient.