Tokyo Atami Sea Fireworks Festival Shopping Guide|Hidden Gems You Must Visit
The Atami Sea Fireworks Festival is one of the most iconic events in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture. First held in 1952, it takes place over 10 times a year, with the autumn foliage season (late October to late November) being particularly lively. Visitors flock to Atami Bay to enjoy the stunning combination of fireworks and autumn leaves. In terms of shopping, Atami City is renowned for its hot spring streets and traditional shops, offering unique souvenirs perfect for travelers seeking local specialties. Below are recommended hidden gem shops to visit during the autumn foliage season, conveniently located near Atami Station and Atami Ginza Shopping Street:
- **Atami Ginza・Houeido** (Approx. 10-minute walk from Atami Station): A century-old shop specializing in traditional Japanese sweets. During the autumn foliage season, they offer limited-edition maple leaf-shaped mochi (priced around 500–1000 yen), filled with red bean paste or matcha cream, elegantly packaged and ideal as gifts. The shop also sells handmade rice crackers (around 800 yen per pack), which are crispy and popular among locals. Opening hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- **Kinomiya Shrine・Souvenir Shop** (Approx. 5-minute bus ride from Atami Station, 3-minute walk from Kinomiya Station): Famous for its thousand-year-old camphor tree, the shrine’s souvenir shop sells autumn-themed omamori (amulets, priced around 800–1500 yen) and ema (wooden prayer plaques, priced around 1000 yen), incorporating maple leaf designs, perfect for blessings or as collectibles. During the autumn foliage season, the shop also offers limited-edition maple leaf postcards (priced around 300–500 yen). Opening hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- **Atami Ginza・Atami Pudding** (Approx. 12-minute walk from Atami Station): A popular dessert shop specializing in hot spring steamed puddings (priced around 600 yen each). During the autumn foliage season, they introduce a maple syrup-flavored pudding (priced around 800 yen), featuring a creamy texture and exquisite packaging, ideal for gifting. The shop offers samples, attracting young travelers. Opening hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- **Heiwa-dori Shopping Street・Atami Pudding Workshop** (Approx. 5-minute walk from Atami Station): Hidden in the alleys of the shopping street, this shop sells handmade puddings and Mount Fuji-shaped cookies (priced around 1000 yen per box). During the autumn foliage season, they launch seasonal maple leaf-themed packaged snacks (priced around 500–800 yen), which are budget-friendly and great for bulk purchases. Opening hours: 10:00 AM–5:30 PM.
**Shopping Tips:** The Atami Fireworks Festival during the autumn foliage season is scheduled from 8:20 PM to 8:40 PM. It’s recommended to arrive early at the venue (Atami Bay, approximately a 15-minute walk from Atami Station) and explore nearby shopping streets. Food stalls around the fireworks venue sell takoyaki, grilled skewers (priced around 300–800 yen), and fireworks-themed souvenirs (priced around 500–1500 yen). Most stalls accept cash only, so be sure to carry enough yen.
During the crowded autumn foliage season, it’s advisable to arrive at the venue before 4:00 PM and bring a ground sheet to secure a spot at Shinsui Park or Atami Sun Beach. You can also visit Atami Plum Garden or MOA Museum of Art to enjoy autumn leaves and art exhibitions, enhancing your travel experience.