Where should we go, July 3 to 5?

Two options, a few hours apart — pick one. Read across, then we'll settle it in the chat.

Kurobe Dam's water discharge seen from downstream in summer

Kurobe

a hot-spring gorge town reached by one direct shinkansen, and a high alpine route beyond it

getting there
about 2 hr 48 min
cost per adult
about ¥12,510

weather: Normally rainy season, and the mountain is cold

Kurobe Dam's water discharge seen from downstream in summerChinguruma alpine flowers blooming on the Murodo plateau in summerThe old Yamabiko red truss bridge over the green Kurobe River

for July 3 to 5

  • In 2026 the Kurobe Gorge Railway runs only as a shuttle between Unazuki and Nekomata, through September 30 — the full ride to Keyakidaira is closed for earthquake restoration. — Kurobe Gorge Railway
  • Kurobe Dam's tourist water discharge runs late June to mid-October, so it's on during the trip (the rainbow-in-the-spray view). — Kurobe Dam
  • White shrimp, the Toyama Bay signature, is in season April to November — so early July catches it. — Toyama tourism
Look closer at Kurobe — map, places, food →
A panorama of the Atami townscape rising above Sagami Bay

Atami

a hot-spring town on the coast, one of the closest to Tokyo

getting there
about 1 hr
cost per adult
about ¥2,190

weather: Normally rainy season, warm and humid by the sea

A panorama of the Atami townscape rising above Sagami BayThe palm-lined Atami Sun Beach seafront by dayThe hilltop keep of Atami Castle on a clear day

for July 3 to 5

  • Early July sits between Atami's seasonal draws — fireflies end June 7, the beach opens July 11, and the fireworks start July 20. — Atami Tourism Association
  • The food-walking arcades right by Atami station are covered, so they hold up on a rainy day. — JAL ontrip
Look closer at Atami — map, places, food →