Atsugi is a mid-sized city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It sits between the Tanzawa Mountains and Sagami River, offering a mix of nature and city life. It’s quieter than Tokyo but well connected to bigger cities. There’s a US Navy air base, adding a small international touch.
Local dishes include Atsugi Shirokoro Horumon and seafood. Some international options like Italian and Korean exist. Late night food is available at izakayas, ramen shops, and convenience stores. Vegan and vegetarian options are limited but growing.
Nightlife is modest with izakayas, karaoke bars, and local pubs. Mostly locals go out here.
Local cafes offer decent coffee with a few specialty shops. The coffee scene is growing but small.
Tipping is not customary and can be frowned upon. Service charges may be included in bills.
You can buy SIM cards at airports or electronics stores in larger cities. Major carriers like NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank, and Rakuten offer good coverage. Passport is required for registration.
Atsugi is very clean with excellent waste management and street cleanliness.
Convenience stores are open 24/7 with food and daily items. Other services like pharmacies close early and night clinics are rare.
Supermarkets like Aeon, Ito-Yokado, and Summit Store cover most needs. Local fresh markets are available. Most open 9 or 10 AM to 9 or 10 PM, including Sundays.
Cash is still important here. Many small shops and transport options require cash, though bigger stores accept cards more often.
ATMs are common at post offices and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. Many accept international cards but fees vary.
Limited international schools in Atsugi; nearby Yokohama has several. Most local schools teach in Japanese, international schools teach in English.
Atsugi has a very small nomad community with limited meetups or coworking options.
Several parks, including Atsugi Central Park and Sagami River banks, provide good green space and shaded paths.
Running along the Sagami River and in Atsugi Central Park is popular and safe, even at night.
Multiple gyms offer options for fitness including chains and public facilities.
Public tennis courts exist with mostly hard surfaces. Booking in advance is common.
Padel courts are not common in Atsugi.
Several yoga studios offer popular styles. Drop-in classes are available, though English-speaking instructors may be limited.
Various dojos teach traditional martial arts like Karate, Judo, and Kendo. English instruction may be rare.
No ski resorts nearby. Closest are in Nagano or Niigata, around 2-3 hours away.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are available on the Sagami River and coast in warmer months with rental and guided tour options.
Surf spots are on the Shonan coast, about 30-40 minutes away. Suitable for all skill levels with schools and rentals available.
Izu Peninsula offers diving sites within reach. Water is clear in summer, with diverse marine life and rental gear available.
Atsugi City Hospital is the main facility. English-speaking staff are limited but some help is available. Quality of care is high across public and private clinics.
Tap water is safe and clean to drink.
Lots of parks and playgrounds. Cafes are generally family-friendly. Baby supplies are available in stores. Atsugi Central Park is a good spot for families.
Generally tolerant but less visible than in big cities. Limited local safe spaces and no major pride events.
Pet facilities and supplies exist but accommodation and pet-friendly venues are limited. Japan has strict pet import rules.
Power is very reliable with rare outages.
Shonan beaches are about 30-40 minutes away. They are popular in summer for swimming and sunbathing.
Tanzawa Mountains lie west of Atsugi with many hikes. Mount Oyama is a favorite day hike.
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