We expected another of the dying tourist traps you find in rural areas. Instead, we saw a geyser, a flower garden, and color everywhere.
Here's the geyser in front of the station. Look at the barefoot people in the pool!
Atami means "a sea of heat," and it's a hot springs town. Kids were dressed as though they were off to the beach, eating ice cream and begging their parents for toys.
There were a lot of markets like this...
...and like this.
Displays of steam were everywhere. Here's a steaming teacup.
And here's a very Japanese thing: Tanuki, or raccoon dogs.
Who can tell me what tanuki are famous for?