Shizuoka » Izu (Izu Peninsula)
The Izu Peninsula is divided into four areas: East Izu, South Izu, Central Izu, and West Izu. In East Izu, visitors can enjoy hot springs, suspension bridges, and highlands in Atami and Ito. In Minami-Izu, there is Kawazu Town, where you can see the Kawazu Nanataki Waterfalls, and Shimoda, which boasts beautiful beaches including Shirahama.
In Naka Izu, there is Mishima, home to the Mishima Taisha shrine, and Shuzenji, a hot spring resort associated with the Kamakura Shogunate. In Nishi Izu, there is Numazu with the Numazu Port Deep Sea Aquarium and Toda Onsen Hot Springs, and Doi Onsen, famous for its caves, Dogashima Cave Tour, Nishi Izu Town, and gold mine.
To enjoy sightseeing in Izu
The Izu Peninsula is divided into four areas: East Izu, Central Izu, West Izu, and South Izu. Each area is dotted with attractive sightseeing spots.
In East Izu, there are hot springs, beautiful plum orchards, and spectacular views from Tokoku Pass in Atami City; Omuroyama and Izu Kogen in Ito City; Jōgasaki Beach with its thrilling suspension bridge; and fun leisure spots such as Animal Kingdom and Banana Crocodile Park. In addition, Higashi-Izu Town offers an abundance of hot springs, such as Atokawa Onsen.
In Naka Izu, there is Kakitagawa Park and Fuji Spring in Shimizu Town, Mishima Taisha Shrine in Mishima City, and Shuzenji Temple, which is associated with the Kamakura Shogun.
Nishi Izu has Numazu Port, the Deep Sea Aquarium, Awashima Marine Park, and Toda Hot Springs in Numazu City, and in Nishi Izu Town, visitors can tour the caves of Dogashima and view the Tombolo phenomenon. In Doi Onsen, visitors can enjoy the experience of collecting gold sand at a gold mine in the past.
Minami-Izu offers the legendary Kawazu Nanataki Falls and Kawazu Bagatelle Park in Kawazu Town, Mt. Negata and sand skiing in Shimoda City, and the southernmost lighthouse in Izu and the beautiful Hirizohama in Minami-Izu Town. The seven Izu islands can also be seen in the distance.
History of Izu
Long ago, Izu was a large island in the Pacific Ocean. However, as the Philippine Plate shifted beneath the island, it came into contact with Honshu, forming the Izu Peninsula.
In prehistoric times, Izu was used as a place of exile, and many historical figures were imprisoned here.
In the Edo period (1603-1867), Tokugawa Ieyasu made a hot-spring cure in Atami, and the Izu hot-spring resort flourished as a therapeutic hot-spring resort, and many cultural figures stayed there during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. Kawabata Yasunari, a famous writer, was also fascinated by Izu's hot springs and wrote "Izu no Odoriko" (The Dancing Girl of Izu) during his stay, which has been passed down in literary history as a masterpiece.
With its mild climate and abundance of delicious food, Izu has become a popular resort destination for people in the Kanto and Tokai regions.
Izu's Local Gourmet, Food Culture, and Specialties
The Izu Peninsula is surrounded by the eastern shore facing Sagaminada Sea, the western shore facing Suruga Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, and is blessed with rich fishing grounds. There is a wide variety of dining options to be enjoyed in this region. For example, at Numazu Port, you can enjoy fresh seafood rice bowls and sashimi set menus. In the eastern part of the region, you can enjoy such premium foods as lobsters, abalone, and turban shells, while in Nishi Izu you can enjoy hawksbill crabs and other delicacies.
The Minami Izu area in particular boasts one of the largest catches of snapper in Japan, which can be enjoyed in a variety of styles, including boiled, sashimi, sushi, and donburi. Mishima City is famous for its eels and is dotted with excellent eel restaurants.
In Atami City, there are Western-style restaurants loved by cultural figures and long-established Chinese restaurants. In addition, don't miss the traditional local delicacies of the past, such as koaji sushi, genarizushi, and herahera mochi (rice cakes).
As for B gourmet foods, visitors can enjoy "Mishima croquettes" and "eel rice burgers" in Mishima City, "deep-sea fish burgers" in Numazu, "kaisaiyaki" and "shiokatsuo udon" in Nishi Izu, "squid mentshi" in Ajiro, and "Shimoda burgers" in Shimoda.
Souvenirs that are sure to please include dried local seafood, hot spring buns, wasabi and wasabi pickles grown in the famous waters of Mt. Amagi, pickled plums, and even marmalade made from Izu-grown oranges.
It is said to be one of the three major hot springs in Japan and one of the largest in the country. Surrounded by the mountains of Hakone and Izu, the hot spring resort area stretches from Atami Station to the seaside, lined with inns and hotels. Hotels are also scattered along the mountainside, wh...»
Accessible only by ferry, this beach is popular for its extremely clear and transparent waters, and is crowded with bathers who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving during the summer months. It is designated as a national park, and snorkelers can observe colorful fish swimming in the emerald gree...»
The Amagi Volcano's lava has created a series of rugged cliffs on this coast, which has been turned into a park using the natural environment as it is. A popular spot for tourists, a boardwalk with a thrilling suspension bridge has been developed. The 9-km-long hiking course, centered on the Kadono...»
Also called the Jōgasaki Suspension Bridge, this 48-meter-long, 23-meter-high suspension bridge is located on the Jōgasaki Picnic Course on the Jōgasaki Coast. The bridge is secured by sturdy wires, but it spans a rugged cliff, allowing visitors to enjoy the thrilling view. The suspension bridge i...»
Boardwalks, sundecks, and palm leaf umbrellas along the sandy beach create a pleasant tropical atmosphere. It is one of the best beaches in Shizuoka Prefecture, selected as one of the 88 best beaches in Japan and one of the 100 best beaches in Japan by the Ministry of the Environment, for its excel...»
It is said to be the most beautiful beach on the Izu Peninsula, with its white sandy beach and clear emerald green ocean creating a stunning landscape of exquisite colors. The spacious white sand beach stretches 800 meters from north to south, and is the largest beach on the Izu Peninsula. It is p...»
Tokaikan is a three-story wooden Japanese-style building located in Ito Hot Springs, and is a cultural facility that preserves the atmosphere of a Showa-era onsen ryokan. Opened in 1928 as a hot spring inn, the building retains the architectural style of the early Showa period, and the skills of it...»
This beach has a coastline that has been intricately changed by the wind and waves. The sandy beach stretches 50 meters wide and 410 meters long, and the crystal clear seawater shines beautifully. It is ideal for families. Nearby are Ryugu Park with its mysterious scenery and the Sand Ski Resort, w...»
This mysterious space with a gaping hole in the ceiling is also known as a power spot. Inside the cave is a small sea, and when you look up at the ceiling, you can see the sky. You will feel a strange sensation, especially when you lie down. Visitors can walk around the ceiling of the cave on a pr...»
The ocean and swimming pools are the most popular summertime pastimes, but if you are looking for something a little more active, the Taju Sand Ski Resort is the place for you. These sand dunes, formed by seasonal winds on the precipitous cliffs, are natural sand slopes with an angle of about 30 de...»
Approximately 1,500 varieties of cacti and succulents from around the world grow in this theme park where animals and plants coexist. Animals such as squirrel monkeys and peacocks are free-range, and animals and birds such as kangaroos and wild birds are also kept here. At Animal Boat Tours, visit...»
This is a public open-air bath in Kitagawa Onsen, and is one of the few open-air baths along the edge of the waves in Japan. Visitors can enjoy the open-air view while bathing in the sea breeze and splashing waves. It also boasts natural hot spring water that is poured over the water to heal your b...»
Take the ropeway to the top area of Mt. Katsuragi, the highest peak at 452 meters above sea level. Fuji, registered as a World Heritage site, and Suruga Bay from the aerial park at the summit. The ropeway is 1,791 meters one way, with a maximum height difference of 411 meters, and the aerial walk l...»
The museum is spread out over 70,000 square meters of hilly land in the mountains behind Atami Station. In order not to spoil the surrounding landscape, the connection from the entrance to the main building is via an underground escalator through a tunnel of light and sound. From the main lobby, v...»
The birthplace of Shuzenji Hot Springs, known for its attractive hot spring resort, Shuzenji Temple is located in the center of the hot spring resort area and is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in 807. It is also known as the setting for literary works, including Soseki Natsume's n...»
Shuzenji Onsen is the oldest hot spring resort on the Izu Peninsula, located along a valley, and has been loved by many people since ancient times. It has been selected as one of the 100 best hot springs in Japan. Surrounded by mountains, this scenic area is lined with hot spring hotels and restaur...»
Tokko-no-yu is a symbol of Shuzenji Onsen and is located on the bank of Katsuragawa River in the center of the historic hot spring resort area. The bathtubs are made of natural stone and are full of charm. The history of Shuzenji Onsen and Tokko-no-yu is said to have begun with Shuzenji Temple, whi...»
This is an elegant walking path along the Katsura River in the center of the Shuzenji hot spring resort area. Walking along the path leading from Tokko no Yu, the symbol of Shuzenji Onsen, you will find a nostalgic tea house, an atmospheric red bridge over the Katsura River, and a fire watchtower. ...»
Dogashima Tensodo, which has long been a popular scenic spot on the west coast of the Izu Peninsula, is a sea-eroded cave known for its appearance as if it has a hole in its roof called a skylight. Inside the cave, light shining through the skylight illuminates the emerald green surface of the wate...»
Omuroyama, 580 meters above sea level, has a distinctive bowl-shaped silhouette that is easily recognized by its beautiful green mountain surface, and is a familiar symbol of Izu Kogen. The entire mountain is covered with lush grass, and at the top is a crater 300 meters in diameter and 70 meters d...»
Omuro, is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots on the Izu Peninsula, with 3,000 cherry trees blooming beautifully on an area of about 40,000 square meters at the foot of Mt. It has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. About 40 different types...»
Located at the upper reaches of the Kano River in the Amagi Mountains, one of Izu's most famous waterfalls, Jyoren-no-taki Falls cascades 25 meters high and 7 meters wide from a basalt cliff surrounded by deep trees. The cool air and spray of the waterfall make visitors feel chilly even in summer. ...»
Kawazu Nanadaru is a group of seven waterfalls along the Kawazu River flowing down from the Amagi Pass. The seven waterfalls are, in order from upstream, Kama Falls, Ebi Falls, Snake Falls, Hatsukei Falls, Crab Falls, Deai Falls, and Otaki Falls, each of which has its own unique charm. This group o...»
The pink cherry blossoms are very popular! Enjoy the earliest cherry blossom viewing in JapanOne of the specialties of Kawazu Town, located in Higashi Izu, is the early-blooming "Kawazu-zakura" cherry trees, which start blooming in early February every year. The flowers are characterized by their la...»
The Atami Fireworks Festival is held at the Atami Hot Springs Resort more than 10 times a year (about 15 times) in spring, summer, fall, and winter. The venue, Atami Bay, has a mortar-shaped topography surrounded by mountains on three sides, making it a natural stadium, and the unique sound effects...»
The colorful building consists of three buildings: the Ocean Bazaar, a store and restaurant offering Izu's specialties and a variety of tastes; the Seaside Spa, a hot spring facility where you can enjoy natural hot springs while looking out to sea; and the Port Center, where you can enjoy sightseein...»
Located along the Atami Kaido (Prefectural Route 11) on the mountain side in the central part of downtown Atami, this urban park is said to offer the earliest-blooming plum blossoms and the latest fall foliage in Japan, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Atami City. The park cove...»
Mine Onsen Dafunto Koen is a place where you can see up close the powerful hot springs of Mine Onsen, which are said to be the best in the East. It is said that Mine Onsen's great fountain was created in 1926 when it erupted 50 meters above the ground with an explosive sound. More than 90 years la...»
Dogashima Onsen is a hot spring located in a scenic spot representing the west coast of the Izu Peninsula. It is a relatively new hot spring, gushing out of a borehole in 1962, but it is surrounded by beautiful scenery and has developed into a tourist hot spring resort. Located in the vicinity of ...»
The oldest and largest hot spring resort on the west coast of Izu, Doi Onsen is a popular marine resort that attracts many bathers during the summer. This area has been producing gold as a gold mining town since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It is said that hot springs began to gush out during g...»
Located at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula, this cape is a popular tourist destination for its rugged coastal scenery, with sheer cliffs 100 meters high. At the tip of the cape stands Ishirorozaki Lighthouse, built by the Englishman Blanton in 1871, and beyond it is Ishimuro Shrine, the g...»
The 400 meter long sandy beach lined with palm trees with hotels in the background and the gentle waves create a charming atmosphere as if you were at a resort. This man-made beach, fully opened on the coast of Atami City, has a 400-meter stretch of white sand that stretches 60 meters wide. Many h...»
The Doi Kinzan was the second largest gold producer in Japan after Sado Kinzan during the Edo and Meiji Periods, and was closed in 1965 due to depletion of ore reserves. Also called the Doi Mine, it is estimated to have produced 40 tons of gold and 400 tons of silver, second only to the Sado Gold M...»
A dream combination of lobster caught around the Izu Peninsular and dried food, a popular specialty of Atami souvenir shops. The process of cutting open fresh lobsters and sun-drying them whole requires speed and skill. Most people think fresh lobsters are best eaten raw, but drying them condenses t...»