The Izu Peninsula is situated in the southeast of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, and is widely known among the Chinese people due to Yasunari Kawabata's novel "The Dancing Girl of Izu." Not only does it boast hot springs, coastal landscapes, and mountain ranges, but it is also home to many popular local specialties. Additionally, the peninsula falls within the boundaries of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. With a view across the sea to Mount Fuji, Izu Peninsula features well-known coastal cities like Atami, Ito, and Shimoda, offering opportunities for water activities such as scuba diving.
In addition to indulging in the pleasure of seaside hot springs in Izu, this season allows you to witness the charm of early cherry blossoms in Kawazu, a famous flower-viewing spot. From the white sandy beaches of Shimoda to the Lovers' Cape and the sunset over Suruga Bay with Mount Fuji in the backdrop, you are destined for romantic and leisurely moments in Izu.
Izu Hotel Booking: Booking.com Agoda.com Hotels.com
Domestic Flight Comparison in Japan: Skyscanner
Klook: Atami Fireworks Festival & Mt. Izu Omuro One Day Tour from Tokyo
Izu Transportation Routes
Atami Station serves as a pivotal transportation hub for East Izu, facilitating easy access to Central Izu and the West Coast of Izu. From Tokyo, the JR Tokaido Line takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Atami Station.
To East Izu and South Izu
Atami → East Izu, Jogasaki, Kawazu, Shimoda
Take the Izu Kyuko Line from Atami to Izu-Kogen, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line for East Izu, Jogasaki, Kawazu, and Shimoda stations.
To Central Izu
Atami → Shuzenji
From Atami Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Mishima Station, then transfer to the Izu Hakone Railway Sunzu Line to Shuzenji Station. Shuttle buses from Shuzenji Station are available to various attractions in Central Izu.
To West Izu
Atami → Shuzenji
From Atami Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Mishima Station, then transfer to the Izu Hakone Railway Sunzu Line to Shuzenji Station.
Shuzenji → West Izu
From Shuzenji Station, take the Tokai Bus to reach various areas in West Izu.
Izu Sightseeing Recommendations
Atami
Atami Castle serves as a crucial transportation hub, offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay and expansive beaches for seaside activities. Take the Izu Kyuko Line along the coastline to enjoy unique ocean vistas, enhancing the beauty of your journey. The Izu trains, adorned with distinctive designs like the Kinme (Goldfish) and Kurofune (Black Ship) trains, add a special touch to the experience.
Kawazu
Kawazu Sakura, or Kawazu Cherry Blossoms, is the local shorthand for cherry blossoms in the Kawazu region. The fact that it has its own word highlights its charm. Being among the earliest blooming cherry blossoms on Honshu Island, Kawazu Sakura showcases vibrant pink hues, staying in bloom for a month. The lively colors make it an ideal backdrop, resembling scenes from a picturesque movie. Aside from cherry blossoms, the seven unique waterfalls of Kawazu, known as Kawazu Nanadaru, and the national cultural heritage site, the Old Amagi Tunnel, will captivate your attention.
Shimoda
Located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, Shimoda gained fame through the arrival of the "Black Ships." It was here that Commodore Perry and his "Black Ships" landed, demanding Japan to open its doors to trade and signing treaties. The exact location is now commemorated by the Perry Road in Shimoda. Additionally, the nearby Shirahama Ohama Seaside is one of Japan's top surfing and water sports destinations, surrounded by beachside inns and hotels.
Shuzenji
Shuzenji Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, with a history dating back 1,200 years. The unique hot spring therapy offered here is worth experiencing. The onsen street stretches for 1 km, lined with traditional inns on both sides, and a pleasant bamboo grove walk along the riverside. The setting of the novel "The Dancing Girl of Izu" is based in Shuzenji Onsen.
Hirizo Beach / Irozaki
In South Izu, don't miss Hirizo Beach, where the Pacific Ocean has sculpted unique rock formations over thousands of years. Not far from Hirizo Beach is Irozaki, resembling Japan's Cape of Good Hope. The lighthouse here stands like a sentinel, overlooking the Izu Peninsula from the cliffs.
Lover's Cape / Toi Onsen
Lover's Cape is a renowned spot on the west coast of Izu, attracting countless couples on a pilgrimage. Many beaches on the west coast offer direct views of Mount Fuji, providing a unique landscape compared to the east coast. It's a great destination for those who prefer to avoid crowds.
After sightseeing, enjoy a relaxing soak in Toi Onsen. This ancient hot spring, discovered during the Edo period mining activities, has significant effects on conditions such as frozen shoulder, hemorrhoids, and arteriosclerosis.
Izu Culinary Delights
Izu Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on all sides, boasts a variety of fresh seafood, giving rise to unique local culinary specialties.
Kinmedai (Splendid Alfonsino)
Kinmedai, a deep-sea fish, is only found in the open sea. Shizuoka's Shimoda Port is renowned for its Kinmedai production, ranking first in Japan. Whether cooked or enjoyed raw, Kinmedai is a delicious treat!
Seafood Bowl
The seafood bowl is a concentrated version of Izu cuisine, featuring a rich array of ingredients such as shirasu (whitebait) and sakura ebi (cherry shrimp). Just the sight of it is enough to make your mouth water.
Dried Fish
Dried fish is a common companion for Japanese sake. In the Izu region, you can find dried fish with varying degrees of dryness. Exploring local shops will lead you to discover your own favorite "dried fish."
Spider Crab
In Suruga Bay, the deepest bay in Japan, resides the world's largest crustacean – the spider crab. The Toda area in Western Izu has numerous shops preparing delicious spider crab dishes, offering the freshest and highest quality crab. Additionally, you can find premium deep-sea fish like Megis and Mexicali.
Vortex Rice and Cat Rice
"Vortex Rice" and "Cat Rice" are popular local delicacies in Ito, embraced by the fishing community. "Vortex Rice" features raw green peppers and bonito, while "Cat Rice" is a dish that combines miso, soy sauce, onions, ginger, and well-prepared fish and shellfish. Friends who have watched "Midnight Diner" will surely remember the distinctive flavors of "Cat Rice."
In addition to the mentioned attractions, there are more treasures to discover, including Jonen Falls, Izu Plateau, Bamboo Forest Path, Tofu Kobo Kinzan, Mount Omuro, and more. The Izu Peninsula, blending coastlines, volcanoes, cherry blossoms, hot springs, and exquisite cuisine, is undoubtedly a destination worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Izu Hotel Booking: Booking.com Agoda.com Hotels.com
Domestic Flight Comparison in Japan: Skyscanner
Klook: Atami Fireworks Festival & Mt. Izu Omuro One Day Tour from Tokyo
