From traditional Shuzenji to Kawazu Falls to the Jogasaki Coast, plan your trip with this guide to things to do in Japan's Izu Peninsula.
After a few days of exploring the hustle and bustleTokio, it was time to board a fast bullet train to reach Japan's Izu Peninsula. After being surrounded by skyscrapers, I knew that this region would offer many contrasts.
I really loved seeing the area and recommend spending around 3-4 days in Izu. Some time? Plan a day trip to the Izu Peninsula and visit Kawazu, Shuzenji Onsen or Atami. With limited days we didn't make it as far as the west coast but there was so much on the east coast and downtown that I didn't feel like I was missing out on much.
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How to get to the Izu Peninsula in Japan and where is it located?
Japan's Izu Peninsula is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
I found it very easy to get around Japan with the super efficient train system. I have 14 daysBahnpass Japan(46,390 YEN / about £325) when I arrived and found I could use it for most of my train journeys.
The train from Tokyo to Izu Peninsula takes about 50 minutes if you take the Shinkansen to Atami Station. Alternatively, you can drive to Mishima Station and take a 30-minute train to Shuzenji Station.
SEE MORE INFORMATION:Postcards from Japan: top things to do in Tokyo
Why visit the Izu Peninsula in Japan?
Above all, it's beautiful! This region is famous for its volcanic origins which have created a varied landscape of rugged coastlines, scenic beaches, sea caves, volcanoes and mountains.
We spent a few days in Izu and packed everything we could. It's hard to compare Izu to any other place I've been to. I would rather say there are elements of the stunning Amalfi Coast in Italy,Hawaii's great volcanic island, miYucatan Peninsula full of caves in Mexico. The landscape is beautifully rugged and varied.
Hot springs originate from volcanic roots and the Japanese use them in the form of an onsen (a Japanese hot spring bath), a must-see when staying here.
Hikers and nature lovers will love exploring the landscapes, while culture vultures can experience Japan through its temples, shrines, onsen and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns).
What is the best time of year to visit the Izu Peninsula in Japan?
Late March to early April is a popular time when the beautiful cherry trees are in full bloom.
For the fall leaf harvest (a favorite of many locals!) plan your visit from mid-November to early December.
In terms of temperatures, you can expect the weather on the Izu Peninsula to reach lows of 5 degrees in winter and 30 degrees in summer.
We were there at the end of August. Not only was this during typhoon season (we experienced one in Osaka later on our trip to Japan), but it was also very hot (28-32 degrees and above) with over 75% humidity. If you plan a lot of outdoor activities, you might prefer to come at a cooler time of the year.
What is the best way to travel the Izu Peninsula in Japan?
As already mentioned, the Japanese rail network is excellent. It's wonderfully efficient and very easy to navigate, even without the help of the Japanese.
We took trains between various destinations including Atami, Shuzenji (to Shuzenji Onsen), Mishima and Jogasaki-Kogen (to Jogasaki Coast). You can learn more about traveling on the Izukyu LineHere. You have to pay a surchargeBahnpass Japanfor some routes.
There are also plenty of buses, but without much Japanese I found it a bit trickier!
What is the best thing to do on the Izu Peninsula in Japan?
Visit the Kawazu Nanaduru Waterfalls
This was the highlight of the Izu Peninsula for me. Kawazu Nanadaru is a series of seven waterfalls along a tranquil river path. The falls come in all shapes and sizes, and the entire hike takes about two hours.
At the end of the trail is Nanadaru Onsen Resort, where you can relax in various hot spring pools with an incredible view of the largest waterfall.
Explore Shuzenji Onsen
One of the most famous hot spring towns in the region, Shuzenji is a beautiful, traditional place with temples, a beautiful bamboo forest and a river running through it.
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend staying at Arai Ryokan for an authentic Japanese experience. The onsen are lovely, the service is warm and friendly, and they serve an authentic Japanese feast in your room.
While I was there I rented a kimono for the afternoon. Exploring the bamboo forest in traditional clothing was an amazing experience.
Admire Atami: Japan's Amalfi Coast
Compared to many of Izu's peaceful towns, Atami is a busy place! However, leave the capital and walk a bit along the coast and you will be surprised at what you see.
Huge cliffs, towns perched on the edge of sheer cliffs and much more, it reminded me of the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I was only there one night but wish I had more time to explore.
Take the cable car to the top of Mount Omuru
I have to improvise a little here... when I saw the photos of the extinct volcano Mount Omuru, it looked totally epic. It is 580 m high with a crater 300 m wide and completely covered with grass.
On the day of our visit, however, the weather had other ideas. Shrouded in fog we could barely see 5 meters in front of our faces!
On a clear day the view is absolutely amazing (judging by the photos I've seen!) and you can see all the way to Mount Fuji. Take the cable car and walk around the top for 30 minutes.
Visit the Ryugu sea cave
At the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, this sea cave (also known as the Dragon's Cave) holds a mysterious secret.
Although you can walk along the cave beach at low tide, the main vantage point is the rocky path above.
From there you can see the undeniable outline of a heart.
There is also a beautiful stretch of beach with sand dunes right next to it, where you can practice sandboarding.
Relax on Shirahama Beach
Of all the beaches on the Izu Peninsula, this is one of the best. In fact, it is often considered one of the best beaches in Japan, stretching over 800 meters, with white sand and crystal clear water.
Popular with swimmers and surfers, it has a red Shinto shrine perched on a rock at one end.
Wasabi Banquet
You can't visit the Izu Peninsula without trying the most famous local ingredient, wasabi. Requiring the cleanest water (hello, Mount Fuji) and perfect growing conditions, Japanese horseradish is extremely difficult to grow.
It was on the menu at every restaurant we visited, particularly the dish "Wasabi Don", a dish made with rice, bonito flakes and wasabi. Be prepared for a workout though, they'll likely get you the whole root and a grater!
After learning that much of the wasabi we eat in England is just horseradish injected with green food coloring and chemicals, it was amazing to witness the reality.
Jokasaki Coastal Adventure
The rugged cliffs and unusual rock formations make this a fantastic hike! Just looking at it... It reminded me a bit of my time inHawaii, as he roamed the lava fields on the Big Island.
Cross the Jogasaki Suspension Bridge, visit the lighthouse and marvel at how this landscape was formed long ago after the eruption of Mount Amagi.
Ride the Shimoda Cable Car
BeTram, trolleybusIt takes you to the top of Mount Nesugata and offers spectacular views of the coast.
There are also lush gardens with exotic flowers awaiting at the top, as well as a temple.
Overnight on the Izu Peninsula in Japan
I've stayed in a mix of traditional hotels, inns, and ryokans during my trip. If you are visiting the Izu Peninsula for a few days, I recommend staying in a ryokan for at least one night. These traditional Japanese inns are not like any other places I have stayed.
They offer an authentic Japanese dinner and breakfast as part of the package, and most have their own public hot spring baths (onsen).
Clothing is not normally allowed in an onsen, but don't let that put you off, it's an amazing experience and a swim in the warm, calm waters is the best way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Ryokan Arai, Shuzenji
What a beautiful ryokan with its garden and fish pond overlooking the river. Staying here at the beginning of our trip gave us a chance to get a real feel for Japan.
A multi-course dinner with many small dishes (mainly seafood, fish and pickles) was served to our room before our futon was laid out. We also spent our time wearing yukata (a cotton kimono) and visiting one of the best onsen in the Izu Peninsula!
This hotel is perfectly located for walking around Shuzenji Onsen and seeing the temples, bamboo forest and river.
Hotel Izukyū, Playa Shirahama
You can't get any closer to the beach! Just minutes from Shirahama's sandy beach, this hotel offers a resort atmosphere with an outdoor pool, two restaurants, a shop, and public baths.
There is a choice of Western-style (beds) or Japanese-style (futons) rooms, so choose what you like when booking.
Hotel New Akao, Atami
If you want to see the sights of Japan's Amalfi Coast that I mentioned, this is the place to go. This hotel was comfortable with an amazing view and a really wonderful public bath overlooking the sea.
Atami Castle is just up the road and only ten minutes from Atami Station, and there's a free shuttle bus that makes getting here a breeze.
I hope you enjoyed learning all about my time on the Izu Peninsula. I think you will agree that this is an area that offers A LOT!
Many more of my Japan trips are coming soon!
For more information on traveling in this region of Japan, seewww.explorashizuoka.com, or go towww.enjoymyjapan.jpto create your own personalized itinerary in Japan. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
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