Hidden Attractions in Izu (Izu Peninsula)

Easily accessible from Tokyo, abounding with hot spring springs, beaches, and fresh seafood, Izu 伊豆 is widely known as one of the most popular resorts among people in Tokyo. Izu is a peninsula about 220km around. People can explore hidden places in unspoiled natural settings and enjoy various outdoor activities that include rias-coast walking, sea kayaking, cruising, and more. Izu often appears in travel guidebooks as a hot spring resort for weekend breaks, but it is only one side of Izu, featuring a few towns there, Atami, Ito, or Shuzenji.

Izu Peninsula (Izu Hanto)

More than ten million years ago, Izu peninsula 伊豆半島 was a group of volcanic islands that gradually moved north and became a part of the main Japan Island. This formation process brought in the unique landscapes and the features of the Izu peninsula. The north-central area and the Izu peninsula's coast are designated as the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. With the small-but-steep mountains and the surrounding rocky shores, unspoiled areas are a GeoPark, allowing you to discover Izu's real charm.

The Western Coast of Izu Peninsula

Norihama Beach, Dougashima (Western Izu)

Kawazu Nanadaru Seven Falls

Perry road in Shimoda

A walking path through Josenji Temple, Matsuzaki (Southern Izu)

Kumomi Onsen (Southern Izu)

Iwachi Onsen Beach (Southern Izu)

Eboshiyama mountain, the sister of Mt.Fuji (Kumomi, Southern Izu)

In the Izu peninsula, old towns with a long history have developed as hot spring resorts in traditional Japanese style, where historic buildings remain today. Izu also has pilgrimage sites with a history of over 800 years, and traveling around to different temples; some are nestled along the shoreline, some others are in the tranquil forest, is another tourist attraction in Izu.

Features of Izu - by area

Find out attractions in Izu. The Izu peninsula information here is divided into four areas, A,B,C, and D, to help you make a travel plan.

Area A

Eastern Izu (Higashi Izu Area)

Area A has popular Onsen resort towns along the coast, such as Atami and Ito. With easy access from Tokyo, people often come to this area for weekend breaks. There are many resort hotels on the seaside, which are good for families.

Area B

Central Izu (Naka Izu Area)

Area B is a region having luxury resorts. The most popular hot-spring resort in Area B is Shuzenji 修善寺, an old town formed around a historical temple Shuzenji 修禅寺. This resort town is reachable by local train and bus from Mishima City.

Area C

Western Izu (NIshi Izu Area)

Area C has lovely little beaches along the rias coastline, having Bonsai-like tiny islands covered with pine trees. Since the public transport available in this area is only buses, much fewer people visit this area than in area A.

Area D

Southen Izu (Minami Izu Area)

The travel destinations in Izu often featured in magazines are areas A or B, sometimes C. However, don't miss the area D. Area D has many places where you can discover the real charm of Izu; white sandy beaches, rias coastline, and family-operated inns with a warm atmosphere.