Izu
伊豆市
Things to Do in and Around Izu
Izu City is located in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, spreading across the central area of the Izu Peninsula, and is a treasure trove of hot springs and natural beauty. You can enjoy quintessential Japanese landscapes including views of Mt. Fuji, Shuzenji Onsen, and the lush forests of Mt. Amagi. It's easily accessible from Tokyo, about 2 hours away, and offers seasonal scenery along with fresh seafood and mountain delicacies. With historical shrines and temples scattered throughout the area, it's a popular tourist destination where visitors can experience Japanese culture.
Where is Izu?
Izu City is located in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, occupying the central part of the Izu Peninsula. It borders Kannami Town and Mishima City to the north, Izu-no-Kuni City to the east, Matsuzaki Town and Nishi-Izu Town to the west, and Kawazu Town and Shimoda City to the south. The city area extends approximately 15 km east-west and 25 km north-south, consisting of mountainous areas backed by the Amagi mountain range and plains along the Kano River basin. Being centrally located on the Izu Peninsula, it also functions as a hub for other tourist destinations within the peninsula.
Getting Around
To get to Izu City from Tokyo, it is convenient to use the Shinkansen and the Izu Hakone Railway. It takes about 45 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station, and then about 30 minutes by transferring to the Izu Hakone Railway to Shuzenji Station. There is also a route using the Odakyu Line from Hakone Yumoto and the Izu Hakone Bus.
In the city, the Izu Hakone Railway and Tokai Bus are the main public transportation options. It is recommended to use the sightseeing buses that connect major tourist spots or taxis for getting around. Shuzenji Station and Toi Port serve as transportation hubs.
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About Izu
Izu City is a captivating tourist destination where rich natural environments and historical cultural heritage blend seamlessly. The city offers beautiful landscapes throughout the seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, clear streams in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter, allowing visitors to enjoy different expressions year-round. Particularly, the Shuzenji area is characterized by a townscape that harmonizes ancient hot spring culture with historical buildings, making it a valuable spot for tourists to experience "authentic Japan."
Shuzenji Onsen - A Famous Hot Spring with a Millennium of History
Shuzenji Onsen, a central tourist spot in Izu City, is a historic hot spring area said to have been discovered by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) in 807 AD. Also known as "Izu's inner parlor," the charming hot spring town surrounded by bamboo groves is popular among foreign tourists as a place to experience Japan's traditional hot spring culture. Especially, the "Bamboo Forest Path" is a healing spot where visitors can stroll while listening to the sound of swaying bamboo.
The Stage of Amagi Pass - Yasunari Kawabata's Literary Heritage
Amagi Pass, the setting of Nobel Prize-winning author Yasunari Kawabata's masterpiece "The Dancing Girl of Izu," is one of Izu City's cultural symbols. "Crossing Amagi," tracing the journey depicted in the novel, is a popular course for not only literary fans but also hikers who wish to enjoy beautiful nature. The "Old Amagi Tunnel," which retains the vestiges of the past, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the novel.
Izu's Food Culture - Fresh Delicacies from the Mountains and Sea
Located in the center of the Izu Peninsula, Izu City is a treasure trove of food where both seafood and mountain delicacies can be enjoyed. Particularly, "wasabi" cultivation is thriving, and the city is home to "Wasabi Farm," one of Japan's largest wasabi fields. Izu wasabi, cultivated using clear streams, is known for its vivid aroma and flavor, and visitors can enjoy creative dishes such as wasabi rice bowls and wasabi ice cream. Additionally, seasonal flavors like sweetfish caught in the Kano River and wild vegetables harvested in the mountains are also appealing.
Izu's Traditional Crafts - The Art of Rafting
The "rafting" technique, developed for transporting Izu's timber from the Edo to Meiji periods, is a valuable cultural heritage of Izu City. It has been revived as a tourist event, and during the summer, rafting experiences are held on the Kano River. The demonstration of traditional techniques by skilled "rafters" offers a precious opportunity to feel the wisdom and skills of Japan's good old days.
Sacred Site of the Anime "Laid-Back Camp"
Izu is also famous as the setting for the outdoor anime "Laid-Back Camp." Especially, campsites like "Amagi Furusato Square" in the city have become pilgrimage spots for anime fans, contributing to an increase in young tourists. The worldview of "Laid-Back Camp," enjoying camping amidst beautiful nature, perfectly matches the rich natural environment of Izu City.