While there’s enough to see and do in Tokyo to fill up any itinerary, a trip to Japan isn’t complete without a proper nature immersion. And we’re not talking about forest bathing in Meiji Shrine after you stroll down Omotesando, but rather exploring the rural gems around the Japanese archipelago.
If you’re looking for a destination that is a mere hop from Tokyo, then Izu Peninsula (Izu Hanto) located southwest of the capital is your best bet. Many make the trip only for the day, but to fully experience this stretch of Japan hugged by the mountains and the sea, it makes sense to spend at least a few days.
Izu has long been a weekend escape of choice for Tokyoites, who travel to enjoy a day at the beach, a long hike over forested peaks, and a good soak in a mineral-rich hot spring. If you also plan to swing by Mount Fuji, then it works very well as it’s part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Here’s a list of sightseeing highlights to get you started on your journey to one of Japan’s most stunning regions.
Izu Peninsula was named a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018 and this is one of the major reasons why. The dark, jagged curves of Jogasaki Coast in Izu-Kogen is a real geological marvel and a feast for the eyes. Walk to the various viewing points to enjoy different perspectives on the otherworldly rock formations, and don’t forget to cross the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. If you’re blessed with good weather, look out to the sea for Oshima Island—a volcanic island that appeared in two Godzilla movies.
Fancy a hike but without a serious amount of effort? Well this extinct volcano, with its peculiar shape like an inverted rice bowl, is the one for you. As a designated natural monument, it is actually forbidden to climb up this steep mountain on foot. Instead, you can ride a chair lift and then walk around its circumference at your leisure. It’s quite interesting to be able to stroll around in what was once an active volcano—an eruption of Mount Omuro created the mesmerising formations of Jogasaki Coast—and even do a round of archery in the crater itself.
This quaint town comes alive in February when it holds one of Japan’s first cherry blossom festivals. It is home to the Kawazu-zakura, an early blooming variety of cherry blossoms, which was first planted by a local resident in 1955 (the original tree is alive and well).
Take a walk by Kawazu river to admire the canopy of cherry blossom trees, and do as the locals do and buy a sakura-themed taiyaki while you’re at it. If you miss cherry blossom season then you can still revel in the rapeseed fields (nanohana) that dot the area during spring.
This verdant complex is one of the newer reasons to head to Atami, a seaside town called the “gateway to Izu Peninsula” for its proximity to Tokyo. Perched on a cliff, Akao Herb & Rose Garden offers 12 different gardens to peruse—and yes, they’re perfect for selfies.
Make your way up to Coeda House, a cafe designed by Kengo Kuma, the renowned architect behind Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium. The minimalist space is made of 8×8 cm cedar boards tacked together to create a tree-like structure, meaning you can enjoy the shade and savour a cup of coffee while looking out to a panoramic view of Sagami Bay.
Located on the southeastern end of the peninsula, Shimoda is imprinted in the history books as the place where Japan’s centuries of self-isolation ended. In 1854, Commodore Perry sailed his black ships (kurofune) to request the opening of these ports, and by 1858 a trade treaty opened the country and ended samurai rule.
History aside, Shimoda is home to Izu’s most popular beaches including Shirahama, Kisami Ohama and Iritahama as well as coves like Tatadomaha and Ryugyu Sea Caves. If you’re driving, take a trip out to Cape Tsumeki for more fantastic ocean vistas.
Every big city needs a nearby beach destination to let loose. For Tokyoites, the closest stretches of coast worth pursuing are in Izu—namely Atami, Ito, and the crown jewel of Shirahama. Powder soft, golden sand characterises its expansive shoreline where many seek the sea and sun (yes, it gets pretty crowded in the summer). Don’t be surprised if you get that surfer vibe when you get here—it’s also a renowned surfing spot.
The entire Izu Peninsula is dotted with hot springs, and Shuzenji is one of the oldest—and most revered—onsen destinations. Named after Shuzenji Temple, founded 1,200 years ago by Kobo Daishi, this hot spring town is in the middle of the mountains and embraced by forests. Imagine soaking in a mineral-rich pool while looking at dense autumn foliage… bliss!
Nearby Yugashima is also worth visiting as it was the favourite spot of Japanese novelist and short story writer Yasunari Kawabata, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for LIterature in 1968. It was said that his short story, The Dancing Girl of Izu (1926) was inspired during his extended stays here.
Text: Kissa Castaneda/Her World