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.

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.

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

Read Next

4 New Resorts In Japan To Check Out On Your Next Holiday

Japan Has Given The Go Ahead For Non-Guided Package Tours

10 Restaurants In Singapore For Japanese Ramen