Izu Peninsula Itinerary: A 5 to 7 Day Japan Road Trip

If you’re looking for a side of Japan with fewer crowds, more nature, and plenty of opportunities to slow down, the Izu Peninsula is one of the best getaways from Tokyo. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, just about 2 hours from Tokyo by train, Izu is known for its rugged coastline, relaxing onsen towns, sandy beaches, scenic drives, and mountain views.

On our recent trip to Japan, we spent a week exploring the Izu Peninsula, from peaceful onsen towns like Shuzenji and Ito to dramatic coastal spots around Jogasaki, Matsuzaki, and Dogashima. What we loved most about Izu was how varied it felt. One day we were soaking in a ryokan, the next we were driving along the coast, hiking clifftop trails, and stopping in small towns that felt a world away from Japan’s big cities.

While it’s possible to visit parts of Izu by train, we think the best way to experience the peninsula is by car, especially if you want to explore beyond the main towns and follow the coastline at your own pace. In our opinion, 5 to 7 days is the ideal amount of time to enjoy Izu properly without rushing.

In this guide, we’re sharing our favourite places to visit, practical tips for getting around, and a suggested Izu Peninsula itinerary to help you plan your trip.

If you’re planning a longer trip through the country, this route fits well into a broader 2 week Japan itinerary.

Getting Around Izu Peninsula

Izu is located in the Shizuoka Prefecture and is well-connected by trains (typically from Tokyo Station to Atami Station), making it a popular weekend destination. But, in our opinion, you’ll need 5 to 7 days to immerse yourself in the region. 

By Train/Bus

Izu has a reliable transport system with two railway lines and a bus network. But if you want to visit off-the-beaten-track spots, these may be hard to reach through public transport.

By Car

We highly recommend renting a car in Izu because it’s efficient, flexible, and is also a great way to see the area’s natural landscapes. Finding car rental outlets in Izu is easy, and you can find them near many major railway stations.

By Guided Tour

If you don’t want to worry about logistics, another convenient alternative is a guided tour. One of the best and most well-known tour operators in the area is Jimmy from Discover Izu.

Jimmy is an American by birth but Japanese at heart. He is a long-time resident of Izu Peninsula and a knowledgeable tour guide who offers authentic experiences and infuses his tours with cultural insights and local stories. Aside from his wildly popular Wasabi and Waterfalls Tour, Jimmy also offers a number of other tours in Izu and can even design custom tours for travellers. 

We spent a day with Jimmy while exploring Mt Omuro and Jogasaki Coast and were very impressed by his unique insights into Japanese history, culture, and ancient mythology. He introduced us to locals and allowed us to experience each destination from a unique angle. 

A great guide to join on any Izu Peninsula adventure!

If this is your first time visiting the country, our Japan travel tips can help with planning, transport, and what to expect on the ground.

Best Time to Visit Izu Peninsula

Izu is a year-round destination but is particularly famous for sakura blossoms in spring and fall colours in autumn. If you want to see some of the peninsula’s most beautiful views, plan a trip between mid-April and mid-November.
Summer is swimming season, which is ideal for beach and water sports lovers. The weather is also favourable for sightseeing, hiking, and other nature activities. 

Although winter is off-season and some places close during these months, it offers a quieter side of Izu and is the best time to warm up at an onsen.

Know Before You Go: Planning an Izu Peninsula Trip

How Many Days Do You Need in Izu Peninsula?

We recommend spending 5 to 7 days in the Izu Peninsula if you want to explore beyond the main resort towns and really get a feel for the region. While it’s possible to visit part of Izu on a weekend trip from Tokyo, having close to a week allows you to enjoy a mix of onsen towns, coastal scenery, beaches, hikes, and smaller villages without rushing from place to place.

Do You Need a Car in Izu Peninsula?

You can explore some parts of Izu by train and bus, especially around Atami, Ito, and Shimoda, but we highly recommend renting a car if you want to make the most of your time here. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to visit scenic lookouts, waterfalls, smaller towns, and the more remote stretches of the peninsula that are harder to reach by public transport.

Is Izu Peninsula Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for a side of Japan with fewer crowds, more nature, and a slower pace, the Izu Peninsula is well worth a visit. It offers a little bit of everything we love about Japan: relaxing onsen towns, rugged coastlines, scenic drives, beautiful beaches, coastal hikes, and, on clear days, even views of Mount Fuji.

Can You Visit Izu Peninsula from Tokyo?

Yes. The Izu Peninsula makes an easy getaway from Tokyo, with places like Atami reachable in around 2 hours by train. That said, if you want to follow a full Izu Peninsula itinerary and see more than one corner of the region, we recommend staying for at least a few nights.

Suggested Izu Peninsula Itinerary

To make the most of your time in Izu, we recommend spending 5 to 7 days exploring the peninsula by car. This gives you enough time to enjoy a mix of onsen towns, scenic coastal drives, beaches, hikes, and small villages without feeling rushed. We suggest following a clockwise route from Tokyo or Hakone, starting inland in Shuzenji before continuing to the east coast and then across to western Izu.

Day 1–2: Stay in Shuzenji

Start your trip in Shuzenji, one of the most atmospheric onsen towns in the Izu Peninsula. Spend your time wandering through town, visiting Shuzenji Temple, strolling the bamboo forest path, and trying local wasabi. This is a great place to slow down after arriving from Tokyo and settle into the rhythm of the peninsula with a stay in a traditional ryokan.

Day 3–4: Base Yourself in Ito

From Shuzenji, continue to Ito and use it as a base for exploring the east coast. Visit Mount Omuro, walk part of the Jogasaki Coast, and make time to explore Ito’s historic streets and ryokan culture. If you enjoy coastal scenery and onsen stays, this is one of the best areas to spend a couple of nights.

Day 5–6: Explore Matsuzaki and Western Izu

Next, drive across to Matsuzaki and the western side of the peninsula, where the scenery becomes wilder and more remote. This part of Izu is ideal for scenic drives, coastal lookouts, traditional architecture, and sunset views over Suruga Bay. You can also visit spots like Dogashima and Koganezaki Park while based in this area.

Day 7: Add Shimoda or Return

If you have a full week, add time in Shimoda for beaches, surfing, and a bit more history before returning toward Tokyo. If you are shorter on time, you can begin making your way back after western Izu.

Best Places to Visit Around the Izu Peninsula

The peninsula offers plenty of sights and attractions, ranging from cultural activities to natural wonders. You’ll find all the major sights and plenty of hidden gems listed below. The attractions are organized by region/area.

Visit Atami for Beaches, Lookouts and Ryokan Stays

Atami is one of the most popular resort towns in the Izu Peninsula, known for its hot springs, beaches, resorts, and cultural attractions. Here are a few spots worth visiting and things to do in Atami. 

• Stay in a Ryokan. Atami started as a destination for business retreats and couples getaways, which led to many ryokan developments in the early 2000s. Today, these ryokan accommodations offer a budget-friendly all-inclusive stay for travellers. 
• Atami Castle. Historically, the city of Atami never had a castle, but the Atami Castle was built in 1959 “just for fun.” The complex has a display of different Japanese castles, as well as a game centre and an ukiyo exhibition. Spring is a popular spot for cherry blossoms, while fireworks light up the castle grounds in the summer. 
• Nishikigaura Lookout. This famous lookout spot overlooks the Cliffs of Uomizaki, showcasing Atami’s unique volcanic geography. The cliffs were formed by lava flowing from the Taga Volcano onto the ocean floor. Underneath, the waves formed marine-cut terraces, notches, and sea caves. 
• Atami Sun Beach. This 400-metre-long artificial beach is located right in town. Palm trees line the area and lead you to white sand and calm waters, perfect for sunbathing, lounging, and swimming in the summer. Once every season, Atami Sun Beach also hosts exciting fireworks displays. 

Explore Ito for Ryokan Culture and Mount Omuro

This is another popular onsen town in Izu, and a haven for nature lovers. In Japanese history, Ito is known as the place where the first Western ships in Japan were built by Miura Anjin, the blue-eyed samurai. 

Fans of the popular TV Show “Shogun” will find themselves particularly drawn to this historical area. Everyone else can appreciate it for its long-standing history and cultural significance. 

Here is what you can do in and around Ito. 

• Stay in a Ryokan. Ito has about 60 hot spring inns. A visit to this town would be incomplete without checking into one. We recommend Kai Anjin, a Western-style ryokan that pays homage to Miura Anjin, or Kai Ito, a more traditional ryokan with seasonal flower motives and beautiful onsens on site.
• Visit Tokaikan. Built in 1928, Tokaikan is a hot spring ryokan-turned-national monument. For 200 yen, you can take a tour, see the wooden architecture up close, and go through rooms furnished with historical artifacts. On weekends and holidays, the Tokaikan public baths are open to the public for an additional 500 yen.
  Note that Tokaikan is open from 9am to 9pm daily, except on the third Tuesday of every month and on January 1st. 
• Explore the Kinema Street Arcade. A nostalgic shopping street lined with small shops, restaurants, and souvenir stores. Travel back in time and take in the vintage vibes of 1950s-60s Japan as you check out local goods.
• Visit Mount Omuro. This dormant volcano looks more like a grassy oversized hill or an inverted bowl of rice. Visitors can take a lift all the way up to the crater, walk around the centre, and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Izu Islands. There’s also an archery area at the crater, as well as a zoo near the base (although it’s not one we’d recommend visiting). The Omuro Chair Lift operates daily from 9am to 5:15pm (6:15pm from October to March) and costs 1,000 yen for a roundtrip ride. 

Jogasaki Coast to Walk the Cliffs and Trails

Walk along a 9km trail following Izu’s Eastern Coast with views of jagged cliffs and stone formations. You can tackle various trails, like the Jogasaki Kaigan Trail, the Picnical Course, and the Nature Study Trail. 

Don’t miss: 

• Kadowakizaki Suspension Bridge. While we enjoyed exploring the coast, many note that the main highlight of the hiking trail is the Kadowakizaki Suspension Bridge. Underneath the sturdy hanging bridge, you’ll see powerful waves crashing through lava rocks formed by the eruption of Mount Omuro some 4,000 years ago.
• Visit Lingua Franca at Jogasaki Culture Museum. Lingua Franca is a quaint café inside the Jogasaki Cultural Museum. The museum has antiques and artifacts from the Izu peninsula, rotating art exhibitions, local arts and crafts, and a souvenir shop. 

Wander Through Shuzenji’s Temple Town and Onsen Streets 

Shuzenji is one of Izu’s oldest and most well-known onsen towns. Although it’s located far away from pristine beaches, it’s favoured for its peaceful atmosphere surrounded by hills and greenery. The nearby Mount Daruma mountain peak offers views of the famous Mount Fuji!

Here are a few notable things to do in town. 

• Visit Shuzenji Temple. This Zen Buddhist temple was founded 1,200 years ago by Kobo Daishi, who is considered one of Japan’s most important religious figures. Seasonal festivals and local crafts markets are held at the temple.
• Stay in a Ryokan. Shuzenji is home to several historic ryokan, with the main one being Shuzenji Onsen, named after the temple. Other ryokans in town allow non-staying guests to use their baths for a day fee of about 1,000 yen.
• Follow the Chikurin-no-Komichi Bamboo Forest Path. This 100m walking path within Shuzenji Onsen connects two red bridges and offers a serene stroll following the Katsura River. It’s a nice, contemplative walk through the refreshing green bamboo grove with no crowds!
• Experience Tokko-no-Yu. This outdoor public footpath leads to the birthplace of the Shuzenji hot spring. From there, the water flows to the Katsura River and goes through the town. 
• Try Local Cuisine at Amago-jaya. Grilled river fish is the specialty at this riverside restaurant. Come for lunch and enjoy local flavours surrounded by Izu’s natural ambiance.
• Stroll Around Shuzenji Town. Explore the town centre by following along the Katsura River. A string of small shops, cafés, restaurants, and onsens line the path.
• Get Your Fill of Wasabi. Shuzenji is one of the places where you can get real wasabi. Order a wasabi meal, try wasabi ice cream, or have it in a drink! You can even sign up for a Wasabi Farm Tour nearby, where you can visit the wasabi fields and make your own tofu. The tour is at 10,000 yen for a group of 4 pax, and lasts about 4 hours. 

Stop at Joren Falls in Yugashima

Visit Joren Falls. This is the largest waterfall in the Izu Peninsula, surrounded by unique formations formed by lava from the Hachikuboyama Volcano. A long staircase leads down to the base, where you can enjoy the falls in all its glory. Our guide told us that swimming is not allowed in the falls, but the water does look very refreshing and inviting. 

See the Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu

This 1.5km walking trail takes you to see the Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu, from the 30-metre Odaru (large waterfall) to the 2-metre Kanidaru (crab waterfall). Along the trail are several statues that reference local stories set in the Izu Peninsula, and at the base is an onsen – perfect for a post-trail soak.

Visit Shimoda for Beaches, Surf and Local History

Today, visitors head to this small seaside town for surfing, beaches, and hot springs. However, in the 1850s, it was the landing place of the American Commodore Perry’s “black ships.” This marked the end of Japan’s isolation from the west, eventually leading to the end of samurai rule.

Here are a few worthy stops in Shimoda

• Ryosen-ji Temple. This Buddhist temple was built in 1635. It’s also where the Shimoda Treaty between the Tokugawa shogunate and the USA was signed in the 1850s.
• Perry Road. You’ll find cafés, boutiques, and shops selling Perry-related products along a willow-lined road that connects Ryosen-ji Temple and Shimoda Park. At night, this street comes alive with nightlife.
• Shimoda Park. This forested hilltop park is best known for its beautiful hydrangeas that bloom in June. Follow the walking trail that passes the flowers, a historical monument, and lookout points with views of the peninsula’s southern coast. 
• Irita Beach, Kisami Ohama Beach, and Shirahama Beach
  These are the town’s top options for swimming and surfing. Shimoda’s beaches have fine white sand, clean shores, and crystal clear waters. Beaches open for swimming season from mid-July to late August. 

Discover Matsuzaki’s Architecture, Rice Terraces and Coast

Matsuzaki is a rural but charming seaport town on the Western side of Izu Peninsula best known for its onsen, unique architecture, and natural surroundings. The town is small and easy to explore in an hour or so, with a few sights worth visiting. 

• Namako Street. The town’s signature architectural style is namako-kabe (sea cucumber walls), a white lattice-patterned design made with earthen plaster. You can see them applied to houses, buildings, and bridges all around town. One of the most notable examples is on Namo-kabe Street, which was once the house of a prominent pharmaceutical scholar.
• Ishibu Rice Terraces. These rice paddies are the greatest in Izu, and were once named “Shizuoka’s Best Sightseeing Spot.” Around 370 layers of rice fields create a vast view that overlooks Suruga Bay (and even Mount Fuji on a clear day) from the top. In May, they hold illumination events where the candles light up the fields, creating a glittering sight.
• Jokan-ji Temple/Chohachi Memorial Museum. The temple was founded in 1293 and was said to rid evil and bring happiness. It’s also the burial site of a master plasterer from the Edo Period named Irie Chohachi. About 20 of his works are preserved here, one of the most popular being the Unryu (Dragon and Clouds) painting in the main hall.
• Local Handicrafts. The small town offers a few workshops centred on making art with or supported by the local community, like making a Shining Mud Ball, Lemongrass Dyeing, and Flower Dyeing.
• Senganmon Beach. The beach is named after the volcanic rocks that form a gate-like structure against the dramatic coastline. The shore is pebbly, though the waters are clear, and the top activities here are boat tours, snorkelling, photography, and bird watching. It’s a beautiful but remote beach, with few amenities apart from bathrooms.
• Kumomi Shore. This 300m-long sandy beach has calm waters that are good for a swim. If you want a great view of Mount Fuji, head to the nearby Kumomi Omoide Misaki (Kumomi Memories Cape). Around the area, there are small Japanese inns as well as a hot spring.

Drive the Nishi Izu Coast for Fuji Views and Sunsets

Head to this area for amazing views of Mt Fuji and unique scenery along the coast. 

• Koganezaki Park. This park, situated on Izu’s west coast, has a sunset spot that overlooks a unique horse-shaped rock, Suruga Bay, and Mount Fuji. Head up the walking trail and reach the observation deck by sunset to see the rock formations turn reddish gold. 
• Dogashima. Dramatic stone formations, cliffs, and caves from Dogashima’s coastline are best appreciated on a sightseeing boat tour. The tour takes you around the coast, and to nearby caves. Tensodo, or the blue cave, is popular for its emerald blue colour that shines when light streams from the skylight. These boat tours run from 10am-4pm and cost 1,500 yen each. As for hot springs, you can choose between a Dogashima onsen hotel or a cliff-side hot spring called Sawada Park Open Air Bath. 

Relax in Toi’s Onsen Town by the Coast

Toi was once a gold mining town in the Edo Period, and its first hot spring was discovered in a gold mine gallery. Today, it’s an onsen resort town that’s a long-time favourite among famous authors and celebrities. You’ll find a number of hotels and ryokans along the coast, and it’s also a popular swimming destination in the summer. 

Koshimoda – Stop at Lover’s Cape for Coastal Views

Lover’s Cape gets its name from folklore about couples declaring their love by ringing the bell. The stairs leading up to the observation deck are called “Path for Holding Hands,” and at the top, you’re rewarded with romantic views of Mt. Fuji and Surunga Bay. Don’t forget to ring the Love Call Bell 3 times while calling the name of your loved one!

Where to Stay in Izu Peninsula

Stay in a large ryokan. If you prefer a bigger hotel-style stay, you’ll find plenty of options on the east side of the peninsula, like Shimoda Prince Hotel and Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Toi Marine Hotel. Personally, we didn’t love these as they seemed too big and impersonal. 

Stay in a traditional ryokan. Instead, we recommend accommodations with a more intimate feel while still offering modern luxuries. Kai Ito is a sustainable luxury ryokan with Japanese-style rooms decorated with traditional decor and 3 beautiful onsens on-site. 

Stay in a modern hotel. Its sister property, Kai Anjin, has a maritime theme that honours the explorer, Miura Anjin. Fans of the award-winning show Shogun (like ourselves) will appreciate this stay even more after knowing that Anjin inspired the character of John Blackthorne! KAI Anjin has western-style rooms facing the ocean, an indoor and outdoor bath, and an on-site restaurant serving fantastic kaiseki-style meals. 

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Stay in a small ryokan. There are many lovely, locally owned ryokans dotted around the Izu Peninsula coastline. If you get the chance to stay in one, we highly recommend it, as these smaller properties often offer a more intimate and memorable local experience. 

However, we found these ryokans very difficult to book. Many ask to book over the phone and do not speak any English. This is another reason why you should explore the Izu Peninsula with a guide. If you need any assistance, we recommend contacting Jimmy, especially if you’re staying in Matsuzaki or elsewhere on the coast. 

 

Have questions about this Izu Peninsula itinerary? Leave them in the comments section below!