If you want to explore a side of Japan with fewer tourists and more trees than skyscrapers, head to the Izu Peninsula, located in Shizuoka prefecture, just 2 hours by train from Tokyo. Locals love Izu for its white-sand beaches, world-class surfing, relaxing hot springs, and breathtaking scenery–basically a nature-filled getaway.
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Izu’s more developed East Coast is known for beach resorts and onsen towns like Atami, Ito, and Shimoda. Meanwhile, western Izu and southern Izu are more remote, known for their rugged coastlines and unspoiled landscapes.
On our recent trip to Japan, we spent a week exploring many corners of Izu, falling in love with its small towns, cultural activities and beautiful landscapes.
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Let’s get into some of our favourite things to do in the Izu Peninsula!
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!
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.
Best Things to Do in 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.
Atami
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.
Ito
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
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.

Shuzenji
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.
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.
Kawazu
- 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.
Shimoda
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.
Matsuzaki
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.
Nishi Izu
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.
Toi
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
- Koibito Misaki/Lover’s Cape Lookout. 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!
Itinerary Suggestions in the Izu Peninsula
To make the most of your visit to the Izu Peninsula, we recommend going clockwise from Tokyo or Hakone. Consider the following itinerary:
Day 1-2: Shuzenji (2 Nights)
- Explore the charming Shuzenji Onsen town, visit Shuzenji Temple, and stroll through the tranquil bamboo forest. Visit a wasabi farm and have a freshly grated wasabi with a meal.
- Spend a night in a traditional ryokan with a private onsen and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 3-4: Ito (1-2 Nights)
- Walk along the Jogasaki Coast trail for stunning views of the ocean and volcanic cliffs, and cross the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. Visit Mt Omuro and learn about its impact on the surroundings.
- Stay in a ryokan with an outdoor onsen and enjoy a soak with coastline views.
Day 5-6: Matsuzaki (1-2 Nights)
- Discover this picturesque coastal town with beautiful beaches, traditional architecture, and local art galleries.
- Drive along the western coastline for incredible sunset views and on a clear day, views of Mt Fuji.
Where to Stay in Izu Peninsula
Stay in a large ryokan. If you want to stay at a big hotel, you’ll find many on the east side, 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 small ryokan. There are a number of nice, smaller, locally owned ryokans dotted all around the Izu Peninsula coastline. If you get a chance to stay in one, take advantage of the opportunity. These usually offer a very intimate and unique 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.