Izu Peninsula — A Paradise of Hot Springs, Scenic Views, and Fresh Seafood

The Izu Peninsula, extending southward from Shizuoka into the Pacific Ocean, is one of Japan's most geologically active and scenically varied tourist regions — a place where volcanic hot springs emerge from virtually every hillside, the Pacific coast provides dramatic cliff scenery and clear-water diving, and local fishing ports supply ingredients for some of Japan's freshest seafood cuisine.

Highlights

The peninsula's hot spring tradition spans over a millennium. Shuzenji Onsen, in the wooded valley of the Katsura River, is the most atmospheric of Izu's many onsen towns: its ancient temple, traditional bridge, and riverside footbaths create a setting of genuine historical depth. Atami to the north and Shimoda to the south anchor the peninsula's extremes, with dozens of smaller onsen resorts scattered through the interior mountains.

Shimoda, at the peninsula's southern tip, holds exceptional historical significance as the port where American Commodore Perry's ships anchored in 1854, and where Japan's first foreign consulate (headed by Townsend Harris) was established at Gyokusen-ji temple. The town preserves this treaty port heritage in museums and historical buildings alongside its contemporary role as an excellent base for Pacific coast diving and snorkeling.

The western Izu coast, known as Nishi-Izu, offers dramatic ocean cliff scenery of a quality rivaling the most celebrated coastlines in Japan. The town of Dogashima features sea caves accessible by excursion boat, and the 'Wedded Rocks' of Ito present a classic Shinto seascape.

Getting There & Tips

From Tokyo, the Odoriko limited express reaches Shimoda in approximately 2.5 hours. The Izu Craile sightseeing train provides a particularly pleasant Atami-Shimoda journey. A rental car is recommended for exploring the western coast.

Best Time to Visit

February for the Kawazu cherry blossom festival (earliest cherry blossoms in Japan). May to June for diving clarity. Autumn for comfortable hiking on the interior mountain trails.