Izu Peninsula | A Shizuoka Resort Guide Packed with Hot Springs, Scenery, and Seafood

The Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka is a popular resort area easy to reach from Tokyo, packed with hot springs, sea, mountains, and gourmet. Distinctive hot spring towns such as Atami, Shuzenji, and Shimoda are scattered about, and you can enjoy majestic coastal scenery and fresh seafood. Its varied natural landscapes, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, offer new discoveries no matter how often you visit.

Nature and the Geopark of the Izu Peninsula

The Izu Peninsula is said to have an origin rare even worldwide: volcanic islands once in the southern seas drew near and collided with Honshu through plate movement. This distinctive geological history earned recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Cliffs, columnar joints, and strange rocks left by undersea volcanoes create dynamic terrain across the peninsula, drawing attention as a place to feel the history of the earth.

Distinctive Hot Spring Towns and Seafood

Izu has many appealing hot spring towns. Atami, known for seaside fireworks and Atami cherry blossoms, Shuzenji, atmospheric with its bamboo path, and Shimoda, which keeps the history of its opening at the end of the Edo period, each offer a different character. Shimoda is known as the town that opened as a port under the 1854 Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan after the arrival of the Perry fleet, and Gyokusen-ji temple preserves sites associated with Townsend Harris, the first American consul.

Blessed with the rich fishing grounds of Suruga Bay and Sagami Bay, local gourmet unique to Izu, such as simmered kinmedai, local-fish seafood bowls, and wasabi pickles, is a major pleasure of the trip.

Practical Travel Notes

• The peninsula is large and its sights are spread out. Choosing a base by area, such as Atami and Ito in East Izu, Shuzenji in Central Izu, Shimoda in South Izu, and Dogashima in West Izu, makes touring easier.
• Dogashima in West Izu is known for sea caves toured by excursion boat and for its sunset views.
• The Kawazu cherry blossoms in Kawazu Town bloom early, usually best around February, with timing shifting year to year.
• Hot springs can be enjoyed year-round. Sea activities and diving depend on the season and sea conditions, so check the official information of each facility.

Access and Basics

• Location: Shizuoka Prefecture, across the Izu Peninsula.
• Gateways: JR Tokaido Shinkansen stations Atami and Mishima are the main gateways. Atami is about 45 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, making a day trip possible.
• Toward South Izu: reach Izukyu Shimoda Station by limited express trains such as the Odoriko. Travel time depends on the timetable.
• Getting around the peninsula: besides trains and buses, a rental car is convenient for coastal drives. Some areas have winding roads, so plan with time to spare.

One Piece of Advice

The Izu Peninsula is so large that touring the whole area in a single trip is difficult, so visiting with a focused theme is recommended. Choosing an area raises satisfaction: East Izu for hot springs and seafood, Shuzenji in Central Izu for bamboo and historic atmosphere, Shimoda in South Izu for port history and diving, and West Izu for sunsets and cliff scenery. Coastal roads jam easily, so act early during holiday seasons.

📚 Sources

This article draws on information published by the Izu Peninsula tourism association and the tourism associations of the local municipalities, guidance from the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark, and local sightseeing information such as that of Kawazu Town. For the history of Shimoda's opening, it also refers to explanations at Gyokusenji and by the city of Shimoda. Fees, schedules for hot spring facilities, sightseeing boats, and cherry blossom festivals may change, so please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Half a day to a full day for one area, or two days or more to tour the whole peninsula
• How to get around: Choose a base by theme among East, Central, South, and West Izu
• Transport: Trains and buses, with a rental car handy for the coastal drive
• What to bring: A change of clothes and towels for hot springs and sea activities
• Seasonal notes: Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom around February; sea activities depend on conditions
• Good to check: Coastal roads get congested in peak season, so start early