Izu Peninsula area mainly consists of the beach breaks around Shimoda city, with white sand and beautiful water. Because of its jagged coastline, every point has different ideal conditions. It’s a very popular area due to its scenic location and sightseeing spots, so a lot of city surfers visit here.
Owing to its rolling verdant hills, numerous hot springs, sunny seaside resorts and well-appointed accommodations, both western and traditional, the peninsula enjoys worldwide fame as one of the most representative year-round tourist areas in Japan.
Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula is a famous getaway for natural hot springs, calm weather, and fresh seafood, and is a very popular destination for residents from the greater Tokyo area. In summer, there are no-surfing areas cordoned off by the lifeguards, and the beaches get very busy. There is often antagonism between locals and visitors. The best season for snorkeling in Izu peninsula is between August and September.
Blessed with its rich hot spring baths, there’s excited mountain and ocean scenery, and a mild climate throughout the year, Shimoda is the biggest tourist resort in southern Izu attracting many visitors there.
East Coast And Southern Tip Of Izu Peninsula
Atami city (Atami-shi) –
on the edge of Sagami Bay, a vast hot-spring resort with many large luxurious inns is known for its beautiful night view.
Atami Beach:
popular vacation destination due to its beaches, hot spring resorts, and ease of access to Tokyo.
Ito city (Ito-shi) –
well-known hot spring resort
Usami Beach:
Located at the Usami village of Ito City (Ito-shi), accessible via Usami Station on the Ito Line. Usami Station road is designated as a pedestrian paradise and shops along the street and street stalls stand in a row. Maritime Fireworks is held along Usami Beach. Usami hot spring in quiet village of agriculture and fishery, 4km in the north of Ito spa facing on the Port of Usami. The hot spring is used not only by large hotels, but also by many Japanese-style B&Bs. The swimming beach is shallow, and many people visit here in summer.
Ito Beach:
Ito City (Ito-shi) is a large hot spring resort and the beach in Izu on the northeast corner of Izu Peninsula, facing Sagami Bay and Hatsushima Island on the Pacific Ocean. The landscape is hilly, and Its heavily indented coastline is a scenic area where you can enjoy fishing, surfing, and diving. Orange picking place near and part of the city is actually within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Its close proximity to Tokyo makes it a very popular destination.
Atagawa
Atagawa-onsen Hot Spring at Higashiizu town (Higashiizu-cho) in Kamo District (Kamo-gun), 30 min. by Izu-Kyuko Railways from Ito Station, is known for its abundant hot spring water.
Shimoda city (Shimoda-shi) –
A port city with hot springs and natural beauty.
Kujuppama Beach, Shimoda city (Shimoda-shi)
The relatively little-known beach located within the Tsumekizaki Green Area. Called Kujira-hama (Whale Beach) in the past, you can enjoy a stroll over the craggy shores on both ends of the beach. This beach is very close to Tsumekizaki cape in Suzaki peninsula. This beach is good for swimming and snorkeling, so it’s very crowded in summer. This beach is one of 9 beautiful beaches in Shimoda, and it takes only 15 minutes by car from Shirahama.
Nabetahama Beach, Shimoda city (Shimoda-shi)
Nearest beach to the town center of Shimoda. Located at the end of the Wakano-ura Promenade, it is a quiet bay undisturbed by waves. Frequented by local residents as their “home beach”.
Tatadohama Beach, Shimoda city (Shimoda-shi)
Particularly well-known among people who enjoy surfing or marine sports as a beach featuring beautiful white sands. Municipally operated warm water showers can be used all year round, adding to the beach’s appeal. The nearest bus stop is “Tatado Hama”, it takes about 7 minutes from Shimoda train station, 10 minutes by car from Shirahama and about 3 minutes by walking from this bus stop to this beach.
Iritahama Beach, Shimoda city (Shimoda-shi)
The cycad-lined coast gives the beach a tropical mood. Its scenic beauty has won many admirers and is frequently used as a location for shooting commercials and television programs. Surfers’ paradise.
Kisamioohama Beach, Shimoda city (Shimoda-shi)
Its majestic coastline and refined environs rank the beach second in popularity after Shirahama. With a baseball ground and tennis courts, the beach also serves as a site for various municipal events. The long-winding breakwater along the beach gives a distinct feel to the scenery.
Toji Beach, Shimoda city (Shimoda-shi)
A beach with an intricately carved coastline borne of the effects of wind and waves. Besides the unique Ryugu Park – from the legendary undersea palace? you will find Spider Lilly flowers (Hamayu, Crinum asiaticum), a designated natural treasure of Shimoda City. The beach also offers rocky shores to stroll along and is a perfect location for families. From the top of the slope, you can see the beautiful sea and islands. It takes only 15 minutes from Shimoda city.
Shimoda Tourist Association Website: http://www.shimoda-city.info/index_e.html
Sotoura Beach/ Shirahama Beach, Shimoda
Shirahama in Shimoda city has a long white sandy beach, and there are 2 beaches called “Shirahama Ohama” and “Shirahama Chuo”. You can see Izu Oshima Island across the ocean. Shirahama beach is good for marine sports, surfing, windsurfing, or diving. Shirahama Beach takes about 20 minutes by walking on the rocks behind Shirahama shrine and 10 min. by bus from Shimoda Station, is claimed to be the largest and most beautiful sand beach in Izu. And this is a good point for snorkeling.
Shirahama Chuo Beach is located on the northernmost tip of the Shirahama shoreline, this is a quiet beach popular with families that stroll along the rocky shoreline. You can swim within the area bordered by a stone-built breakwater, where the waves are always calm. The beach also has a boardwalk.
Shirahama Ohama Beach is best-known on the Izu coastline for the beauty of its expansive sandy beach. Blessed with favorable winds and waves all year round, the beach has earned a special place in the hearts of faithful surfers. An ocean festival takes place in July. Shirahama Chuou Beach next to Shirahama Ohama Beach. On every 2nd Saturday in July a Fireworks Festival “Hanabi Taikai” takes place in Shirahama beach.
Sotoura Beach is located between Shirahama and Shimoda downtown. Washed by the gentlest waves among the beaches in Shimoda. The water is high in transparency and ideal for families. Located in the southern part of the Izu peninsula with a rich environment for surfing, sea kayaking, fishing, diving, walking and all sorts of outdoor activities around the sea. 7 min. walk to the most famous Shirahama beach and 8 min. drive to the Shimoda city. A tiny cluster of fishing boats at one end, picturesque rocks at the other. Summer school classes are a common sight on the beach. Shimoda’s Shirahama Chuo Beach and Sotoura Beach have been selected for inclusion in the “Top-100 List of Japan’s Most Pleasant Beaches” compiled by the Environment Agency. Just a few hours from Tokyo. This also is a good point for snorkeling, because the water is sometimes very clear. Sotoura Tourist Association Website: http://www.sotoura.com/
Minamiizu Town (Minamiizu-cho)
Shimokamo (Shimogamo) –
hot spring spa at Minamiizu (Minamiizu-cho) in Kamo District (Kamo-gun). Shimokamo Spa (Shimogamo Onsen) is 25 min. by bus from Shimoda Sta., is a popular overnight base for those who come to enjoy bathing in Yumigahama Beach in summer. Rich, high-temperature hot spring water is utilized to grow tropical plants and melons in Shimokamo Tropical Garden provides warmth even in winter.
Yumigahama –
Yumigahama Village is located at Minamiizu (Minamiizu-cho) in Kamo District (Kamo-gun). Popular Yumigahama beach attracts crowds of sea bathers in summer.
Yumigahama Beach
Yumigahama Beach takes 30 min. by bus from Shimoda Station, is an arch-shaped seashore with white sands and a green pine grove, extending for about 1 km. The beach attracts crowds of sea bathers in summer. One of the Kyukamura hotels (National Park resort Villages of Japan) is situated there.
CAPE IRO –
Located at Iro-zaki in Minamiizu (Minamiizu-cho), Kamo District (Kamo-gun); about 60 km south of Atami or Mishima cities. Cape Iro-zaki, at the southern tip further down the Izu-hanto Peninsula facing the waves of Sagami Sea and Enshu Sea, has a saw-toothed shoreline, with its charm being its variety. It is distinguished by tall perpendicular cliffs. Irozaki Lighthouse stands on the edge, a view of which you can enjoy from aboard a boat that tours around the cape. From the cliff, you can see a panoramic view of Minokake Rock in the east, Mikomoto Island in the southeast, and the Izu Seven Islands of Izu including Oshima, Nijima, Miyakejima and Mikurajima Islands. There is a ferry service to Shimoda and a sightseeing boat service departing from Cape Iro Port in the east of the cape. Contact – Cape Iro-zaki, Tel: 0558-62-0141, Fax: 0558-62-1319.
North and Central Izu Peninsula
Numazu city (Numazu-shi)
South of Numazu starts Izu Peninsula is blessed with an abundance of scenic attractions including Mount Fuji, numerous hot springs, beautifully viewable with the Surugawan bay in between, verdant Sembon-matsubara area, Kanukiyama hill and Kanogawa river flowing through the city. Enjoy Miho Peninsula with its Hagoromo Pine, Bon-fire Noh Play, Natural History Museum, Shimizu Marine Activities Center, Miho Lighthouse, and Miho no Matsubara (Miho Pine Grove). Numazu Port Large Water Gate with Observatory – 30m high, you can enjoy the panorama view of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. Ose Peninsula in Suruga bay is most well-known since long ago, where you can view Mt. Fuji. Mihama Peninsula which extended from Heda Port overlooking Mt.Fuji is also crowded with many swimmers in summer. Also visit the beautiful parks and the old architectural houses – Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park, Cape Ose, Senbon Matsubara, Izu Mito Sea Paradise, open-air natural hot spring baths, and outdoor activities.
Mito Beach:
Located at Numazu city (Numazu-shi) is a city at the northern end of the Izu Peninsula, which is a leisure destination known for its numerous hot springs. Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain, may also be seen from Numazu on clear days. Enjoy Izu Mito Sea Paradise (Nakanoshima Aquarium) which houses whale sharks and minke whales and boasts a world-class record of achievement. You can cruise Mito Bay aboard a charming dolphin-shaped excursion boat, affording up-close views of Mount Fuji from the sea. The seashore of Nishiizu Mito-hama beach (Mito-hama bay in Numazu city) overlooking Mt.Fuji and Suruga Bay is in front of Izu Mito Sea Paradise also breathtaking. Ganyudo Ferryboat takes you from Senbon Beach to Shige Beach for exploring the Numazu literary experience. Get on board and enjoy a taste of good old Japan.
Mishima city (Mishima-shi)
Located at the top of Izu Peninsula and in the foothills of Mount Fuji. Mishima is the gateway to Middle Izu and West Coast of the peninsula, from Tokyo by JR’s Tokaido Express Trunk train. The city is the starting station to Shuzenjicho Town, the turminal station of Izu Hakone Railway train. The lava flow coming from Mt. Fuji formed the land in northern Mishima, at the same time bringing in spring water and many other blessings.
Izunokuni city (Izunokuni-shi)
Nirayama
Nirayama town (Nirayama-cho) in Izunokuni city (Izunokuni-shi), the northern part of the Izu peninsula with hot springs and many historical spots and easy access to Mishima, the center of the eastern Shizuoka prefecture. Nirayama, Ema, and Nagaoka, where the climate is mild, are known for their strawberries. NIRAYAMA is 15 min. by Izu-Hakone Tetsudo Railways or 30 min. by bus from Mishima Sta., is a town full of historic sites and relics. Izunokuni city is also located within a 100km distance of Tokyo, two hours by bullet train and local train, or the Tomei expressway, which enables visitors to get great access from the Metropolitan area.
Izu-Nagaoka
Izu-Nagaoka town (Izu-Nagaoka-cho) is located within Izunokuni city (Izunokuni-shi). 1,300 years old Izu Nagaoka Hot Spring along Kano River enables fishing in mountain streams and Mt. Katsuragi provides views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. IZU-NAGAOKA takes 20 min. by Izu-Hakone Tetsudo Railways from Mishima Sta., is a nationally known hot spring town. Ryokan and hotels surround Genjiyama Hill whose top offering a nice view can be reached in 15 min. on foot. Mt. Katsuragi is another view-point, 10 min. by bus from Izu-Nagaoka Sta. A cable car operates to the top from Izu- Nagaoka Machi Yakubamae Bus Stop.
Shuzenji
Located at Shuzenji town (Shuzenji-cho) within Izu city (Izu-shi) in the center of the Izu Peninsula and well known for a historic temple (Shuzenji: Shuzen Temple, actually the town was literally named after this temple) and a hot spring resort (Shuzenji Hot Spring) developed along the Shuzenji River, a tributary of the Kano River, which flows northwards into Suruga Bay through Numazu city, gathering ample water from forested areas in the peninsula.Visitors can enjoy nice view of Mt. Fuji. SHUZENJI takes 30 min. by Izu-Hakone Tetsudo Railways from Mishima Sta., or 1 hr. by bus from JR Ito Station.
Yugashima
Yugashima is a natural hot springs spa town and natural beauty is located in the Yugashima district (Yugashima-cho) of Izu city (Izu-shi). Yugashima Spa (yumotokan-izu onsen) takes 30 min. by bus from Shuzenji station, or 40 – 50 min. by bus from Kawazu station, or 1 hr. 35 min. by bus from Shimoda station, is a hot spring situated in the river valley. Joren Falls of the Kano River takes 20 min. by bus from Yugashima Spa, found in the upper reaches of the Kano River, is the most noted waterfall in Izu. Address: 1656-1 Yugashima Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-3206, Japan. Tel: 0558-85-1028, Website: http://www.yumotokan-izu.jp/
Kawazu-Nanadaru (Seven Falls of Kawazu)
Kawazu Nanadaru (Seven Water Falls In Kawazu) in Kawazu Town (Kawazu-cho) is a hot spring spa town on the east coast of Izu Peninsula, nested with seven majestic waterfalls. The 7 water falls in Kawazu Town (Kawazu-cho) are – Oodaru, Kanidaru, Kamadaru, Ebidaru, Hebidaru, Deaidaru & Shokeidaru. From early January to late March Kawazu-zakura Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival is held here. Ralaxing at Kawazu Hot Spring Spa, you can choose from both sea-view and mountain-view onsens.
The Kawazu area can also be the central point for your travels around the Izu Peninsula. From here it takes approximately one hour to Shuzenji Temple, the port town of Shimoda can be reached by taking a 10-minute train ride. From here you can also visit Nijima, Shikinejima and Kozujima islands by ferry.
A 25 min. bus ride from Kawazu station., or 1 hr. by bus from Shimoda station., leads you to the area where there is a series of waterfalls in the rapids of Kawazu River. A walking path between Mizutare Bus Stop and Kawazu Nanadaru Bus Stop makes a good hiking tour for visiting the seven falls in 1 hr. For those who want to walk longer, there is a 5-hr. walking course via Seven Falls of Kawazu between Amagi Tunnel and Yugano, a 15-min. bus ride from Kawazu station. Address: Nashimoto, Kawazu Town (Kawazu-cho), Kamo District (Kamo-gun), Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0501, Japan. Contact Kawazu Nanadaru Tourist Association, Tel: 0558-32-0290, Fax: 0558-34-0864 Website: http://www.nanadaru.com/ , http://www.kawazu-onsen.sakura.ne.jp/eng/
West Coast Of Izu Peninsula
Dogashima
The beauty of Dogashima on the west coast of the Izu Peninsula with its dramatic rugged coastline, is particularly famous to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Suruga Bay. Enjoy sunbathing in the clear sparkling waters of Tsubasawa Beach, completely surrounded by nature. DOGASHIMA is located at Nishiizu town (Nishiizu-cho) takes 1 hr. by bus from Shimoda Station, or 2 hrs. by express bus from Mishima Station, is noted for its cave, through the top of which the sky can be seen.
Take a cruise while admiring the view of Mt. Fuji from Suruga Bay. Near Nishi Izu, there are so many places where one can admire the beauty of Mt. Fuji. A ride on the Suruga Bay ferry, which connects Toi Bay with Shimizu Bay, is also great experience.
Komuroyama (Mt. Komuro) lifting above 321 meters sea level is fully equipped for easy climbing. Azaleas blossom gloriously here every year in May. Crossing the Izu Jogasaki coast suspension bridge above 23 m water level is a huge thrill and extremely popular. There is also a hiking course, 36-hole Inatori natural golf course, western orchids & huge greenhouses of Dogashima Orchid Sanctuary garden and fabulous Dogashima hot springs spa – Higashi Izu Inatori Ginsuiso (Izu Inatori Onsen at Higashiizu town/ Higashiizu-cho) of the Izu Peninsula. Dogashima Address: Nishina Nishiizu, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture 410-3514, Japan. Contact: Japanese ryokan – Dogashima NEW Ginsui, Tel: 0557-52-2211, Website: http://www.dougashima-newginsui.jp/en/ , Dogashima Onsen (Hot Spring Spa), Address: 1624-1 Inatori, Higashiizu town (Higashiizu-cho), Kamo District (Kamo-gun), Shizuoka 413-0411, Japan. Website: http://www.inatori-ginsuiso.jp/en/index.html
Matsuzaki
Matsuzaki Beach:
Located at Matsuzaki town (Matsuzaki-cho) on the southwest coast of Izu Peninsula and south of Dogashima, facing Suruga Bay on the Pacific Ocean in Kamo Distric. Matsuzaki is also a famous diving spot. Along the road from Matsuzaki to Kumomi the views of the cliffs and the sea is breathtaking. From Matsuzaki, you can cross through the land to reach Shimoda, on the southern east coast, go to teh southern tip of the peninsula (which is really wild) or come back via the west coast.
Matsuzaki swimming beach in Matsuzaki onsen spa resort, once flourishing as a town of early cocoon production with houses of historical atmosphere, has the widest beach in the town and its quiet sea and shoaling beach form the best swimming spot especially for families. Matsuzaki town Tourist Association: http://izumatsuzakinet.com/
Toi town (Toi-cho) of Izu City (Izu-shi)
Toi Beach:
Located at Toi town (Toi-cho) of Izu City (Izu-shi) on the west coast of Izu Peninsula facing Suruga Bay and east side of the Izu and Ito city. As the largest swimming area on the western coast o Izu Peninsula, the beach offers safe swimming with its quite waters, a wide stretch of sallow water and lifeguards to watch swimmers. Facilities are extensive, indluding eateries, free showers and locker rooms. The spectacular views include Suruga Bay, unusual rock formations, and Mt. Fuji. It is wonderful to sit in an onsen and take in the natural scenery. Toi Spa, once a famed gold mine operating from the 17th-18th century is presently open to the public as a museum.
Access to Izu Peninsula:
Numazu City is the gateway to the Peninsula, where people greatly appreciate the milder climate than Tokyo. JR Numazu Station is the gateway to Numazu, a major city in eastern Shizuoka. The easiest way to reach Izu from Tokyo is by train, with the JR Tokaido Line stations of Atami, Mishima, and Numazu serving as the jumping-off point for explorations of the peninsula. Other parts are covered by a network of bus lines operating frequently from north to south on well-paved roads.
Izu Peninsula Scuba Diving Area Guide
Futo Diving Guide
Ita and Osezaki (Ose) Diving Guide
Atami Diving Guide
Kumomi Diving Guide
Mikomoto Diving Guide
