📅 Date: Nov 8-9
⏱️ Duration: 1 night

Overview

Izu Peninsula overview The Izu Peninsula extends into the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by Sagami Bay to the east and Suruga Bay to the west. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Izu Peninsula extends dramatically into the Pacific Ocean south of Mount Fuji, characterized by rugged volcanic coastlines, mountainous interiors, and over 1,200 years of hot spring culture. This UNESCO Global Geopark encompasses diverse zones: the developed eastern coast with famous onsen resorts like Atami and Ito, the wild western coastline with dramatic sea cliffs and caves, the mountainous central region home to historic Shuzenji onsen town, and northern gateway cities including Mishima and Numazu. 🔗

Historically, the peninsula holds profound significance as the stage where Japan's modern history began. In 1854, Commodore Perry's "Black Ships" forced Japan to end 220 years of sakoku (national seclusion), with Shimoda becoming one of only two treaty ports opened to American vessels. The Treaty of Kanagawa and subsequent Shimoda Treaty, signed at Ryosenji Temple, irreversibly set Japan on a path toward rapid Meiji-era modernization and transformed this remote peninsula into ground zero for East-West contact. 🔗 🔗

The region's volcanic heritage manifests in exceptional onsen culture—Shuzenji Onsen, founded in 807 AD by Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), remains one of Japan's most historic hot spring towns where the legendary Tokko-no-yu hot spring miraculously emerged from rock struck by his Buddhist staff. This integration of Shingon Buddhism with hot spring healing created a distinctive spiritual-wellness practice spanning 1,200 years. 🔗 🔗

The peninsula earned UNESCO Global Geopark designation in 2018 as one of only 10 such sites in Japan, representing the world's only accessible location where two active volcanic arcs collide. Twenty million years of continuous volcanic activity—from submarine origins 800 kilometers south to collision with Honshu 600,000 years ago—created dramatic natural features including the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, volcanic Mount Omuro with its 300-meter crater, and the Jogasaki Coast's rugged lava formations from eruptions 4,000 years ago. 🔗 🔗

The peninsula also holds deep literary significance through Yasunari Kawabata's 1926 novella "The Izu Dancer" (Izu no Odoriko), which transformed the region into Japan's premier literary pilgrimage destination. This semi-autobiographical work established themes of innocence and transient beauty that contributed to Kawabata's 1968 Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first Japanese writer to receive this honor. The 19-kilometer Odoriko Trail allows visitors to retrace the story's path through forests and waterfalls, while the Old Amagi Tunnel—a National Important Cultural Property—marks the narrative's iconic threshold moment. 🔗 🔗

Izu's agricultural heritage represents 400 years of living tradition, with the peninsula serving as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation and producing 70-80% of Japan's edible sakura (cherry blossom) leaves. The innovative tatamiishi ("stone mat") method developed around 1892 revolutionized wasabi farming through terraced stone layers that filter mountain spring water while supplying oxygen and nutrients, creating sustainable agriculture that earned UNESCO's Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System designation in 2018. 🔗 🔗 Matsuzaki town's sakura leaf production supplies the essential wrapping for sakuramochi (traditional spring rice cakes), with the leaves' sweet fragrance recognized among Japan's "Hundred Best Fragrance Landscapes." 🔗 🔗

The peninsula's cultural identity was shaped by its establishment as Izu Province between 680-710 AD through amalgamation of three districts under the Ritsuryō administrative reforms. This provincial status—maintained for over 1,190 years until the 1871 Meiji Restoration—created a distinct regional consciousness separate from neighboring Suruga Province. 🔗 Izu's peninsular geography and mountainous terrain fostered natural isolation that allowed unique local customs to develop, while periodic arrival of high-ranking exiles from Kyoto's imperial court enriched local culture with sophisticated arts and literature, creating Izu's characteristic blend of rural traditions and refined cultural sensibilities. 🔗 The provincial capital at Mishima housed three essential institutions—the administrative center, Izu Kokubun-ji temple, and Mishima Taisha shrine—establishing a cultural foundation that endures today. 🔗

During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), Izu's role in Japanese history intensified through both exile and political intrigue. Minamoto no Yoritomo's 20-year exile to Izu (1160-1180) proved transformative—during this period he built strategic alliances through marriage to Hōjō Masako, ultimately launching his successful rebellion from the peninsula to establish the Kamakura Shogunate in 1192. 🔗 🔗 Yet Shuzenji Temple subsequently witnessed the darkest chapter of Kamakura politics: the 1193 death of Minamoto no Noriyori and the 1204 assassination of Shogun Minamoto no Yoriie, both political exiles murdered by the Hōjō clan during their systematic usurpation of shogunal power. 🔗 🔗 These tragic events transformed Shuzenji from a peaceful Buddhist temple into a site of profound historical memory requiring ongoing spiritual appeasement, with Shigetsuden Temple built to pacify Yoriie's vengeful spirit. 🔗

The Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868) elevated Izu's status from site of political exile to beloved retreat through Tokugawa Ieyasu's profound affection for Atami's hot springs. Following his transformative seven-day therapeutic visit in March 1604, Ieyasu declared Atami's waters the finest in Japan and initiated the extraordinary practice of okumiyu—ceremonial transport of hot spring water to Edo Castle. 🔗 🔗 From 1644 through 1805, an astonishing 3,643 barrels were transported via relay runners covering the 100-kilometer journey in just 15 hours, with water drawn at 90°C arriving still warm at 40°C. 🔗 This remarkable practice symbolized absolute shogunal authority and established Izu's enduring prestige as Japan's premier onsen destination, legacy visible today in the commemorative Ieyasu no Yu footbath at Atami Station. 🔗

Key Districts & Neighborhoods

Shimoda - Southern port city where Perry's Black Ships landed, home to treaty signing temples and historic Perry Road. 🔗 Shuzenji - Historic onsen town in central mountains, "Little Kyoto" atmosphere with 1,200-year-old temple and bamboo forest paths. 🔗 Atami - Largest onsen resort city, less than 1 hour from Tokyo via Shinkansen, Tokugawa Shogun's favorite retreat. 🔗 Ito - Coastal hot spring town combining ocean views with historic streets, gateway to Jogasaki Coast. 🔗 Minami-Izu - Southern region famous for pristine beaches, exceptional kinmedai fishing, and prime spiny lobster harvesting. 🔗

Seasonal Considerations for November Visit

Autumn Foliage Timing: Izu Peninsula experiences one of Japan's later autumn foliage seasons, with peak colors occurring mid-November to early December—the November 8-9 visit falls during early transition when leaves begin changing but haven't reached peak brilliance. 🔗 🔗 Higher elevations like Mount Amagi show earlier color changes (late October-mid November), while locations like Shuzenji Nature Park's 1,000 maples peak in late November, creating regional variation across the peninsula's dramatic elevation changes. 🔗 The cultural tradition of momijigari (autumn leaf viewing) values witnessing the transition process itself—early November's mixed green, yellow, and emerging red foliage embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection and transience) while offering peaceful viewing conditions before peak-season crowds arrive. 🔗

Shuzenji Niji no Sato Events: This 500,000-square-meter theme park featuring 2,000 maple trees hosts two distinct November events—the Autumn Foliage Festival (Nov 8-Dec 14) encompasses the full visit window with daytime viewing across British Village, Canadian Village, and Japanese Garden areas, while the signature Maple Illumination (Nov 15-Dec 14) begins one week after the visit with evening light displays. 🔗 🔗 November 8-9 visitors experience early foliage in transition with full access to the park's Romney Railway miniature steam train, traditional craft workshops at Takumi Village, and peaceful exploration without illumination-period crowds, exemplifying the advantage of visiting before peak events for quieter cultural immersion. 🔗

Food Culture

Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) - Deep-sea fish with brilliant red skin and fatty flesh, Shimoda Port boasts nation's largest catch, served as sashimi or simmered. 🔗 Ise-ebi (Spiny Lobster) - November marks start of peak season for this year-end celebration delicacy, symbolizing longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture. 🔗 Wasabi - Izu produces 70% of Japan's premium wasabi, grown in pure Amagi mountain streams, 400-year cultivation heritage recognized as World Agricultural Heritage. 🔗 Ryokan Kaiseki - Multi-course traditional meals featuring local seafood specialties, integrated with onsen culture and omotenashi hospitality. 🔗 Mishima Unagi (Eel) - Famous regional preparation using fresh Mount Fuji spring water for distinctive flavor. 🔗

Day Trips from Izu Peninsula

Hakone Region - Legendary hot spring resort area with Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji views, approximately 1 hour from Atami via scenic mountain roads. 🔗 Mount Fuji Five Lakes - Iconic mountain viewpoints and lake activities, 2-3 hours from northern Izu via Hakone or direct routes. 🔗 Shimoda Historical Sites - Concentrated walking tour of Perry Road, Ryosenji Temple, and Black Ships museums exploring Japan's forced opening to the West. 🔗 Izu Seven Islands - Ferry-accessible volcanic islands offering diving, hiking, and dolphin swimming, departing from Shimoda or Atami. 🔗

Major Regional Festivals (Not During Visit)

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival - Early February to early March, attracting 2 million visitors to view Japan's earliest major cherry blossom display featuring the unique deep-pink Kawazu-zakura variety blooming one month before standard cherry blossoms along a 4-kilometer riverside path with yellow rape flowers. 🔗 🔗 Hina-no-tsurushikazari Matsuri (Inatori) - January 20-March 31, one of Japan's three major hanging ornament festivals celebrating Girls' Day with 100+ year tradition of handmade silk ornaments representing prayers for daughters' health and happiness, featuring displays throughout town including 6,409-ornament display and 118-step shrine doll cascade. 🔗 🔗 Mishima Summer Festival - August 15-17, the Izu Peninsula's largest festival with 300,000-500,000 visitors experiencing 29 illuminated floats with traditional shagiri music, Minamoto no Yoritomo warrior procession, yabusame horseback archery, tezutsu hand-held fireworks, and modern Mishima Samba Parade. 🔗 🔗

Practical Information

Transportation & Getting Around

Car Rental Options: Major car rental outlets are available at all primary train stations including Atami, Mishima, Numazu, Ito, Shuzenji, and Shimoda. Companies include Toyota Rent a Car, ORIX, Nissan, Nippon, Times, and Hertz. 🔗 November is the cheapest month for rental cars in Atami with prices approximately 6% lower than other months at around $68 per day for a medium car. 🔗 International visitors must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention along with their original driver's license and passport. 🔗

Toll Roads: The scenic Izu Skyline toll road (40.6 km from Atami Pass to Amagi Kogen) costs ¥1,000 for standard cars through September 30, 2025, increasing to ¥1,300 from October 1, 2025, with cash-only payment. 🔗 The Nishi-Izu Skyline along the western coast is toll-free. 🔗

Driving Times: Atami to Ito takes 30-40 minutes along the eastern coast (Route 135), Ito to Shimoda requires 1-1.5 hours, and Shuzenji to Shimoda via mountain roads takes 1-1.5 hours. The eastern coast Route 135 experiences high congestion on weekends and holidays, while the western and southern coasts offer much lighter traffic and more relaxed driving. 🔗 November falls in the off-peak season with generally favorable driving conditions and lower tourist volumes than summer or cherry blossom season.

Parking: Most major attractions provide dedicated parking, though fees vary. Free parking is common at natural attractions like Mount Omuro (500-car capacity), while onsen towns and coastal viewpoints typically charge ¥400-500 per day. 🔗 Jogasaki Coast charges ¥500 at main lots near Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. 🔗

Public Transportation Alternative: The JR Tokaido Shinkansen reaches Atami and Mishima in under 50 minutes from Tokyo. The Izukyu Line runs along the east coast from Atami/Ito to Izukyu-Shimoda (1.5-2 hours), while the Odoriko and Saphir Odoriko limited express trains provide direct Tokyo-Shimoda service in approximately 160 minutes. 🔗 The Tokai Bus network covers most of the peninsula with varying frequency (every 30-60 minutes on popular routes, only a few times per day on rural routes), accepting Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, and other major IC cards. 🔗 Western coast and inland mountain areas have minimal public transport and strongly benefit from car rental.

Onsen Culture & Etiquette

Essential Protocols: Complete nudity is mandatory in Japanese onsen—clothing, towels, and swimsuits must never enter the bathing water due to cultural concepts of purity rooted in Shintoism. 🔗 Before entering the communal bath, visitors must wash their entire body thoroughly while seated at washing stations equipped with soap, shampoo, and shower facilities. This washing step is the fundamental rule demonstrating respect for other bathers. 🔗 The small towel used for washing must never touch the onsen water—many Japanese bathers fold it and place it on their heads while soaking.

Bathing Guidelines: Water temperatures typically range from 40-44°C (104-111°F). Recommended soaking times vary by temperature: maximum 5 minutes per session for 42°C water, 10-20 minutes for 36-40°C water. 🔗 Most people start sweating around the 5-minute mark—this is a good reference for when to exit. Total bathing time of 30-40 minutes is sufficient, broken into multiple 5-minute sessions rather than one continuous soak. Drink water before and after bathing to prevent dehydration, which is the most common onsen safety concern. 🔗

Best Visiting Times: Early afternoon before dinner when others are sightseeing, or first thing in the morning before breakfast when others are sleeping. 🔗 November is an excellent period for onsen visits with comfortable weather (around 17°C/63°F) and late November featuring beautiful autumn foliage as backdrop for outdoor hot springs. This period is less crowded than peak summer months. 🔗

Tattoo Policies: Many onsen maintain "no tattoo" policies due to historical associations between tattoos and yakuza, though attitudes are shifting in tourist-heavy regions. 🔗 Fully tattoo-friendly facilities in Izu include Kurone Onsen (South Izu), K's House Ito Onsen, and Marine Spa Atami. 🔗 🔗 Akazawa Onsen Day Spa (Ito) allows tattoos if fully covered with facility-designated waterproof stickers (11 × 20 cm, ¥160 each). 🔗 Private baths (kashikiri-buro) provide the most reliable alternative for tattooed visitors, with many ryokan throughout Izu offering private baths or rooms with private open-air baths that can be rented for 50-60 minutes. 🔗

November Weather Preparation

Temperature & Clothing: November weather features comfortable temperatures with daytime highs of 16-17°C (61-63°F) and nighttime lows of 11-12°C (52-54°F). 🔗 Coastal areas are milder but windier, while mountain and inland areas are 3-7°C cooler, especially at night. 🔗 A three-layer system is recommended: moisture-wicking base layer (merino wool or synthetic, avoiding cotton), mid-layer fleece or sweater for warmth, and waterproof/windproof outer shell. 🔗

Rain Preparation: November typically brings 93-140mm of precipitation over 12-15 rainy days. 🔗 Both a high-quality waterproof rain jacket and a supplemental umbrella are recommended—the jacket provides protection during hiking and exploration while keeping hands free, and umbrellas (available at any convenience store for ¥500-¥700) are perfect for short walks between shops and restaurants. 🔗 Waterproof footwear with good grip is essential for damp trails and coastal walks.

Indoor/Outdoor Activity Balance: Clear, sunny days should prioritize outdoor attractions like Jogasaki Coast trail, Mount Omuro chairlift, Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, and coastal viewpoints where views are maximized. Autumn (September-November) offers the most pleasant weather for coastal hiking with comfortable temperatures. 🔗 Rainy day alternatives include the MOA Museum of Art (Atami), Izu Shaboten Zoo (famous November-April capybara onsen bathing), Izu Teddy Bear Museum, New York Lamp Museum, and extended onsen sessions at day-spa facilities. 🔗

Seasonal Status: Early November represents the end of the optimal visiting period (mid-April to mid-November), with the environment still green and most attractions open. Beach swimming season officially runs mid-July to late August, though beaches remain accessible for walks and scenery viewing in November. 🔗 Mid-to-late November marks the beginning of off-season with some attractions closing and winter preparations beginning. November 8-9 is slightly early for peak autumn foliage (mid-November to early December) but will show early color changes with some visible foliage transition. 🔗

Geographic Zone Strategy

The Four Geographic Zones: The peninsula naturally divides into four distinct zones—the developed eastern coast with popular resort towns (Atami, Ito, Shimoda), the rugged western coastline designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty with dramatic cliffs and remote fishing villages, the mountainous central region home to Amagi Mountains and historic Shuzenji onsen town, and northern gateway cities (Mishima, Numazu) serving as entry points. 🔗 Understanding these divisions is essential for planning activities that balance coastal experiences with mountain exploration.

Coastal vs Mountain Activity Balance: Eastern coast activities center on onsen culture at Atami and Ito, coastal hiking along Jogasaki Coast (9-kilometer trail along volcanic cliffs), and beach areas, with excellent train connectivity making car rental optional. 🔗 The western coast offers scenic driving with breathtaking Mt. Fuji sunset views from Koganezaki Park and Koibito Misaki, plus Dogashima's 20-25 minute boat tours through sea caves—though the west coast has very limited public transport (1-2 buses daily) effectively requiring car rental. 🔗 Central mountain activities include waterfall hiking at Kawazu Seven Waterfalls (2 hours) and Joren Falls, Amagi mountain trails (4-8 hours), and Shuzenji town cultural immersion with bamboo forests and 1,200-year-old temple. 🔗

November Zone Prioritization: For the November 8-9 visit, highest priority activities include coastal hiking at Jogasaki Coast (spectacular conditions without summer heat), onsen experiences at traditional ryokan, sunset viewing on the west coast with clear autumn air for Mt. Fuji visibility, and mountain waterfall trails with early foliage colors. 🔗 Lower priority for November includes beach swimming (season closed mid-July to late August) and peak foliage viewing (slightly early, though colors emerging). The classic loop itinerary—starting in Atami, traveling south to Shimoda, heading up the west coast to Dogashima, cutting inland to Shuzenji, returning to Mishima—requires 3-4 days by car for comfortable pacing and covers all major zones. 🔗

Accommodation Types & Booking Strategy

Ryokan vs Minshuku vs Hotels: Traditional ryokan feature professional service with kaiseki meals included, tatami rooms with futon bedding prepared by staff, yukata robes provided, and pricing from ¥15,000-50,000+ per night, with some Izu properties designated as national Tangible Cultural Properties. 🔗 Family-run minshuku offer hands-off service in a less formal atmosphere where guests lay out their own futons, shared bathrooms, home-cooked meals with other travelers, and more economical pricing of ¥5,000-10,000 per night. 🔗 Modern hotels provide Western-style amenities with better English support and varying prices (¥8,000-30,000+), while exclusive luxury resort hotels dot the peninsula.

Kaiseki Meal Experience: Kaiseki dinners at ryokan consist of 6-15 courses served sequentially over 1-3 hours at scheduled times (usually 6-8 PM), featuring seasonal local specialties including fresh Ito Port seafood, abalone, and sea bream. 🔗 Meals are served in your room, private dining rooms, or communal areas depending on the property. Traditional Japanese breakfast is served at once (unlike dinner's sequential courses) between 7:00-8:30 AM, featuring rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickles, seasonal vegetables, and onsen tamago (eggs partially set at 65°C in hot spring water). 🔗 Vegetarian accommodations are moderate with dashi broth, very difficult without, requiring advance notice by 8:00 PM three days prior, which significantly limits available ryokan options. 🔗

Private Onsen Rooms: Two types exist: kashikiri-buro (rental onsen reserved by the hour, typically 50-60 minutes, often free or small fee for overnight guests), and premium rooms with attached private onsen offering unlimited access. 🔗 Premium pricing varies significantly: moderate ryokan charge $300-420/night for rooms with semi/fully open-air baths (kaiseki included), premium properties $400-765/night, and luxury options $700-1,120+/night. 🔗 Private baths provide the most reliable solution for tattooed visitors given many onsen's "no tattoo" policies.

November Booking Recommendations: Peak autumn foliage season (October-November) requires booking 4-6 months in advance for popular properties, though most ryokan won't accept bookings until approximately 3 months before arrival as booking windows vary (some only 1-2 months ahead). 🔗 For Izu specifically, booking 1 month out typically gets the best rates, with November being the cheapest rental car month (6% lower prices, around $68/day for medium cars). 🔗 Cancellation policies are stricter than hotels due to elaborate meal preparation: typically 20-30% fee 2-3 days before, 50% fee day before, 100% fee same day or no-show. 🔗

IC Card Payment & Cash Requirements

IC Card Coverage Summary: JR Ito Line (Atami to Ito) and Izukyu Line (Ito to Shimoda) offer full IC card acceptance at all stations with Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA supported, though Atami marks the critical boundary between Suica (east) and TOICA (west) zones where regular IC cards cannot cross boundaries—travelers must exit at Atami and purchase new tickets when crossing zones. 🔗 Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line (Mishima to Shuzenji) does NOT accept IC cards and requires cash or prepurchased tickets. 🔗 Tokai Bus has conflicting information regarding IC card acceptance—some sources confirm acceptance of major cards while others state cash-only, suggesting coverage varies by specific routes. 🔗

Commercial Acceptance Patterns: Convenience stores (FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Lawson) throughout the peninsula support Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA transactions, and many vending machines accept IC cards. 🔗 However, tourist attractions have limited IC card acceptance for admission fees (most do not advertise IC payment), many family-run restaurants operate cash-only (especially in remote areas and traditional establishments), and small local shops in traditional areas prefer cash. 🔗 Some private/scenic toll roads like Izu Skyline may not accept ETC and require cash payment. 🔗

Practical Payment Strategy: Purchase IC card in Tokyo before traveling to Izu (available at Narita/Haneda airports and major JR East stations), load minimum ¥5,000 before departing Tokyo, and carry ¥10,000-15,000 cash as backup for each travel day. 🔗 Expect cash-only requirements for Izuhakone Railway, many local restaurants (especially family-run), most attraction admission fees, traditional shops in remote areas, and temple/shrine donations. Recharge IC cards at Atami or Ito stations (cash only for recharging) before traveling to remote areas, and use convenience store ATMs (7-Eleven most reliable for international cards) for cash withdrawals. 🔗

Limited Express Train Options

Odoriko & Saphir Odoriko Services: The Izu Peninsula is served by two main limited express services operated by JR East: the standard Odoriko (6 round trips daily, increasing to 10 during peak seasons) and the premium all-Green-Class Saphir Odoriko (1-2 daily services). 🔗 🔗 Odoriko trains split at Atami, with some continuing to Shuzenji and others to Izukyu Shimoda Station. Travel times from Tokyo: Atami 80 minutes (¥3,500), Ito 100 minutes (¥4,000), Shuzenji 2 hours (¥4,500), Shimoda 160 minutes (¥6,000). 🔗

JR Pass Coverage & Supplements: Standard JR Pass holders must pay a Green Car supplement for the Saphir Odoriko (all first-class seating), and the Ito-Shimoda segment on private Izukyu Railway requires a ¥1,690 supplement for local trains or ¥2,490 for limited express. 🔗 Green JR Pass holders have full coverage between Tokyo and Ito for standard green seats, with a ¥2,840 supplement beyond Ito to Shimoda. The JR Tokyo Wide Pass fully covers journeys to Shimoda without supplements through a special exception. 🔗

Shinkansen Alternative: The Tokaido Shinkansen reaches Atami in 40-50 minutes (¥4,000) compared to the Odoriko's 80 minutes, though it requires transferring to local trains for destinations beyond Atami. From Atami to Shimoda via local train takes approximately 90 minutes (¥2,020 plus JR Pass supplements), with trains running about twice hourly. 🔗 The Shinkansen option is fastest to Atami but requires transfers, while the direct Odoriko service offers coastal views and convenience for southern Izu destinations.

Bus Connections: Tokai Bus operates a comprehensive network centered around major railway stations (Atami, Ito, Shuzenji, Shimoda), accepting Suica, Icoca, and Pasmo. 🔗 Service frequency varies significantly—popular destinations see buses every 30 minutes, while remote locations may have only 2-3 buses daily. Discount passes are available: Atami 1-Day Pass (¥800), Ito 2-Day Pass (¥1,800), and Izu Kogen/Jogasaki 1-Day Pass (¥1,250). 🔗

Seasonal Access Limitations

Beach Season (Mid-July to Late August): Official swimming season runs mid-July through late August with lifeguards and full beach facilities. Outside this period, beaches remain physically accessible for walks and scenery viewing, but expect minimal services, no lifeguard supervision, and water temperatures unsuitable for swimming. 🔗 Hirizo Beach operates boat-only access from June 28 to September 28 (July-September core season), with no access outside summer due to rough sea conditions and its geographic isolation surrounded by steep cliffs with no road or walking trail access. 🔗

November Shoulder Season Status: Early November (November 8-9 visit) represents the end of the optimal visiting period, with most attractions fully operational but some beginning winter preparations. 🔗 Hiking trails including Jogasaki Coast, Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, and Mount Amagi remain accessible with autumn conditions offering the most pleasant hiking weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. 🔗 Mount Omuro chair lift operates year-round with reduced winter hours (9:00 AM - 4:15 PM from October 1 - March 15). 🔗

Boat Tour Operations: Dogashima cave cruises operate year-round with departures every 10-15 minutes, though winter operations are frequently suspended due to rough seas. 🔗 Cape Irozaki cruises run every 30 minutes (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM), with weather conditions affecting operations and more frequent cancellations during winter months. 🔗

Mountain Road Access: Both Izu Skyline and Nishi-Izu Skyline remain accessible year-round with no specific seasonal closures, though drivers should monitor conditions for fog (common during rainy season) and rare snow events. 🔗 Even at Mount Amagi's highest point (1,406 meters), snow typically occurs for only a few days in winter. 🔗

Peak Season Considerations: Summer (July-August) brings the highest crowds, with beaches very crowded and roads congested during peak periods. Advance booking for accommodations and rental cars is strongly advised, particularly for weekends coinciding with national holidays. 🔗 The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (early February to early March) attracts approximately 2 million visitors, creating exceptional demand requiring bookings well in advance. 🔗

UNESCO & Cultural Heritage Sites

UNESCO Global Geopark Status (2018): The Izu Peninsula is one of 10 UNESCO Global Geoparks in Japan, representing the only place in the world where two active volcanic arcs collide—the Philippine Sea Plate's Izu-Bonin volcanic arc meeting the Honshu arc. 🔗 Approximately 20 million years ago, Izu existed as undersea volcanoes 800 kilometers south near Iwo Jima, drifting northward on the Philippine Sea Plate at 4 centimeters per year and colliding with mainland Honshu about 600,000 years ago. 🔗 This continuous 20-million-year volcanic history is unique globally, with no other location preserving such an extended volcanic geological record. 🔗

Geological Significance: The collision developed many active faults and led to dramatic topographic uplift. Research on the Tanna Fault—particularly the discovery of approximately 1-kilometer lateral slip during the 1930 North Izu earthquake (magnitude 7.0)—has been of great importance to global active fault research. 🔗 At Tanna Fault Park, visitors can observe the preserved 2-meter displacement of a waterway caused by left-lateral fault movement. 🔗 The widespread volcanic activity throughout the peninsula's history made Izu one of Japan's most famous hot spring destinations. 🔗

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: The Izu Peninsula area (22,439 hectares) was incorporated into Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on March 15, 1955, forming part of a 121,749-hectare park spanning four prefectures. 🔗 The Izu section features the Amagi Mountain Range with precious natural Japanese beech forests, dramatic coastlines including the 9-kilometer Jogasaki Coast (built from lava flows eroded by sea action), and Cape Irozaki with its jagged sea cliffs. 🔗 Suruga Bay, Japan's deepest bay, contributes to the richly varying coastline. 🔗

Visitor Centers & Educational Facilities: The Izu Peninsula Geopark Amagi Visitor Center at Showa no Mori Kaikan displays exhibits about the geological history of the entire peninsula. 🔗 More than 100 certified geopark guides offer tours to help visitors understand and enjoy the geopark's features, with daily geo-guided tours held in the Dogashima area. 🔗 The Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council, composed of 72 bodies including local authorities and transport companies, manages the Geopark. 🔗

Tangible Cultural Properties: Two traditional inns on the Izu Peninsula are designated as national Tangible Cultural Properties: Ochiairo Ryokan (Amagi-Yugashima Hot Springs, founded 1874, designated 1999) with seven palatial structures from Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, and Arai Ryokan (Shuzenji Hot Springs, established late 19th century) showcasing time-honored Japanese building and carpentry techniques. 🔗 🔗

Local Customs & Cultural Sensitivity

Onsen Etiquette Regional Considerations: Complete nudity is mandatory in all Izu onsen—no swimsuits, clothing, or towels may enter the bathing water. 🔗 Before entering communal baths, visitors must wash their entire body thoroughly while seated at washing stations. The small towel used for washing must never touch the onsen water—many Japanese bathers fold it and place it on their heads while soaking. 🔗 Maintain a peaceful atmosphere by speaking quietly or not at all, as the onsen is for relaxation, not socializing. 🔗

Temple & Shrine Protocols: At temple entrances, take a bow before entering the Sanmon gate and avoid stepping on wooden thresholds. 🔗 Stop at the water basin (temizuya) to wash both hands and rinse your mouth using the provided ladle—never drink directly from the ladle or spit water back into the basin. 🔗 When burning incense, purchase a bundle, light it, let it burn for a few seconds, then extinguish the flame by waving your hand (never blow it out). 🔗 At Buddhist temples, put your hands together in prayer but do not clap; at Shinto shrines, bow twice, clap twice, offer silent prayer, and bow once more. 🔗

Photography Restrictions: Photography is usually permitted on temple and shrine grounds but often forbidden inside buildings. It is taboo to directly photograph figures of deities and Buddha. 🔗 Never take photos of identifiable individuals without explicit permission—the Japanese concept of "portrait rights" (shōzōken) protects people from having their image used without consent. 🔗 Onsen and bath areas prohibit all photography for privacy reasons. 🔗 Selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited in many areas including temples, shrines, and train platforms. 🔗

No Tipping Culture: Tipping is not practiced in Japan and may be seen as inappropriate or even offensive. Service is considered a standard part of the job, with employees paid fair wages. 🔗 At restaurants, pay the exact bill amount—staff may chase after you if you leave extra money, thinking you forgot it. 🔗 Instead of tipping, small gift-giving (omiyage) is culturally appropriate to show gratitude. The act of choosing a representative local item shows thoughtfulness—size or value doesn't matter. 🔗

Ryokan Quiet Hours & Customs: Quiet hours typically begin around 10 PM at traditional ryokan, with most properties locking doors around this time. 🔗 Speak quietly and move thoughtfully to avoid disturbing other guests—treat your ryokan stay like a health retreat where peace and zen are valued. 🔗 Punctuality is expected for scheduled meals (dinner usually 6-8 PM, breakfast 7-8:30 AM) and check-out (typically 10 AM). 🔗 Remove shoes at the entrance (genkan) and wear provided slippers in hallways, but remove slippers before stepping on tatami mats. 🔗 Wear your yukata with the left side folded over the right—the reverse is only for dressing the deceased. 🔗

Rural Community Interactions: Countryside residents tend to be much more amicable and approachable than those in inner cities, with genuine omotenashi (Japanese hospitality spirit). 🔗 Simple gestures like saying "arigatou" (thank you) or "sumimasen" (excuse me) show respect and help bridge cultural gaps. Always use the suffix "-san" after someone's name and avoid overly casual language. 🔗 Do not enter private property, fields, or gardens even if unfenced—these are people's livelihoods. 🔗 At wasabi farms, collecting wasabi or other plants is strictly prohibited, and access to fields requires permission as they are working farms. 🔗

Location: View on Google Maps

Cultural & Historic Sites

Traditional Experiences

Natural & Scenic

Culinary Experiences

Wellness & Relaxation

Other

Generated from research: destinations/izu.md

📍 Attraction Map

Click on any pin to visit the attraction's detail page