About
The historic white lighthouse at Cape Irozaki stands 11 meters high atop dramatic volcanic cliffs at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.
Cape Irozaki (็ณๅปๅด, Irลzaki) represents one of Japan's most dramatic coastal landscapes, where the Izu Peninsula thrusts southward into the Pacific Ocean. This headland, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and ocean erosion, serves as a natural boundary between two major bays (Sagami Bay and Suruga Bay) and embodies the raw power of Japan's maritime environment. ๐
The cape's defining feature is the Irozaki Lighthouse (Ishirลsaki Lighthouse), a historic 11-meter tall structure that has guided mariners since 1871, making it the eighth Western-style lighthouse built in Japan. ๐ The wooden octagonal western-style building was destroyed by a storm in 1932, rebuilt in 1933, and continues operation today, recognized among the "50 Lighthouses of Japan" by the Japan Lighthouse Association. ๐
Geological and Natural Heritage
Cape Irozaki stands as a key site within the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark, showcasing the region's extraordinary volcanic origins. The Izu Peninsula was formed by the collision of a chain of submarine volcanoes with the main island of Honshu, and the cape's dramatic cliffs are composed of volcanic ejecta sculpted over millennia by the Pacific Ocean's powerful waves. The rugged, relatively unspoiled coastline creates a landscape of towering cliffs, craggy rock formations, and pristine waters that exemplify the geological forces that shaped this region. ๐
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The cape holds profound spiritual meaning rooted in centuries of maritime culture. Ishimuro-jinja Shrine (็ณๅฎค็ฅ็คพ), also known as Iro Shrine, occupies a unique cave carved into the cliff face overlooking the sea. Founded in 701 AD, its name means "stone room," referencing its dramatic cave-like setting. ๐ Dedicated to the gods of the sea and literature, the shrine has served as a pilgrimage site for sailors and fishermen for over 1,300 years, who pray for safe voyages and abundant catches.
The shrine's foundation legend tells of a cargo ship (sengokubune) caught in a violent Edo period storm. The sailors offered the ship's mast to the gods in desperate prayer, the storm abated, and the mast became the foundation of Ishimuro-jinja Shrineโa powerful symbol of the sea's might and sailors' faith. The shrine is considered one of the "Seven Wonders of Izu." ๐
At the cape's tip stands Kumano Shrine, linked to a romantic legend of Kokichi (a fisherman) and Oshizue (a feudal lord's daughter), who used fires to signal their safety across the water. Their love story concluded in marriage, and today the shrine serves as a place to pray for marriage and romantic fulfillment. ๐
Additional legends connect the cape to En no Gyoja, founder of Shugendo mountain asceticism, who was said to have flown from his exile on Izu Oshima island to Cape Irozaki using magical powers, imbuing the site with spiritual significance.
Visiting Information
Access:
- From Izukyu-Shimoda Station: Take Tokai Bus bound for Irozaki Oceanpark (็ณๅปๅดใชใผใทใฃใณใใผใฏ)
Bus Pass Option:
- Irozaki and Shimoda 2-Day Pass: ยฅ2,400 for unlimited bus travel in southern Izu Peninsula ๐
From Parking to Cape:
- Walking distance: Approximately 10 minutes from parking area to lighthouse and shrine ๐
- Free umbrellas provided on rainy days for the walk ๐
Facilities:
- Irozaki Ocean Park (opened April 2019): Visitor center with Minamiizu Geopark exhibits, souvenir shop, restaurant, cafe, restrooms ๐
- Geo-guides stationed at visitor center for geological education ๐
Operating Hours:
- Cape and lighthouse exterior: Open 24/7 for viewing from outside
- Lighthouse interior: Open to public only on special days around November 1st (lighthouse anniversary) with exhibits of lighthouse-related materials ๐
Admission:
- Cape and grounds: Free
- Sightseeing cruise: ยฅ1,600 adults, ยฅ800 children ๐
- Parking: ยฅ500 (large paid lot available; one free lot also available) ๐
The Experience
The Lighthouse and Cape Walk
The 10-minute walk from Irozaki Ocean Park to the cape tip offers constantly changing coastal panoramas. The white Irozaki Lighthouse stands prominently against the azure sky, providing a striking contrast to the dark volcanic rocks and turquoise waters below. ๐ The southernmost point juts into the Pacific Ocean "seemingly like the edge of the world," with breathtaking and humbling views across the open ocean from atop jagged, steep cliffs. ๐
Ishimuro-jinja Shrine
Located about 5 minutes' walk from the lighthouse, this extraordinary shrine is nestled into a natural cave in the cliff face, creating one of Japan's most unique religious sites. Built to protect maritime traffic safety, the shrine's guestbook fills with prayers and thanks from sailors and fishermenโa living testament to its spiritual importance. ๐ The shrine's dramatic setting, combined with its 1,300-year history, creates a profound sense of reverence.
Kumano Shrine
At the very tip of the cape, this smaller shrine offers romantic views and serves as the final spiritual outpost before the vast Pacific Ocean. Associated with the legend of Kokichi and Oshizue's cross-water courtship, it's now a popular spot for prayers concerning love and marriage. ๐
Sightseeing Cruise
The 25-minute boat tour operates from Irozaki Port (9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, departures every 30 minutes) and provides essential perspectives impossible from land. ๐ The cruise showcases:
- Towering volcanic cliffs up close
- The white lighthouse from ocean perspective
- Cape Okuirozaki formations
- Crystal-clear waters of Hirizo Beach (visibility to rocky seabed)
- Minokake Boulder (weather-dependent alternative route)
- Dramatic wave action against rugged rock formations
No reservation required for individual passengers, though checking weather-related service status is recommended. ๐
Practical Visiting Tips
November 8-9 Seasonal Considerations:
- Weather: November represents the most pleasant month for coastal viewing in Japanโdry, mild temperatures (7-18ยฐC / 45-64ยฐF), and excellent visibility for ocean vistas and distant Izu Islands. ๐
- Autumn Colors: While Cape Irozaki is primarily known for coastal scenery rather than foliage, surrounding hills display late autumn colors in early November, providing beautiful backdrop contrast to the blue ocean. ๐
- Special Events: November 1st marks the lighthouse anniversary with special public access to the interior and exhibitsโyour November 8-9 visit falls shortly after this annual celebration, though interior access may be limited. ๐
- Crowd Levels: November sees moderate tourist trafficโsignificantly less crowded than summer but within Japan's popular autumn travel season. The cape's remote location naturally limits visitor numbers. ๐
Photography:
- Best lighting: Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) casts dramatic warm light on cliffs and lighthouse
- Top subjects: White lighthouse against sky, Ishimuro-jinja cave shrine, panoramic ocean views from cape tip, rugged cliff formations, crashing wave action
- Cruise photography: Bring weatherproof camera protection for ocean spray; morning light often provides clearer atmospheric conditions
- Restrictions: Photography generally permitted on shrine grounds; interior photography often forbidden (follow posted signs)
Cultural Etiquette at Shrines:
- Bow once before passing through torii gate; avoid walking in center (reserved for gods)
- Use temizuya (purification fountain): Right hand scoops water to rinse left hand, switch hands and rinse right, cup water in left hand to rinse mouth (don't drink), rinse ladle handle vertically before returning
- At offering box: Gently toss coin (5-yen coins considered lucky), follow "two bows, two claps, one bow" sequence
- Dress respectfully; speak quietly on shrine grounds
Practical Strategy:
- Timing: Arrive early morning for best lighting and fewer visitors; allows 2-3 hours total (cape walk, shrines, optional cruise)
- Walking shoes: Essential for rocky, potentially slippery paths along coast
- Weather preparation: Coastal winds can be strong; bring windbreaker even in mild weather
- Sun protection: Limited shade along walking paths; hat and sunscreen recommended
- Cruise booking: No advance reservation needed, but arrive early afternoon (last departure 3:30 PM) if planning to combine with cape walk
Nearby Attractions:
- Hirizo Beach (1.6 km): Pristine snorkeling and swimming beach accessible only by 2-minute boat ride; exceptionally clear waters. Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. ๐ (Note: Beach season typically July-September; November access may be limited)
- Cape Tarai (8 km east): Stony beach with nature trails through forest ๐
- Toji & Ryugu Sea Cave (11 km east): Naturally formed sea cave that appears heart-shaped from above ๐
- Shimoda City (17 km northeast): Historic port city with Perry Landing site, temples, traditional streets ๐
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/cape-irozaki.md