Hirizo Beach

About

Crystal-clear waters with tropical fish at Hirizo Beach. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Hirizo Beach represents one of the most unique coastal destinations on mainland Japan, earning its reputation as "Izu's last unexplored region" (伊豆最後の秘境). This pristine snorkeling paradise sits at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, nestled at the border between Nakagi village and Cape Irozaki, completely surrounded by steep volcanic cliffs that make land access impossible. 🔗

The beach's exceptional character stems from its geological origins within the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark, where 20 million years of volcanic activity and tectonic plate shifts have created breathtaking natural features. The Izu Peninsula sits at the northern edge of the Philippine Sea tectonic plate and represents the only place in the world where two active volcanic arcs collide. 🔗 These volcanic cliffs surrounding Hirizo Beach prevent river runoff, ensuring no sediment clouds the pristine waters.

The name "Hirizo" derives from the older term "Hiirido Hama" (日入り洞浜), meaning "Setting Sun Cave Beach," originating from a local legend about a cave where the setting sun could be perfectly framed by an arch-shaped rock.

What truly distinguishes Hirizo Beach is the powerful influence of the Kuroshio Current (黒潮 - "black current"), a warm maritime current flowing northward from the tropics. This current brings exceptionally clear, warm water and carries seasonal tropical and subtropical fish species far beyond their normal range, creating a marine biodiversity more typical of Okinawa than mainland Honshu. 🔗 The current also acts as a natural flushing system, maintaining water clarity that can exceed 7 meters of visibility - rivaling some of the world's best snorkeling destinations. 🔗

Cultural & Environmental Significance

UNESCO Global Geopark Status: Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark (designated 2018), Hirizo Beach exemplifies the volcanic and tectonic forces that created the entire Izu Peninsula over 20 million years. 🔗

Marine Biodiversity: The Kuroshio Current's influence creates an exceptional convergence of tropical and temperate marine species:

• Tropical Fish: Brilliantly colored damselfish, sea goldies, and cage fish create vibrant underwater tableaus 🔗
• Large Pelagics: Schools of yellowtail and amberjack cruise through deeper waters 🔗
• Sea Turtles: Green turtles are frequently encountered, their graceful movements a highlight for many snorkelers 🔗
• Benthic Life: Sea anemones, various coral species, sea urchins, and the occasional Japanese wobbegong (carpet shark) inhabit the rocky seabed 🔗

Community Stewardship: The local Nakagi fishing community operates the ferry service and enforces strict environmental protection measures, adapting from traditional fishing practices to tourism while maintaining their role as environmental guardians.

Visiting Information

CRITICAL SEASONAL LIMITATION - November Access: NOT POSSIBLE 🔗

The ferry service providing the only means of reaching Hirizo Beach operates exclusively during summer months (early July through late September). Outside this period:

• Ferry boats do not operate
• Entry to the beach is officially prohibited
• No alternative land access exists due to surrounding cliffs
• The beach remains completely inaccessible

Operating Season (When Accessible):

• 2025 Season: June 28 - September 30 🔗
• Operating Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (until 4:30 PM July-August, until 4:00 PM in September) 🔗
• Peak Season Hours: 8:00 AM start during top season (July 15 - August 30 and September weekends/holidays) 🔗
• Ferry Duration: Under 5 minutes 🔗
• Frequency: Every few minutes at peak times, continuous service with 8 boats 🔗

Getting There (During Operating Season):

From Tokyo/Major Cities:

1. Take train to Izukyu-Shimoda Station
2. Board Tokai Bus bound for Nakagi or Ihama
3. Bus journey: 40-50 minutes along scenic coastal road
4. Fare: Approximately ¥900 (IC cards accepted) 🔗
5. Bus frequency: Roughly hourly in summer 🔗

Admission (During Operating Season):

• Round-trip ferry: ¥2,000 adults, ¥1,000 children (ages 4-12) 🔗
• Life jacket included with ferry ticket 🔗
• Snorkeling equipment rental available at Nakagi Port (separate cost) 🔗

Facilities:

• On Beach: NONE - No toilets, showers, restaurants, or shops 🔗
• At Nakagi Port: Equipment rental shops, basic facilities
• Visitors must bring all necessary supplies and take all trash away 🔗

The Experience

Underwater World: The moment you enter the water, the Kuroshio Current's influence becomes immediately apparent through the remarkable clarity - the seabed at 5-7 meters depth appears as clear as if viewed through glass. 🔗

The volcanic origins create varied underwater topography:

• Rocky reefs with dramatic formations and crevices
• Sandy patches between boulder fields
• Occasional drop-offs where depths suddenly increase
• Columnar basalt formations visible along the shoreline

Rocky Shore: The beach itself consists primarily of smooth volcanic rocks and pebbles rather than sand. This rocky character, combined with the steep cliff backdrop, creates the wild, untouched atmosphere that defines Hirizo Beach's appeal. Visitors bring folding chairs or mats to create comfortable lounging areas between snorkeling sessions. 🔗

Practical Visiting Tips

For Summer Visitors - Essential Preparation:

Equipment Checklist:

• Marine boots (MANDATORY): Sharp rocks, sea urchins, and poisonous stonefish make barefoot activity dangerous 🔗
• Snorkeling gear: Available for rent at Nakagi Port or bring your own 🔗
• Wetsuit recommended: Water can feel cold after extended immersion (90+ minutes), especially in early July and September 🔗
• Food and water: No facilities on beach - bring everything you need 🔗
• Folding chair or mat: Rocky beach requires seating solution 🔗
• Sun protection: Umbrella or tent for shade, sunscreen, hat
• Waterproof camera: For capturing underwater encounters

Crowd Management Strategy:

• Parking lot fills by 5:00 AM during peak season (July 15 - August 30) 🔗
• Many visitors arrive as early as 3:00 AM to secure parking 🔗
• Ferry boarding queues form quickly after 9:00 AM 🔗
• Visit weekdays rather than weekends for fewer crowds
• Early July or September offer fewer crowds than peak August 🔗

Safety Considerations:

• Water accidents occur annually - respect the ocean and your abilities 🔗
• Tidal currents vary by time of day and can be dangerous even for experienced swimmers 🔗
• Stay within designated swimming areas
• Never snorkel alone - use the buddy system
• Wear provided life jacket if you're not a strong swimmer
• Check weather forecasts - ferry service cancels in rough conditions 🔗

Environmental Etiquette:

The local Nakagi fishing community enforces strict environmental protection:

• NO collection of any marine life - fish, shellfish, seaweed, shells - strictly forbidden to protect local fishing rights
• NO touching coral or marine life - these are living organisms easily damaged by contact
• Take ALL trash with you - leave no trace policy
• NO barbecues, camping, or spearguns - all prohibited

November Visit Alternative Experiences

Hirizo Beach is completely closed and inaccessible during November visits. The ferry service operates only from early July through late September, and entry is prohibited outside this period. 🔗

November Alternative Experiences in Minamiizu:

Cape Irozaki (石廊崎):

• Dramatic cape at the Izu Peninsula's southernmost point
• Historic lighthouse (10th oldest Western-style lighthouse in Japan since 1871) 🔗
• Iro Shrine at trail's end (20-minute walk) 🔗
• Stunning coastal views year-round

Yumigahama Beach (弓ヶ浜):

• Izu Peninsula's largest beach with 700-meter white sand crescent 🔗
• Beautiful even outside swimming season
• Contrast of white sand and emerald water

Ryugu Sea Cave (龍宮窟):

• Natural sea cave with heart-shaped opening when viewed from above
• Accessible year-round
• Unique geological formation

November Weather Context: The southern Izu Peninsula benefits from sub-tropical conditions, with summer extending late into the year. Water temperatures remain warm through late November, and the coastal regions experience mean annual temperatures of 15-17°C with no snowfall even in winter. 🔗 This makes November a pleasant time for coastal exploration, just not for Hirizo Beach access.

Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/hirizo-beach.md