Mentai Park

MUSEUM

Mentai Park is a free mentaiko (fish egg) theme park located near the Kannami roadside station. Inside you can browse the store and restaurant selling various kinds of mentaiko goods, as well as enjoy mentaiko themed exhibits (Japanese only), games, and even a children’s play area upstairs! There are also footbaths outside which face Mt. Fuji and give you an amazing view on a clear day.

Mentai Park has a large car park and it can get crowded very quickly on holidays/weekends due to it being a popular place to visit for families.

Review

Mentai Park is a fun place to visit with friends and family. I have taken many of my friends here when they visit us from overseas and they loved it! There are a few hands-on exhibits on the first floor, with a play area on the second. It’s not very big so you could easily walk around in 30 minutes (longer if you have children who want to play), although the roadside station (Michi no Eki) and Wasabi Museum is close by so you could combine all three in one trip!

It can be difficult to get to without a car so I wouldn’t recommend trying to get here unless there are other things in the area you want to see.

ADDRESS

Mentai Park Izu,
753-1 Tsukamoto,
Kannami,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
419-0124

+81559289012 (Japanese only)
https://mentai-park.com/izu/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Mentai Park has plenty of parking for anyone arriving by car. For public transport, either take the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line to Izu-Nitta Station and walk 23 minutes or you can take a taxi.

Amagigoe Michi no Eki

PARK

Amagigoe Michi no Eki is a roadside stop situated right in the heart of the Izu Peninsula. With the area famous for wasabi, many of the shops sell wasabi-flavoured items and items featuring deer and wild boar meat. The best seasons are during spring and autumn, when the flowers/autumn leaves are in full bloom. It is a popular rest spot for taking seasonal pictures.

There is a free car park available. The car park, toilets and pay phones are available for use 24/7.

Review

I recommend coming during the autumn leaves season (mid-November – December) as the leaves are in their peak. There isn’t much else going on the rest of the year so it’s a good place to stop and relax if you’re heading to somewhere further south in the peninsula (or you’re visiting to take pictures during Autumn). It’s one of the places nearby where you can buy wasabi ice cream, deer and wild boar steamed buns so definitely enjoy the food here! They also have different options for the deer and wild boar, including soba, udon and rice bowls. So if you’re wanting to try something local (although I don’t know many locals who have actually tried it) then definitely stop by!

ADDRESS

Amagigoe Michi no Eki,
892-6 Yugashima,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3206

+81 558 85 1110 (Japanese only)
https://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp/form1.html?pid=2365 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Amagigoe Michi no Eki is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Kawazu (河津駅) and get off at Showa no Mori Hall (昭和の森会館).

Review

This is a nice shrine to visit if you’re in the area. It’s very famous and if you combine it with the other sights in Atami then it’s a great day trip from Tokyo! The shrine entrance features a small bamboo tunnel, perfect for taking photos. Since it’s so famous you may struggle to get photos without anyone else in them. Make sure you also have a look in front of the shrine as there’s usually a heart-shaped leaf exhibit there.

ADDRESS:

Kinomiya Shrine,
43-1 Nishiyamacho,
Atami,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0034

+8155 782 2241 (Japanese only)
http://kinomiya.or.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

If you don’t have a car you can take the Shinkansen to Odawara and switch to the Tokaido Line and alight at Kinomiya Station. The shrine is a short walk from there.

Matsuzaki Flower Garden

PARK

Matsuzaki Flower Garden is an area where the locals plant many varieties of flowers. Over the span of a few months the different flowers bloom and attract many visitors snapping up pictures. The garden also features scarecrows (both human and animal) with differing themes.

There is a free car park available.

Review

I recommend coming to visit the area during cherry blossom season (mid-March – early April) as the river across the road is lined with cherry blossom trees and rapeseed flowers, so if you come during this time you get to see two in one! Make sure to check the website or social media platforms to see if/what flowers are blooming before you travel. The flowers bloom at different times so if you want to see a specific variety then you’ll need to time your trip well!

ADDRESS

Matsuzaki Wild Flower Garden,
Naka,
Matsuzaki,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3626

+81558420745 (Japanese only)
https://izumatsuzakinet.com/category/news/hanabatake/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Matsuzaki Flower Garden is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Matsuzaki (松崎) and ride until the end of the line. You’ll then need to switch to the bus to Shimoda (下田) and get off at Fusekura Bridge (伏倉橋). Alternatively you can also take the train all the way to Shimoda from Tokyo (switching at Atami Station) and then take the bus bound for Matsuzaki.

Review

Koganezaki is a hidden gem located along the west coast of the Izu Peninsula and is easily overlooked. With amazing views of Mt. Fuji (on a clear day) and gorgeous sunsets, it’s a spot I definitely recommend you visit! I especially recommend coming here either during golden hour or sunset so you can take some breathtaking photos. The area also has cherry blossom trees so if you’re in the area mid-March/early April then definitely visit! There is also a local festival during the sakura season.

ADDRESS:

Koganezaki Park,
3566-7 Ugusu,
Nishi Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3501

+81558521114 (Japanese only)
https://www.town.nishiizu.shizuoka.jp/kakuka/kankou/kankou/meisyo/koganezaki.html (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Koganezaki Park is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Matsuzaki (松崎) and get off at the Koganezaki Crystal Park Bus Stop. You will need to walk uphill from here to the park.

Atami Plum Blossom Garden

PARK

Atami Plum Blossom Garden which opened in 1886 is famous for having some of the earliest plum blossoms (ume) in Japan. With 469 plum trees of 60 varieties and the first trees blossom from late November to early December, make sure to check out the different seasons for the blooming blossoms! The park is also famous for its Autumn foliage.

There is a paid car park available. Pets are also allowed within the park, as long as they are kept on a lead.

Review

If you happen to be in the area during the blossoming seasons then I definitely recommend dropping by. Parking can be a bit of a hassle as the park is very famous and many people travel from both inside and outside the area just to see the plum blossoms. During this period other areas offering parking (for a fee) so you may be able to find parking slightly further from the park if you’re prepared to walk a little.

I recommend starting off at the museum entrance and working your way round. The park offers multiple routes but I think ending on the museum is definitely the best route to go, although if you plan on seeing the other sights in the area (such as the Kinomiya Shrine) then I recommend taking the front entrance.

ADDRESS

Atami Plum Garden,
8-11 Baiencho,
Atami,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0032

+81557866218 (Japanese only)
https://www.city.atami.lg.jp/shisetsu/bunka/1002057/1002058.html (Japanese only – google translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

If you don’t have a car you can take the Shinkansen to Odawara and switch to the Tokaido Line and alight at Kinomiya Station. The park is a short walk from there.

Review

Moroguchi Shrine is a gorgeous place to visit no matter the time of year. With excellent views of Mt. Fuji, I recommend coming in the winter season as it can be difficult to get a clear view of Mt. Fuji on a summer day. You definitely won’t regret coming if you happen to time your visit during golden hour/sunset!

ADDRESS:

Moroguchi Shrine,
2711 Heda,
Numazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3402

+8155 894 3115 (Japanese only)
https://genbu.net/data/izu/moroguti_title.htm (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Moroguchi Shrine is easiest to get to by car however you are able to take the bus from Numazu station to Heda and then walk round to the viewpoint.

Review

Heda Lighthouse is a gorgeous place to visit no matter the time of year. With excellent views of Mt. Fuji, I recommend coming in the winter season as it can be difficult to get a clear view of Mt. Fuji on a summer day. You definitely won’t regret coming if you happen to time your visit during golden hour/sunset!

ADDRESS:

Heda Lighthouse,
2710 Heda,
Numazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3402

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Heda Lighthouse is easiest to get to by car however you are able to take the bus from Numazu station to Heda and then walk round to the viewpoint.

Review

Cape Mihama is a gorgeous place to visit no matter the time of year. With excellent views of Mt. Fuji, I recommend coming in the winter season as it can be difficult to get a clear view of Mt. Fuji on a summer day. You definitely won’t regret coming if you happen to time your visit during golden hour/sunset!

ADDRESS:

Cape Mihama,
Heda,
Numazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3402

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Cape Mihama is easiest to get to by car however you are able to take the bus from Numazu station to Heda and then walk round to the viewpoint.

Kirameki no Oka Observatory

VIEWPOINT

The Izu Peninsula’s west coast is full of breathtaking, overlooked viewpoints, waiting to be explored. Kirameki no Oka Observatory is located just off Route 17 and is a must see if you are looking for somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city with amazing views. It’s one of the best “hidden gems” off the beaten path that Izu has to offer.

Overlooking the Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji, I recommend visiting as the sun is setting as Western Izu is famous for its gorgeous sunsets. The area also has a rest spot for anyone wanting to relax while enjoying the scenery.

Review

As with most of the viewpoints, I found this by accident while driving along the coast. I definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area and wanting a picturesque viewpoint to watch the sunset.

ADDRESS

Kirameki no Oka Observatory,
Ita,
Numazu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3401

Phone number unavailable
https://numazukanko.jp/spot/10014 (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Kirameki no Oka Observatory is only available via car.