Lake Ippeki

LAKE

Lake Ippeki is a crater lake created around 100,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption and is known as “the eye of Izu”. It is famous for its seasonal colours reflecting on the surface of the lake, especially during the autumn season. There are 250 cherry blossom trees planted along the lake and it is very famous for fishing.

There is a car park available.

Review

I’ve yet to go to the lake during a season other than rainy season but even walking in the rain alongside the lake was so calming. I imagine the lake would look great no matter the season and I look forward to taking the trip along there when I have the time to see it during another season.

The lake is only 4km in circumference, making it the largest lake in the Izu Peninsula as there aren’t many here. There is a restaurant here which I haven’t tried yet and peddle boats to use on a nice day. I would park near the restaurant and walk along the lake. It won’t take too long, maybe 30 minutes in total. I would probably recommend taking the path to the right and getting the stairs over and done with. The left side of the lake is pretty flat and there is a shrine which you can enjoy on the way back if you take the right route first.

ADDRESS

Lake Ippeki,
815-360 Yoshida,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
414-0051

+81557376105 (Japanese only)
https://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fitospa.com%2F (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Lake Ippeki is easiest to get to by car however you are able to take the train to Ito Station. Switch to the bus bound for Izu Shaboten Zoo (シャボテン公園) and alight at Lake Ippeki (一碧湖).

Izu Kougen Cherry Blossoms

SCENIC WALK

Around 600 cherry blossom trees line the road starting from Izu-Kogen Station and heading towards Mt. Omuro. They bloom in spring creating a 1.8 mile long tunnel of cherry blossoms. Food stalls are usually lining the plaza in front of the station as part of the cherry blossom festival. They also illuminate the cherry blossoms at night.

There is a paid car park available near the station.

Review

This cherry blossom festival is very famous and worth going to if you’re nearby. It can get very busy due to the large number of tourists coming, however there aren’t many places in Japan where the cherry blossoms overhang the road and create a cherry blossom tunnel.

It’s very easy to find the road, they literally line the road from the station itself so you can walk up as far as you want to take pictures. Be aware that this is a very busy road so don’t go onto the road to take pictures!

ADDRESS

Izu Kougen Cherry Blossoms,
Yawatano,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0235

+81557543161 (Japanese only)
https://www.izu-kogen.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Getting here is very easy. You can drive and pay for parking or take the train from Atami to Izu-Kogen Station. The cherry blossoms line the road from the station.

Hashidate Suspension Bridge

BRIDGE

Ito is an area full of amazing viewpoints and Tsushima Falls is no exception. With views of the eastern coastline overlooking the ocean, it’s definitely worth making the journey down. The bridge has an amazing view of the ocean/coastline and if you’re lucky then you might also be able to see people scaling the rock below you.

There is a free car park available, however there aren’t many spaces. Search for 橋立観光駐車場 in Google Maps to find it.

Review

I’ve always heard that the Ito coastline was pretty but I rarely drive over this side of the peninsula. I definitely wasn’t disappointed by the view. The normal car park was full so we parked at the station and walked down to the waterfall. There are signposts in English and it’ll take you down a path along the river. At the end turn right and follow until you get to the bridge.

The bridge has a pretty view but don’t expect to stay here for too long. We took a few pictures and there weren’t that many people around so I’m not sure how well known it is. It also seems like you can rock climb in this area but I’m unsure how to actually do that. If you’re lucky then you can watch other people do it.

ADDRESS

Hashidate Suspension Bridge,
Yawatano,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0232

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Parking can be a bit of a nightmare to find. I recommend taking the train from Atami to Izu-Kogen Station and then walk to the waterfall from there. There is a car park for here, however there aren’t many spaces. The station also provides parking for a fee.

Oyodo-Koyodo

VIEWPOINT

Ito is an area full of amazing viewpoints and Tsushima Falls is no exception. With views of the eastern coastline overlooking the ocean, it’s definitely worth making the journey down. Oyodo-Koyodo was created when lava filled the area after an eruption from Mt. Omuro around 4,000 years ago. The steps down to the actual rocks is quite tough but very rewarding.

There is a free car park available, however there aren’t many spaces. Search for 橋立観光駐車場 in Google Maps to find it.

Review

I’ve always heard that the Ito coastline was pretty but I rarely drive over this side of the peninsula. I definitely wasn’t disappointed by the view. The normal car park was full so we parked at the station and walked down to the waterfall. There are signposts in English and it’ll take you down a path along the river. At the end turn right and at an open area turn left to head down the steps (they can be quite difficult to find).

The steps here are a killer! Being only around 5ft 4, I had to jump at most of the steps to get up/down them. It’ll be much easier for you if you’re tall. It’s definitely worth the trek down. You can take some really good photos after climbing all the rocks. Make sure you rest and take in the scenery as this area is just so breathtaking. As a bonus you can also see the waterfall from another angle here.

ADDRESS

Oyodo-Koyodo,
Yawatano,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0232

+81557376105 (Japanese only)
https://itospa.com/spot/detail_54002.html (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Parking can be a bit of a nightmare to find. I recommend taking the train from Atami to Izu-Kogen Station and then walk to the waterfall from there. There is a car park for here, however there aren’t many spaces. The station also provides parking for a fee.

Tajima Falls

WATERFALL

Ito is an area full of amazing viewpoints and Tajima Falls is no exception. With views of the eastern coastline overlooking the ocean, it’s definitely worth making the journey down. There is a small observation platform, perfect for you to take pictures of both the waterfall and also the coastline.

There is a free car park available, however there aren’t many spaces. Search for 橋立観光駐車場 in Google Maps to find it.

Review

I’ve always heard that the Ito coastline was pretty but I rarely drive over this side of the peninsula. I definitely wasn’t disappointed by the view. The normal car park was full so we parked at the station and walked down to the waterfall. There are signposts in English and it’ll take you down a path along the river. At the end turn left to get to the waterfall.

There are some steps here but it’s not too bad a walk. Head right towards the viewing platform and take as many pictures as you can. I definitely recommend this for sunset as I imagine the pictures are amazing. We went during March when it wasn’t too cold but also not yet very humid. If you’re in the area you definitely have to visit!

ADDRESS

Tajima Falls,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0232

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Parking can be a bit of a nightmare to find. I recommend taking the train from Atami to Izu-Kogen Station and then walk to the waterfall from there. There is a car park for here, however there aren’t many spaces. The station also provides parking for a fee.

Usamikannonji Temple

TEMPLE

Usamikannonji Temple is a hidden gem of the Izu Peninsula. Overlooking Usami, the temple sits high on the mountain and boasts to have the largest Peace Kanon statue (standing at 50 metres) in the whole of Japan. There are also smaller statues dedicated to the seven lucky gods. It is said that if you touch them then you will receive good luck!

There is a large car park available.

Review

Usamikannonji Temple is the one place I always bring people to if they visit the Izu Peninsula. We found it by complete accident, driving along the road towards Ito and seeing the large kanon statue towering above us. The temple grounds can be a little intimidating as they are full of rows and rows of small statues. Try not to let this intimidate you as it’s worth walking around.

First head to the main hall. Pay for your entry and then look around the exhibit inside. The staff will let you walk around at your own pace before you head up the stairs and walk through the walkways. I first found this place during cherry blossom season so if you’re here during March then definitely come and visit. The cherry blossoms from here look stunning! If you look to your left you are also able to see all the way down to the ocean. It’s a beautiful sight!

Follow the path round and it’ll take you to some smaller areas. I’m not sure what everything is but it’s interesting to have a look. You should also pass by the seven lucky gods. Make sure to touch these for good luck. If you wish to research more about them then there’s plenty of information on the Internet. Their names are Hotei, Jurojin, Fukurokuju, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Baikokuten and Ebisu.

After this you are at last on your way up to the big kanon statue. The path up to the statue is cordoned off so unfortunately you can’t get a close-up view, however you are able to see it from fairly nearby. After taking all the pictures you want, head back down the path to the exit.

ADDRESS

Usamikannonji Temple,
3496-205 Usami,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
414-0001

+81557470658 (Japanese only)
http://www.kannon.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Usamikannonji Temple is only available by car, however as an alternative you are able to take the train from Atami to Usami and then get a taxi if you wish.

Maboroshi Hakurankai

MUSEUM

Ito is home to two of the strangest museums I’ve ever been to, both run by the same company. The company president, Yoshitsugu Uno, often appears at the museum under the name “Sera-chan” and often dresses in cosplays. “Sera-chan” is almost a mascot of the museum and many people come to take pictures together.

The museum consists of multiple large greenhouses jam-packed full of old toys and memorabilia, all categorised and waiting for you to explore.

The museum has a large car park.

Review

This is by far one of the strangest museums I’ve ever visited. Linked to the Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan, both of these are a must visit if you want to experience the weird side of Japan. The museum is literally jam-packed with old toys, clothes, posters and memorabilia. It feels like people have donated their old, unwanted items and this museum found a home and even categorised them. You will leave not knowing what you just witnessed so if that’s your sort of thing then I definitely recommend visiting. If not then give this a miss. There are also multiple “over 18” sections although these aren’t very well advertised.

Walking up to the gate and seeing the first greenhouse was very awe-inspiring, even more so when you realise how many there are and how full of items they are. “Sera-chan” waits for you at the bottom of the stairs, ready to greet you even if you can’t speak Japanese. Head up the stairs to the actual reception desk and pay the entry fee. You can enter this shack, however I would leave it until last as there are some impressive statues hidden inside.

It’s up to you which order you decide to walk around the exhibit. The categories change, however all of the areas are full of old items which seem to have been discarded by their previous owners. If you manage to reach the top you can even see a self-made shrine.

Seeing all the exhibits takes quite a lot of time so I would leave aside a few hours just for this one museum. It is advertised that disabled people can get a discount, however I would not recommend coming here if you are wheelchair bound or unable to walk much. There are many stairs and some of the areas are very tight fitting so I doubt you’d be able to get a wheelchair through.

ADDRESS

Maboroshi Hakurankai,
1310-1 Futo,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0231

+81557511127 (Japanese only)
https://maboroshi.pandora.nu/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Maboroshi Hakurankai is easier to get to by car and has plenty of parking, however if you wish to travel by public transport then take the JR Ito Line from Atami Station and get off at Ito Station. Change to the bus bound for Izu Shaboten Zoo and alight at Umenokidaira bus stop.

Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan

MUSEUM

Ito is home to two of the strangest museums I’ve ever visited, both run by the same company. The Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan is a museum which displays retro Japanese and American toys and other miscellaneous items. “Ayashii” means “suspicious” and refers to the cult/subculture atmosphere to the displays.

The giant penguin standing at the entrance is a landmark for the museum and is apparently a remnant of the previous “penguin museum”.

At the back there is also a small haunted house. Feel free to stumble your way through this!

The museum also has an on-site car park.

Review

This is by far one of the strangest museums I’ve ever visited. Linked to the Maboroshi Hakurankai, both of these are a must visit if you want to experience the weird side of Japan. The museum is literally jam-packed with old toys, clothes, posters, memorabilia and even has a corner full of just Furbys! It feels like people have donated their old, unwanted items and this museum found a home and even categorised them. You will leave not knowing what you just witnessed so if that’s your sort of thing then I definitely recommend visiting. If not then give this a miss.

At the back of the museum is a small haunted house, run by sensors as you approach each section. Don’t worry, no one should jump out at you. Not knowing the back story behind any of the horrors, it was mainly just some attempts at jump scares, although I’m sure if you know more about Japanese horror stories then it will be scarier for you on a cultural level.

Below the stairs there are also old games so feel free to relax and play some old school Mario or any of the other games lying about.

This museum is much smaller than I expected, taking only 30 minutes for us to walk around and fully admire all that’s on display. It’s a fairly small building with two floors and a back for the haunted house. If you come here definitely plan more in your itinerary.

ADDRESS

Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan,
Futo Kaido 1029-64,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0231

+81557518800 (Japanese only)
https://ayashii.pandora.nu/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan is easier to get to by car however if you wish to take public transport then take the JR Ito Line from Atami Station and switch to the bus at Izu Kougen Station. Then ride the bus for Izu Shaboten Zoo and alight at Ikeiriguchi Bus Stop.

Yawatano Kannon

STATUE

Driving along the 135 you may notice a tall white figure facing the ocean. Built in 1982, standing at 12 metres tall and weighing 60 tons, it stands overlooking the ocean almost as if it’s protecting the area. If you have never seen a Buddha statue then I recommend dropping by here if you’re in the area. There is even a soba restaurant next door so you can refuel under the towering statue.

There is a free car park available.

Review

This was an unexpected surprise while driving along the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula. I don’t recommend going out of your way to visit this as there really isn’t that much to see, however it’s a good place to stop by for a few minutes to admire the towering statue tucked between the ocean and the mountains. I’m unsure of why it was made and its importance but it is definitely awe-inspiring to stand below the statue.

ADDRESS

Yawatano Kannon,
Yawatano,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0232

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Yawatano Kannon is easiest to get to by car although if you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Izu-Kougen on the JR Ito Line. You will need to walk from here to the statue.

Lake Matsukawa

LAKE

Due to good public transport along Izu’s east coast, this side of the peninsula is very well-travelled. It is home to many beautiful sights, great things to do and mouth-watering food, suited to any taste.

Matsukawa Lake features the Okuno Dam, the only full-scale rockfill dam in the Izu Peninsula. With a 4.8km hiking trail and abundant nature, this area is popular with many people who love the outdoors. There is also a fishing spot for any keen angler (fee required).

Unfortunately there is no public transport to this lake.

Review

The lake itself was a little underwhelming when we arrived (probably due to the season as there was a lack of water). Water aside, there is a fairly lengthy trail running around the lake. The course doesn’t seem too difficult so anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and walk in nature would probably enjoy this. There are numerous sights dotted around the lake and an abundance of parking.

ADDRESS

Lake Matsukawa,
Kamada,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
414-0054

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

You are able to get to Ito by train or bus but there is no public transport going to the lake itself.