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).

Old Amagi Tunnel

SCENIC WALK

Old Amagi Tunnel is the oldest and also longest completely stone-built tunnel in Japan. It was completed in 1905 to connect Izu with Kawazu and runs 800m long. It was designated as a cultural asset in 2001 and features in Yasunari Kawabata’s novel, “Izu no Odoriko” and Seicho Matsumoto’s novel, “Amagi Goe”. It is also thought to be haunted!

There is a small area where you can park to take some pictures, as well as plenty of hiking trails for anyone adventurous.

Review

If you have a bit of free time and are in the area then I recommend you visit the Old Amagi Tunnel. There isn’t too much to see, however it’s an important historical asset in Japan. The tunnel itself has become obsolete as the new tunnel was completed in 1970, so it’s easy to get between Izu and Kawazu without bypassing the old tunnel.

I haven’t tried the hiking trails but if you’re a hiker then I definitely recommend following the well-signposted paths. Otherwise I wouldn’t recommend coming out purely for this.

ADDRESS

Old Amagi Tunnel,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0501

Phone number unavailable
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp/form1.html?pid=2481 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Old Amagi Tunnel 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 Suiseichishita. You’ll then have to walk uphill to the tunnel.

Izu Rice Field Art

VIEWPOINT

Izu Rice Field Art is an artwork made by the local farmers of Amagi using rice. 2021 featured the “Dancing Girl”, a famous novel set in the nearby Joren Falls area. The viewing event usually starts around mid-June, with the best viewing season being July.

There didn’t seem to be set parking for the attraction, although there were two parking spaces nearby which were being used to quickly view the art.

Review

If you have a little spare time and are around in June/July, then why not drop by this great piece of artwork. Many areas in Japan are famous for their rice field art. Although Amagi doesn’t quite hold up to the reputation of the great Aomori artwork, it’s still interesting to come and view it every year. Unfortunately we couldn’t see much parking, however taking a few pictures takes very little time so the two parking spaces we saw should be ok.

ADDRESS

Izu Rice Field Art,
75-2 Yaguma,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3203

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Izu Rice Field Art 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 Yaguma (矢熊橋).

Asahi Falls

WATERFALL

Asahi Falls is a 105m waterfall said to have gotten its name from how it shines when the morning light hits the water. Formed from solidified lava, it is now a geosite of the Izu Peninsula Geopark.

The Autumn leaves are in full bloom from early to mid-December. Note that the water level will change depending on the season.

There is a free parking lot with enough space for four cars.

Review

Asahi Falls is a 105m tall waterfall, hidden in the Izu Peninsula. During winter, the water flow can be quite low so unless you want to see the Autumn leaves in full-bloom, I suggest that you visit closer to summer, where there is a heavier supply of water.

ADDRESS

Asahi Falls,
Odaira,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-2415

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Asahi Falls 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 Asahi Falls Entrance (旭滝口). It’s a 4 minute walk from the bus stop.

Odoi Beach

BEACH

Odoi Beach is a smaller beach on the west coast of the Izu Peninsula, perfect for swimming and fishing. If you want to escape the horrendous summer humidity then why not dip in to the water?

Parking is free until the summer season as many tourists come here. The beach gets very crowded so you may want to get here early to snag a parking spot and a space on the sand.

Review

If you’re wanting to visit a smaller, less crowded beach then Odoi Beach might be for you. Tourists come in the summer, although the nearby Toi Beach is much more popular.

The beach gets very packed during the summer season. Japanese people tend to bring tents to escape from the sun so feel free to bring your own, or just leave your towel at a spot on the beach. It’s safe enough to leave your stuff while you swim as theft is very uncommon here. The swimming area is cordoned off so make sure not to swim over the ropes as these waters can get deep and aren’t guaranteed to be safe/free from any sealife.

Make sure you only go swimming during swimming season, usually July – late August. September is jellyfish season so it’s very likely that you’ll injure yourself if you go swimming when it’s not approved.

ADDRESS

Odoi Beach,
279 Odoi,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3301

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Odoi beach 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 Doigyokyo. Unfortunately there isn’t a bus to take you to Odoi so you would have to walk 12 minutes to get to the beach.

Shuzenji Temple

TEMPLE

Shuzenji temple was built in 807 AD. It is said that the famous saint Kobo and his disciple founded the temple while travelling around Japan. The temple was burned down and rebuilt twice, with the current temple being built in 1489. For a more detailed history please visit the temple’s website.

Many famous writers/playwrights have visited the temple and been inspired, most notably being Natsume Soseki who wrote “Shuzenji Dairy”.

There is no set parking for the temple, however you are able to use one of the many car parks in the area for a fee.

Review

The history behind the temple is very interesting and I recommend you reading up on it on their website (the history is available in English) before you visit. The building itself is fairly generic, although the temple often holds festivals and local craft markets. If you’re in the area during one of these events then I definitely recommend visiting.

ADDRESS

Shuzenji Temple,
Shuzenji 964-985-1,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-2416

+81558720053 (Japanese only)
https://shuzenji-temple.com/english.html (English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Shuzenji temple is easiest to get to by public transport, however there are paid car parks in Shuzenji available to use. Take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Shuzenji Onsen (修善寺温泉).

Shuzenji Bamboo Grove

SCENIC WALK

Want to visit a bamboo grove but Arashiyama is too far then look no further! Shuzenji in the Izu Peninsula has its own mini bamboo grove running through the centre of the hot spring town.

There is a free gallery nearby which is free of charge and features photographs of Shuzenji within the different seasons. You can also enjoy the bamboo grove illuminated from between sunset and 23:00.

There is no set parking for the bamboo grove, however you are able to use one of the many car parks in the area for a fee.

Review

The bamboo grove is a must-see if you’re in the area. Although not as big as Arashiyama, it is a small bamboo grove close to Tokyo so it’s easy to come here for a day, or even a few days to explore. The grove is situated between the two main bridges in this part of the town so make sure to cross off two of the five bridges.

The grove is very famous so it can get very crowded during the day.

ADDRESS

Shuzenji Bamboo Grove,
1031-Shuzenji,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-2416

+81558722501 (Japanese only)
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp.e.jj.hp.transer.com/form1.html?c1=5&pid=4872 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

The Shuzenji bamboo grove is easiest to get to by public transport, however there are paid car parks in Shuzenji available to use. Take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Shuzenji Onsen (修善寺温泉).

Kaede Bridge

BRIDGE

Kaede Bridge crossed the Katsura River, which flows through the centre of Shuzenji hot spring town. It is also known as “maple bridge” or “snuggle bridge”. Kaede Bridge is one of five bridges built over this river and is said that if you make a wish while crossing all five bridges then your love will come true. Each bridge also has its own symbol so make sure to look out for this somewhere on the bridge!

I recommend visiting here during autumn leaf season as the fall colours make for such a picturesque sight!

For more information on the other bridges please visit http://shuzenji-koihashi.info/. Please note that this is only available in Japanese, however there is a map.

Review

This bridge is a very popular tourist spot so it will most likely be full of people when you visit. I don’t recommend visiting the bridge by itself, but instead bundle it along with the other sights that Shuzenji hot spring town has to offer!

Make sure to make a wish while crossing as it is said that if you cross all five bridges while making a wish then your love will come true. If you come while the maple leaves are in full bloom then you will have an exquisite sight while making your wish. The red bridge mixed in with the red maple leaves is truly a sight to behold!

ADDRESS

Kaede Bridge,
Shuzenji,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-2416

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Kaede bridge is easiest to get to by public transport, however there are paid car parks in Shuzenji available to use. Take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Shuzenji Onsen (修善寺温泉).

Toi Beach

BEACH

Toi beach is the largest swimming area on the west coast of the Izu Peninsula and was voted as one of Japan’s 88 best beaches. The beach is fairly shallow, with many lifeguards during summer to make it perfect for a perfect beach getaway. If you want to escape the horrendous summer humidity then why not dip in to the water?

Parking at Matsubara Park is free until the summer season as many tourists come here. The beach gets very crowded so you may want to get here early to snag a parking spot and a space on the sand.

Review

Toi beach is a must see if you’re in the area, especially during summer. The walk around the beach is fairly short, but many shops line the coastline, especially during summer season. If you’re wanting a nice beach getaway then Toi is the perfect place to come.

The beach gets very packed during the summer season. Japanese people tend to bring tents to escape from the sun so feel free to bring your own, or just leave your towel at a spot on the beach. It’s safe enough to leave your stuff while you swim as theft is very uncommon here. The swimming area is cordoned off so make sure not to swim over the ropes as these waters can get deep and aren’t guaranteed to be safe/free from any sealife.

Make sure you only go swimming during swimming season, usually July – late August. September is jellyfish season so it’s very likely that you’ll injure yourself if you go swimming when it’s not approved.

ADDRESS

Toi Beach,
2849-5 Toi,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3302

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Toi beach 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 Toi Onsen (土肥温泉).

Matsubara Park

PARK

Matsubara Park is one of the main tourist attractions in the small town of Toi, on the west coast of Izu. It features a large flower clock, cherry blossom trees and is the main area for the town’s festivals.

The flower clock was completed on June 18th 1991 and was recognised as the largest in March 1992 and has around 5,000 flowers. The hands of the clock have unfortunately stopped (as of March 2021) and it is unknown when they plan to get it fixed. A path full of foot reflexology stones circle the clock. Feel free to walk around either barefoot or with just socks on to give your feet a massage full of health benefits. There is also a foot spring just across the road to refresh your tired feet.

There is a car park available, however in summer it is paid. The rest of the year it is free.

Review

Matsubara park is a decent sized park which main attraction is the flower clock and proximity to the beach. The local festivals are usually held on the grassy area so make sure to check it out if you come during festival season, whether that’s cherry blossom or summer festival season.

The flower clock has a viewing platform to enable you to see it better. Foot reflexology stones also border the clock so make sure to remove your shoes and walk around the path. The stones can hurt quite a bit but it’s said that the massage is good for your health. After finishing the course, dip your feet in the foot spring across the road. It’s free to use and pretty hot but you’re able to take your time and relax.

Behind the clock are some paths that lead you to the beach. If you’re in the area then make sure to check out the beach too!

ADDRESS

Matsubara Park,
2657-6 Toi,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3302

Phone number unavailable
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp.e.jj.hp.transer.com/form1.html?c1=5&c2=1&pid=2529 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Matsubara 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 Toi Onsen (土肥温泉).