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.

Review

Fujimi Hill 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! There are a few viewpoints scattered about the very small nature trail so it’s pretty easy to see the rock from multiple views. I especially recommend coming here either during golden hour or sunset so you can take some breathtaking photos.

Note: It’s actually possible to just drive up and view the rock itself without having to do any climbing/stairs so it’s perfect for people with limited mobility!

ADDRESS:

Fujimi Hill,
Arari,
Nishi Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3501

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Fujimi Hill 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 viewpoint.

Review

Horse Rock 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! There are a few viewpoints scattered about the very small nature trail so it’s pretty easy to see the rock from multiple views. I especially recommend coming here either during golden hour or sunset so you can take some breathtaking photos.

Note: It’s actually possible to just drive up and view the rock itself without having to do any climbing/stairs so it’s perfect for people with limited mobility!

ADDRESS:

Sunset Deck,
Ugusu,
Nishi Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3501

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Sunset Deck 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 viewpoint.

Review

Horse Rock 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! There are a few viewpoints scattered about the very small nature trail so it’s pretty easy to see the rock from multiple views. I especially recommend coming here either during golden hour or sunset so you can take some breathtaking photos.

Note: It’s actually possible to just drive up and view the rock itself without having to do any climbing/stairs so it’s perfect for people with limited mobility!

ADDRESS:

Horse Rock,
Ugusu,
Nishi Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3501

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Horse Rock 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 viewpoint.

Review

Nishina Pass Observation Deck is another hidden gem that I found while driving about the peninsula, located on my favourite road to drive. This road is full of great viewpoints where you can see over the peninsula towards the Suruga Bay, or towards Tokyo if you’re looking in the other direction.

There is a small car park here you can leave your car at. To get to the viewpoint you’ll need to climb up a small hill with steps. The view from the top is definitely worth it. You get a complete panoramic view of the whole area! I especially recommend coming here either during golden hour or sunset so you can take some breathtaking photos.

Aside from this there is a walking trail which takes you all the way across the mountain range. If you’re keen on walking then try and walk towards Mt. Daruma! There isn’t much else to do here.

ADDRESS:

Nishina Pass Observation Deck,
Ugusu,
Nishi Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3501

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Nishina Pass Observation Deck is only available by car as public transport does not go up this mountain road.

Momo Land

VIEWPOINT

Momo Land is an unused children’s play park connected to the Nishiizu Kogen Ranch House. From an altitude of 750 metres you can look over the Suruga Bay and the surrounding areas. Please note that last time I visited the park was closed off, however you are able to drive here for some amazing views.

There is a free car park available.

Review

Momo Land is a great hidden spot I found just driving about the Izu Peninsula. Unfortunately the play park is closed off (as of May 2021), however you are able to drive here and admire the amazing views if you arrive on a good day. There is a clear view of the Suruga Bay and the surrounding areas. There is also an ostrich farm, just make sure you don’t try and pet or feed them!

I couldn’t find the place on Google Maps so head towards the Nishiizu Kogen Rest House and walk slightly down the road. At the curve you should see the top of the play park to tell you where to go. There are two paths which take you down here. Head to the bottom to reach the ostrich farm.

I haven’t yet eaten or stayed at the rest house, however if you drive up this way make sure to at least treat yourself to some ice cream. This area is famous for its milk and boasts to have some of the best ice cream in the Izu Peninsula!

ADDRESS

Momo Land,
3609-1 Ugusu,
Nishiizu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3501

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Momo Land is only available by car as public transport does not go up this mountain road. Please note that the map shows the restaurant but the play park is nearby. Head slightly down the road and you should see it.

Ohama Beach Resort

BEACH

The Izu Peninsula’s west coast is full of breathtaking, overlooked viewpoints, waiting to be explored. Ohama Beach Resort is a fairly small beach with a few restaurants lining its shores. For somewhere a bit more secluded during summer, maybe try and visit here.

There is a free car park available.

Review

Ohama Beach Resort is a small beach along the west coast of the Izu Peninsula. I haven’t been here during tourist season so I am not sure how busy it gets during the hot months. It seems like a good place to relax during the other months, with restaurants along the beach. If you’re looking for a place to relax with good food nearby then look no further!

There is free parking available, however this may become paid parking during tourist season.

ADDRESS

Ohama Beach Resort,
Nishina,
Nishiizu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3514

+81558521966 (Japanese only)
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Ohama Beach Resort 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 Nishinashako bus stop.