Amagigoe Michi no Eki

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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).

Matsuzaki Flower Garden

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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

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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.

Ayatsubo Falls Park

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Approximately 10,000 years ago, lava flowed down from Mt. Fuji, forming the southern land, including what we now know as Ayatsubo Falls Park. The park centers around the 10m waterfall.

There is dedicated parking for the park, however the signs are all in Japanese.

Review

The park itself is fairly small, however the walk is nice, topped off with the waterfall. On a good day you should be able to see Mt. Fuji in the background. Unfortunately you can see buildings in the distance, so it’s not quite the escape from the city you may perhaps want. I would start off at the top, walking down to end at the bridge viewing the waterfall. Make sure to bring bug spray as the whole path is littered with trees, meaning lots of bugs during the warmer months!

ADDRESS

Ayutsubo Falls Park,
3298-31 Ooka,
Numazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-0022

055-934-4795
https://www.city.numazu.shizuoka.jp/kurashi/sumai/park/kouen/kobetu/ayutubo.htm (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

You can either take a bus (or walk 26 minutes) from Mishima station, although I personally think the train might be easier (and it takes you closer to the park). Take the train to Numazu station and change to the Gotemba line. Depart the train at Shimo-Togari Station. The park is around an 8 minute walk from the station.

Naramotokeyaki Park

PARK

Naramotokeyaki Park is a small park which is very beautiful during Kawazu sakura season (late February to mid March). It also has its own foot spring.

There are multiple car parks available.

Review

There isn’t too much to do here other than admire the scenery so definitely bundle this with other things in the area. Make sure you rest your weary feet in the foot spring if you come! I also only recommend coming here during the Kawazu sakura blooming season (late February to mid March). Make sure you check to see if they are blooming before you come. I don’t really recommend coming during other times. Also please note that these are not the normal sakura trees. These are a different kind and bloom much earlier!

ADDRESS

Naramotokeyaki Park,
50-1 Naramoto,
Higashi Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0302

+81557231505 (Japanese only)
https://atagawa.net/databox/data.php/guide_keyakipark_en/code

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Naramotokeyaki Park is easiest to get to by car as there is no bus service from the station to the park. To get here by public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Izu-Atagawa Station. You will have to either walk the 36 minutes or take a taxi from here.

Kawazu Bagatelle Park

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Kawazu Bagatelle Park opened in 2001 as a sister park to the Paris Bagatelle Park. Over 6,000 roses of around 1,100 varieties are planted within the park. The park is French-styled, with the roses planted in such a way that they resemble a painting being framed. They also provide a “make your own scent” experience as well as a rose-themed cafe.

There is a large free car park available.

Please note that the rose blooming seasons are between 28th April to 30th June and 1st October to 30th November. There is a discount available if you arrive during another time but you won’t be able to see any flowers.

Review

If you’re coming to Izu out of season then I definitely don’t recommend making the journey here unless you’re already in the area. There isn’t anything to see during the other times, although I think they do hold some events during summer.

You will immediately be hit with the European style just walking through the gates at the entrance. All of the buildings inside and the park layout is very heavily inspired by French gardens, with their sister park actually helping to maintain the garden. If you want to experience a bit of France outside of Europe then make a trip down to see it!

There are thousands of roses for you to enjoy if you visit during blooming season. It is popular during rose season, however the park is big enough that it doesn’t feel like there are so many people there. Take your time to explore the different varieties and take lots of pictures. There’s no rush for you to get through the park so go at your own leisure. You might even see cosplayers or dog photographers there doing their own photoshoots! Also for an added bonus make sure you head to the other end of the park for a view over Kawazu to the sea!

Unless you really like flower-flavoured items I would give the cafe a miss. The seasonal dishes are very heavily flavoured, often with actual roses inside the drinks. Japan loves its flower-themed seasonal foods so feel free to try them out. You might be pleasantly surprised! Personally I don’t like them so if you’re picky with your food/drinks then give the cafe a miss.

ADDRESS

Kawazu Bagatelle Park,
1073 Mine,
Kawazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0511

+81558342200 (Japanese only)
http://bagatelle.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

The park provides a large, free car park so I recommend visiting here by car if you can. You can take the train down to Kawazu from Atami, however, it is a 30 minute walk from the station or a taxi ride from there.

Kashiya Park

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Kashiya Park is a small park in the residential area of Kannami. It features a baseball field, multi-purpose open space, an event plaza, a “trick clock” and the Kashiya Yokoanagun, a geologic hole formation which was used as graves many years ago.

There is a free car park available.

When within the park grounds, there are a number of rules they would like you to follow:

Review

Kashiya Park is a small park which has a number of different amenities. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax within nature then give the park a try. It’s a nice short stroll with an open grassy area to have a picnic or play with your family. There is also a “trick clock” and the geological holes that you can explore. Aside from this there isn’t much to do at the park so unless you want to sit back and relax or possibly play sports then I recommend visiting this amongst other things in your itinerary.

I personally recommend going to see the clock first and then heading up to the holes but it’s completely up to you.

ADDRESS

Kashiya Park,
676-1 Kashiya,
Kannami,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
419-0112

+81559798104 (Japanese only)
http://www.town.kannami.shizuoka.jp/shisetsu/koen/koen-kashiwatani.html (Google Translated English available however I’m unable to access it as of May 2021)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Daiba on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Hachimizo (八ッ溝) and get off at Setsutoshi (切透し). You will need to walk from here to the park.

Shirata River Water Park

PARK

A small park created in front of Shirata Station to give the locals a place to relax and heal. Higashi Izu is full of amazing nature and hot springs so after a day of exploring, why not relax at this small park? Or you can even take a picnic there and relax with your family.

There is no specified parking for the park, however there is a nearby convenience store where you can park for a short time (make sure you buy something from the store).

Review

Shirata River Water Park is a very small man-made park situated near to the station. There is a small pond with bridges and lanterns decorating the area. I wouldn’t recommend driving all the way just for this as it is pretty small and will only take around a minute to walk around it. However if you’re in the area and would like somewhere to relax, maybe even eat a picnic, then drop by here and enjoy the scenery.

If you visit during cherry blossom season then you can also walk nearby to the train tracks and see the cherry blossoms. I definitely recommend coming here to take pictures if you’re a train enthusiast!

ADDRESS

Shirata River Water Park,
Shirata,
Higashi Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0304

Phone number unavailable
https://www.e-izu.org/?p=we-page-entry&spot=360121&cat=search_%E7%99%BD%E7%94%B0%E5%B7%9D%E8%A6%AA%E6%B0%B4%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92 (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Take the train Atami station and alight at Katase-Shirata Station. There isn’t set parking available, however you are able to park for a short time at the convenience store nearby if you purchase something from inside.

Hagachizaki Monkey Bay

PARK

Minami Izu is home to the largest wild monkey colony in eastern Japan. Home to around 300 monkeys you can sit back and enjoy families of monkeys wandering about the park. For an extra fee you can even purchase some food to feed the monkeys, although make sure to feed them through the caged window.

As the monkeys are wild they are allowed to roam free over the park so don’t be alarmed if the monkeys do anything unexpected.

There is a decent sized car park available.

Please be aware of the following rules before entering the park:

• Any children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Wheelchairs and carts cannot be used due to the steep slopes.
• Please refrain from wearing high heels and sandals due to the terrain.
• Do not get too close to the monkeys. Any direct contact is prohibited and do not look into the monkey’s eyes.
• Keep an eye on your personal belongings and children at all times.
• Smoking is prohibited within the park (including the car park).
• Pets are not allowed in the park or outside of your vehicle in the car park.
• No assistance dogs allowed.
• Do not feed the monkeys anything other than food purchased at the park.
• No eating or drinking within park grounds.
• No selfie sticks. The monkeys may take it or even be so surprised that they attack.
• Boats, jet skis and swimming in the sea is prohibited.

They also have a number of disclaimers:

• There may not be any monkeys when you visit the park due to the monkeys being wild animals. It is completely up to them whether or not they visit.
• The monkeys are wild and not accustomed to humans so there is a chance that they could cause harm. Please enter at your own risk.
• They do not hold responsibility for any dirt or damage to clothes or belongings.
• They do not hold responsibility for any injuries within the park.
• Take care of falling rocks from the cliff.

Review

The monkey park is a fun way to see Japanese monkeys in the wild, however it is extremely difficult to get to if you don’t have a car. If you’re staying in the Minami Izu or Nishi Izu areas then I definitely recommend making this trip along as there should be a bus that takes you nearby. Getting here from other parts of the peninsula is quite the trek!

At the top of the slope you will see the ticket office. You won’t need much Japanese here as there aren’t many ticket options. Outside there is a small bus which takes you down to the actual park. I think it is possible to walk down but I recommend waiting for the bus and let them take you.

Upon arrival you should hopefully see all the monkeys (unless you arrive on an unlucky day where there aren’t many to see). They should just be strolling or sitting about the park, sometimes curious by the humans. If you wish to feed them then there is a building here that you enter and buy some feed for the monkeys. The window area has a cage which you push the food through for the monkeys.

Aside from this there isn’t really much to do here. It’s mostly just to watch the monkeys and take some pictures.

ADDRESS

Hagachizaki Monkey Bay,
2622-1 Ihama,
Minamiizu,
Kamo District,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0531

+81558670003 (Japanese only)
https://monkeybay.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Hagachizaki Monkey Bay is extremely difficult to get to by public transport, requiring two bus changes if travelling from Shuzenji Station. I recommend visiting here by car.