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.

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Road

SCENIC WALK

Kawazu is famous for its early blooming cherry blossoms (late February – mid March), with this path being world famous. Every year the town holds a cherry blossom festival where you can walk along the river and admire the many cherry blossom trees in full bloom. I wouldn’t recommend visiting during any other seasons as there isn’t much to see other than the river.

There are multiple paid car parks nearby, however they get full quickly and can be a little expensive.

Review

Famous for being one of the first blooming cherry blossoms, the Kawazu sakura originate from Kawazu itself. This path lines the river with hundres of cherry blossom trees. The locals also set up stalls and sell items during the festival. Many tourists from all over the world come to enjoy this world-famous festival.

I recommend walking along the river first to take all the photos you want before heading back to try the local foods. There are also usually stalls set up from this path to the station so make sure to try many of the cherry blossom flavoured delicacies!

Please note that due to how famous this is it can be very busy. If you’re planning on driving then you need to drive here really early to try and beat the traffic jams. Last time I tried to drive here I only moved 5km in 1 hour! The car parks also fill very fast, despite the prices.

ADDRESS

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Road,
91-23 Sasahara,
Kawazu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0512

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable.

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

I do not recommend travelling here by car during the cherry blossom season as the roads can get jam packed from as far back as Izunokuni and Ito. Take the train from Atami Station and alight at Kawazu Station. The path is a short walk from here.

Shirata River

SCENIC WALK

Shirata River is a river in Higashi Izu which has many beautiful cherry blossom trees. There are also multiple murals alongside the riverbank. I recommend coming during Kawazu sakura season (late February/early March). Please note that the map below is for the 7-11 as it is not available on Google Maps. You can park at the 7-11 and walk along the river.

There isn’t a specific car park, however you can park at the 7-11 and walk along. Just make sure to buy something if you’re going to use their car park!

Review

There isn’t too much to do here other than admire the scenery so definitely bundle this with other things in the area. 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

Shirata River,
Shirata,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0304

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Shirata River is actually easiest to get to by train as there is no set car park available. Take the train from Atami Station and alight at Katase-Shirata Station. You can walk from the station along the river.

21st Century Forest

VIEWPOINT

21st Century Forest is by far one of my favourite viewpoints in the whole of the peninsula. Designed specifically for the “21st century people”, it was made to bridge the gap between people and nature. There is a nature path through the forest with an adventure course and temple along the way.

There is a large free car park available.

Review

21st Century Forest is yet another accidental find while driving about the peninsula. It can be quite difficult to find as you have to drive up the mountain roads, away from the village. You can find this in the middle of nowhere on the mountain. There are some small villages nearby but otherwise there is nothing else in this area other than mountains and forests. The road up can get pretty narrow, with you having to pull in to the side if there are cars coming the other way. It also isn’t very well kept so there is usually a lot of branches/rocks on the road so be careful if you’re driving up. Also don’t drive too fast as there are a lot of sharp bends!

When you arrive make sure you head over to the seating area. The view from here is spectacular! I recommend visiting during golden hour as the view is the best then, although the drive back down the mountain is pretty scary at dark so only do this if you’re ok with night mountain road driving. Feel free to even bring a picnic with you and look out at the scenery, although be warned that there can be a lot of bugs here dependent on the season.

I would recommend heading to the adventure park to the right of the car park first (slightly back along the road you arrived in). This is a good ara for kids to run about and expel a lot of energy. It also seems suitable for adults.

Heading along the nature trail you’ll come across a small temple with many statues. I’m not sure if this temple is in business or if no one lives/works here. Every time I’ve visited it’s seemed abandoned. Have a look around before heading along the rest of the nature trail.

I haven’t been around the whole trail myself yet so I can’t advise how difficult it is. I’ve walked for around 20 minutes and the trail seems to be a downhill slope, although this could change later on. I’ll definitely head back for the walk when the weather is nice enough and there aren’t any mosquitos waiting to suck the life out of me!

ADDRESS

21st Century Forest,
Kadono,
Matsuzaki,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3607

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

21st Century Forest is impossible to get to with public transport. The closest you can get is Matsuzaki and then you would have to take a taxi up, however it’s a long drive and there’s not much reception to call a taxi back when you’re there. I only recommend this if you have a car!

Perry Road

SCENIC WALK

Japan was closed off to the rest of the world for many years. In 1854, Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed to Shimoda with his nine “black ships” to force Japan to open Japanese ports to US ships. Numerous monuments are dotted around Shimoda commemorating this event, despite it being humiliating for the Japanese at the time.

This area is very famous for being the road that Perry marched along to Ryosenji temple. Namako walls and Izu stone houses can be seen lining the river. There are numerous stores and cafes along the path.

There is a car park available for you to use.

Review

The pathway marks an important part of Japanese history. Whether or not you know the story behind Perry, make sure to visit and read about him on the many signs dotted about the important tourist attractions. They usually have English so feel free to take your time and explore everything!

The area is mostly a tourist attraction to take pictures, with plenty of local stores and cafes to keep you entertained. Make sure to nip in to the different places and see what local specialities/home-made crafts they have to offer.

There are plenty of things to do nearby related to Perry, or just things to do if you’re not bothered about doing a “Perry tour”. Make sure you walk around Shimoda Park as there are plenty of things to do here and it’s a really nice walk!

ADDRESS

Perry Road,
14 Sanchome,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0023

+81558223913 (Japanese only)
http://www.shimoda-city.com/#we-page-entry?spot=122150&cat=11071&pageno=3&type=spot&theme=theme-1 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

There is a car park near Shimoda Park for you to use. To use public transport then take the train from Atami Station and alight at Shimoda Station. You can walk here from the station.

Cape Tsumeki

VIEWPOINT

Cape Tsumeki is located on the south-east coast of the Izu Peninsula. On a good day you can see the seven Izu islands across the ocean. 3 million daffodils also bloom from mid to late January every year, enhancing the beauty of the area. The area is a geosite famous for the “columnar joints” you can see along the cliffs.

There is a paid car park available costing ￥500 for a day.

Review

The shocking white lighthouse against the gorgeous coast is an amazing sight to behold. I definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area. Cape Tsumeki has a nature path leading around the lighthouse and the surrounding area. If you have the time then why not follow the path and see where it leads?

This area is famous for the “columnar joints”, long pillar-like rock formations along the coastline. If you look along the cliff you can see that the rock has been shaped. Cape Tsumeki is part of the Izu Geopark.

ADDRESS

Cape Tsumeki,
Suzaki,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0014

Phone number unavailable
http://www.shimoda-city.com/#we-page-entry?spot=122258&cat=11073&pageno=3&type=spot&theme=theme-1

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Shimoda on the JR Ito Line. Switch to the bus bound for
Tsumekizaki (爪木崎) and get off at the last stop. You will need to walk from here to the cape.

Cape Tarai

VIEWPOINT

Minami Izu is famous for its gorgeous coastlines and Cape Tarai is no different. Getting here requires a bit of a hike, although there are multiple paths you can take according to difficulty. Bring your hiking boots as there are lots of stairs for you to climb! The climb is definitely worth the effort though. With a stunning view of the surrounding coastline, as well as a view of the Cape Tarai cave, you’re spoiled for choice here!

There is a free car park available here.

Review

This is definitely an unmissable sight for the hikers among you. You will have to climb up and down a lot of stairs (I recommend the nature route if you can handle the stairs). I drove and came in on the Toji route so I’m unable to tell you how the route is from the other side but I imagine it’s very similar.

The walk was quite hard for someone not used to climbing a lot of stairs. There are benches littered about the route for you to rest when you need to. You will walk past the Cape Tarai cave and round the winding, constantly ascending and descending route towards the cape if you’re heading from the Toji side. At the fork I recommend going the easy route first as you climb the stairs and take the nature route back to the fork.

Once you reach the cape you will be presented with a stunning view. Make sure you come here on a good day when the water is glistening as you will be lost for words by how beautiful it is! There isn’t much to do when you actually arrive at the cape, however it’s a great photo spot. There is also a table with benches so you could have a picnic here to rest.

Heading along the nature route will grace you with another great view. You will have to climb down lots of stairs until you reach sea level. There is a small rocky beach at the bottom which is also very pretty. The route back from here isn’t too interesting as it’s just climbing up the wooden stairs through the forest.

ADDRESS

Cape Tarai,
Minato,
Minami Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0152

+81558620141 (Japanese only)
http://www.town.minamiizu.shizuoka.jp.e.jv.hp.transer.com/docs/2013031200903/ (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Cape Tarai is easiest to get to by car, however if you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Shimoda on the Izukyu Line. Switch to the bus bound for Irozaki Port (石廊崎港) and get off at Kyukason bus stop. The cape is a 20 minute walk from the bus stop.

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.

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).