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.

Kirameki no Oka Observatory

VIEWPOINT

The Izu Peninsula’s west coast is full of breathtaking, overlooked viewpoints, waiting to be explored. Kirameki no Oka Observatory is located just off Route 17 and is a must see if you are looking for somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city with amazing views. It’s one of the best “hidden gems” off the beaten path that Izu has to offer.

Overlooking the Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji, I recommend visiting as the sun is setting as Western Izu is famous for its gorgeous sunsets. The area also has a rest spot for anyone wanting to relax while enjoying the scenery.

Review

As with most of the viewpoints, I found this by accident while driving along the coast. I definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area and wanting a picturesque viewpoint to watch the sunset.

ADDRESS

Kirameki no Oka Observatory,
Ita,
Numazu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3401

Phone number unavailable
https://numazukanko.jp/spot/10014 (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Kirameki no Oka Observatory is only available via car.

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.

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).

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.

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!

Cape Omoide

VIEWPOINT

The Izu Peninsula’s west coast is full of breathtaking, overlooked viewpoints, waiting to be explored. Cape Omoide (or Cape Memory) is said to be named after the spectacular view which will be engrained into your memory. On a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji and it’s definitely a place I personally recommend for the beautiful sunset.

You should be able to use this car park.

Review

Cape Omoide is another amazing spot that will be carved into your memory forever. If you stand in the right spot you can manage to get the stones to frame Mt. Fuji (on a clear day) so it’s a very famous spot among locals for taking pictures. It doesn’t seem to be that well-known among the foreigner community so it’s likely that you won’t see many people around if you visit.

The town of Kumomi is very small so there’s not too much to do nearby. I recommend coming here to relax and take in the view in amongst the other things in your itinerary. There is also apparently a whale museum nearby but I still haven’t had the chance to visit it.

ADDRESS

Cape Omoide,
Kumomi,
Matsuzaki,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3615

+81558450844 (Japanese only)
https://www.surugawan.net/guide/590.html (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Cape Omoide 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 transfer to the bus bound for Kumomiiriya (雲見入谷). Alight at Kumomi Beach (雲見浜).