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.

Tajima Falls

WATERFALL

Ito is an area full of amazing viewpoints and Tajima Falls is no exception. With views of the eastern coastline overlooking the ocean, it’s definitely worth making the journey down. There is a small observation platform, perfect for you to take pictures of both the waterfall and also the coastline.

There is a free car park available, however there aren’t many spaces. Search for 橋立観光駐車場 in Google Maps to find it.

Review

I’ve always heard that the Ito coastline was pretty but I rarely drive over this side of the peninsula. I definitely wasn’t disappointed by the view. The normal car park was full so we parked at the station and walked down to the waterfall. There are signposts in English and it’ll take you down a path along the river. At the end turn left to get to the waterfall.

There are some steps here but it’s not too bad a walk. Head right towards the viewing platform and take as many pictures as you can. I definitely recommend this for sunset as I imagine the pictures are amazing. We went during March when it wasn’t too cold but also not yet very humid. If you’re in the area you definitely have to visit!

ADDRESS

Tajima Falls,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
413-0232

Phone number unavailable
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Parking can be a bit of a nightmare to find. I recommend taking the train from Atami to Izu-Kogen Station and then walk to the waterfall from there. There is a car park for here, however there aren’t many spaces. The station also provides parking for a fee.

Joren Falls

WATERFALL

Joren Falls was said to be created approximately 17,000 years ago when Mt. Hachikubo erupted and the lava flowed into the area. It takes approximately 30 minutes round trip to see the waterfall and the nearby wasabi fields. Joren Falls was selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in the country.

The waterfall has it’s own free car park, with space for 100 small cars, a restaurant and also features a statue of characters from “The Izu Dancer”, a short love story set in the local area and written by the Nobel Prize winner Yasunari Kawabata.

Review

As one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls I had to come and see it for myself. It’s quite hard to miss if you’re in the area as it’s the main attraction. There are numerous cafes nearby but it is located in a mostly rural residential area.

If you’re not very active and don’t like stairs then give this a miss. It’s around 200 steps down to the waterfall viewing platform and then you have to walk back up. The whole route should take around 30 minutes. When you’re down there there’s not much to see other than the waterfall and wasabi fields. Heading back up the stairs takes you to the gift shop. If you come and see this then I definitely recommend seeing what else is in the area.

Also, make sure to try the wasabi ice cream if you come here! It’s a local specialty.

ADDRESS

Joren Falls,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3206

+81558851125 (Japanese only)
https://eigo.j-taki.com/ (English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Joren Falls is easiest to get to by car however you are able to take the train to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line and then switch to the Kawazu (河津) bus. Make sure to get off at the Joren Falls bus stop (浄蓮の滝).