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Izu
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Explore Izu’s volcanic coastline, hot-spring towns, mountain walks, historic Shimoda and seafood-rich villages on Japan’s Pacific peninsula.

Izu is a mountainous peninsula projecting south from Shizuoka Prefecture into the Pacific, within easy reach of Tokyo yet distinctly separated from the capital’s urban rhythm. Its landscape was shaped by volcanic activity: forested peaks, rugged capes, deep ravines, lava terraces and mineral-rich hot springs form a varied terrain between Sagami Bay and Suruga Bay. The peninsula is a broad travel region rather than a single town, and journeys between its eastern resorts, southern ports and western coast can take considerably longer than the map suggests.
Read more about Izu
The eastern side is the most accessible and developed. Atami is a long-established hot-spring resort with sea views, gardens and cultural attractions, while Ito combines an onsen tradition with the volcanic scenery of Mount Omuro and the Jogasaki Coast. Inland Shuzenji, associated with a historic temple and atmospheric lanes, offers a quieter hot-spring setting among wooded hills. South of these centres, the road becomes more rural, passing fishing communities, citrus orchards, coastal viewpoints and valleys cut by streams.
The southern peninsula has a strong maritime history. Shimoda, one of Izu’s principal ports, is linked with the opening of Japan to American trade in the nineteenth century and retains historic streets around the Perry Road area. Nearby, the coast of Minamiizu is marked by rocky headlands, warm-water beaches and the rugged promenade of Cape Aiai. On the western shore, settlements such as Matsuzaki, Nishiizu and Toi face Suruga Bay, with views towards Mount Fuji on clear days and distinctive formations created by volcanic deposits, including the cliffs and sea caves around Dogashima.
Nature is central to an Izu visit. Short walks lead to waterfalls and ravines, while longer routes cross the Amagi Mountains; the well-known Izu Peninsula Geopark interprets the region’s volcanic origins through beaches, lava landscapes and uplifted marine strata. Seasonal highlights include Kawazu’s early-flowering cherry trees, spring wildflowers, summer swimming and autumn colour in the mountain valleys. Local food reflects both land and sea: wasabi grown in cool clear water, spiny lobster, kinmedai red bream, citrus, seafood and regional sake appear in restaurants, markets and traditional inns. Izu is best approached at a measured pace, allowing time for bathing, walking and the changing character of each coast.

When is the best time to visit Izu?

Best: May, October–November · 17–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1070
February1075
March14130
April19150
May (best)23160
June26200
July30210
August31190
September28210
October (best)23170
November (best)17110
December1280

Getting to and around Izu

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Izu via Tokyo or another major Japanese gateway, then travel south by railway or road. The Tokaido Shinkansen serves Mishima, which is outside the Izu Peninsula but is a principal entrance for western and central Izu; some travellers continue by local railway or bus. Atami, at the peninsula’s northern edge, is also served by the Tokaido Shinkansen and conventional railway services. Ito and Shimoda are linked by the Izu Kyuko railway from the eastern side, while buses and roads continue towards the southern and western coasts. There is no major international airport on the peninsula.

Transportation

Rail travel is most useful in eastern Izu, particularly for Atami, Ito and stations towards Shimoda. Buses serve many coastal and inland destinations, but rural services can be infrequent and connections may require careful planning. A hire car is useful for reaching western Izu, the Amagi mountain districts, smaller beaches, viewpoints and dispersed geopark sites; driving involves winding roads, tunnels and occasional congestion in holiday periods. Taxis are available in larger towns but should not be assumed to be readily available in remote areas. Walking routes range from short coastal paths to demanding mountain hikes, so carry suitable footwear and check local conditions.

Destinations in Izu

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Izu

Izu’s attractions combine volcanic geology, hot-spring culture, coastal scenery and historic settlements. Atami and Ito provide gardens, museums, resort architecture and access to the peninsula’s eastern shoreline, while Mount Omuro offers a distinctive volcanic cone and broad views from its summit area. The Jogasaki Coast follows lava cliffs and suspension bridges, with walking sections that reveal the force of past eruptions. Inland, Shuzenji’s temple precinct and the wooded Amagi area lead towards waterfalls, ravines and mountain roads, while Kawazu is known for its seasonal early cherry blossom displays and river scenery. Shimoda brings maritime history, beaches and historic streets, including the Perry Road area and Ryosenji Temple. Along western Izu, Dogashima’s cliffs, caves and boat excursions illustrate the peninsula’s volcanic past, and Cape Kogane near Matsuzaki is valued for sunset views across Suruga Bay. Beaches and coves around Minamiizu offer swimming in season, while geopark viewpoints, cycling, fishing, hiking and bathing provide a slower alternative to sightseeing by attraction checklist.

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Best landmarks in Izu

Mount Omuro is one of Izu’s most recognisable natural landmarks, a symmetrical volcanic cone whose grassy profile dominates views around Ito. Nearby, the Jogasaki Coast forms a dramatic line of lava cliffs, rocky inlets and bridges created by eruptions from the Izu volcanic field. Shuzenji Temple and its surrounding old lanes are enduring symbols of inland Izu’s religious and bathing culture, while the Amagi Tunnel represents the engineering effort required to cross the peninsula’s mountainous interior. In Shimoda, Ryosenji Temple is closely associated with the negotiations that followed Commodore Perry’s arrival, and the narrow Perry Road connects historic buildings and waterways. On the western shore, Dogashima’s sea caves and sculpted cliffs are among the peninsula’s most distinctive coastal formations; further south, Cape Aiai and the jagged shoreline of Minamiizu frame wide Pacific views. Mount Daruma, on western Izu, is valued for its elevated outlook across Suruga Bay towards Mount Fuji when visibility is clear.

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Explore Izu on the map

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Best restaurants in Izu

Izu’s food culture is shaped by both the Pacific and its cool mountain water. Coastal restaurants and traditional inns serve locally landed fish, with kinmedai red bream particularly associated with the peninsula’s waters, as well as seasonal shellfish, squid and spiny lobster in appropriate seasons. Inland streams and clear spring water support wasabi cultivation, and grated wasabi, pickled preparations and wasabi-flavoured foods appear across the region. Citrus grown in warmer coastal districts, mountain vegetables and locally produced tofu add variety to kaiseki-style meals and home-style cooking. Atami, Ito, Shimoda and the western ports offer the broadest choice of cafés, seafood restaurants and izakaya, while rural areas are more dependent on ryokan dining and small family establishments. Look for morning markets, roadside produce stands and regional sweets, and expect menus to reflect seasonality rather than a fixed list of dishes. Local sake and other Shizuoka beverages may accompany meals, though availability differs by town.

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Best bars in Izu

Evening life in Izu is generally quiet and centred on hot-spring inns, traditional pubs, seafood restaurants and small drinking establishments rather than a large nightclub scene. Atami and Ito have the widest selection of izakaya, bars and late-opening restaurants, with a more seasonal atmosphere during holidays and summer visits. Shimoda combines compact bars and restaurants with a port-town character, while Shuzenji and smaller western-coast settlements become subdued after dinner. Visitors staying in a ryokan often spend the evening bathing, eating a set meal and walking through the illuminated streets rather than moving between venues. Local sake, Shizuoka beer and regional spirits may be available, alongside familiar Japanese pub fare. Check transport before going out in rural districts, as the final bus or train can be early and taxis are less predictable away from the main resorts.

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Best nightclubs in Izu

Evening life in Izu is generally quiet and centred on hot-spring inns, traditional pubs, seafood restaurants and small drinking establishments rather than a large nightclub scene. Atami and Ito have the widest selection of izakaya, bars and late-opening restaurants, with a more seasonal atmosphere during holidays and summer visits. Shimoda combines compact bars and restaurants with a port-town character, while Shuzenji and smaller western-coast settlements become subdued after dinner. Visitors staying in a ryokan often spend the evening bathing, eating a set meal and walking through the illuminated streets rather than moving between venues. Local sake, Shizuoka beer and regional spirits may be available, alongside familiar Japanese pub fare. Check transport before going out in rural districts, as the final bus or train can be early and taxis are less predictable away from the main resorts.

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Best shops in Izu

Shopping in Izu is oriented towards local food, craft and useful regional souvenirs rather than large-scale retail. Atami and Ito have the broadest high-street selection, including sweets, dried seafood, gift foods and shops serving the domestic hot-spring trade. Shimoda’s historic central streets offer cafés, small galleries and stores selling maritime and regional products, while Matsuzaki is associated with traditional namako-kabe plasterwork visible in historic buildings and represented in local craft culture. Roadside stands and farmers’ markets are good places to look for citrus, vegetables, pickles and wasabi products, although availability follows the season. Ceramic pieces, handmade goods, bathing products and local confectionery make practical gifts, and seafood products should be packed according to travel and customs requirements. Large shopping centres are more characteristic of the wider Shizuoka and Tokyo commuting zones than rural Izu, so visitors should buy specialist necessities before heading into the mountain or western-coast districts.

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Izu essentials

Currency and Payment
Izu uses Japan’s national currency, the Japanese yen (JPY). Credit and debit cards, contactless payments and mobile payment systems are widely accepted in larger hotels, railway stations, chain shops and many restaurants, but smaller inns, rural eateries, buses, temple facilities and independent businesses may prefer cash. Keep yen available for local transport, small purchases and countryside stops. Japan’s payment landscape is increasingly digital, although acceptance varies more noticeably outside the principal resort towns.
Safety
Izu is generally well organised for visitors, but its terrain requires ordinary outdoor caution. Coastal rocks can be slippery, surf and tides can change conditions quickly, and swimming should be limited to designated areas when lifeguards or local warnings indicate that conditions are suitable. Mountain paths may become muddy after rain, while summer heat and humidity can be tiring. Earthquakes and typhoons are national realities in Japan; follow municipal warnings, transport notices and hotel guidance. On rural roads, expect sharp bends, narrow sections, cyclists and occasional fallen branches.
Emergency Situations
In Japan, call 110 for police and 119 for ambulance or fire services. For incidents at sea, call the Japan Coast Guard on 118. Give the location using a railway station, road number, recognised landmark or accommodation name, and ask hotel staff or a local person to assist if language presents a difficulty. Installment-style emergency information and multilingual support may be available through official Japanese services, but do not rely solely on mobile coverage in mountain valleys or on remote coastal paths.
Do's and Don'ts
Remove shoes where indicated in traditional inns, temples, some restaurants and private buildings, and follow bathing instructions in onsen facilities, including washing before entering communal baths. Do not photograph people, homes or religious ceremonies without permission. Keep to marked paths, take rubbish with you where bins are limited and avoid climbing on fragile coastal formations. Queue quietly for trains and buses, keep conversations discreet on public transport and observe local recycling arrangements. Tipping is not customary in Japan; polite thanks are more appropriate.
Local Tips
Consider staying in two different bases, such as eastern Izu and the southern or western coast, rather than attempting the whole peninsula from Atami. Early mornings are particularly rewarding at coastal viewpoints and help avoid busy roads around popular seasonal sites. Ask accommodation hosts about local bath etiquette, bus connections and weather-sensitive walks. Seafood menus often reflect the day’s catch, while wasabi products vary greatly in strength and preparation. Keep a flexible plan for coastal sightseeing because mist, strong winds or rough seas can alter boat and viewpoint access.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[hau-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[see ya]
YesYep[yehp]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[shur thing]
Thank youThanks[thanks]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[saw-ree 'bout that]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it go-ing]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[good. you?]
Do you speak English?Can you speak English?[can you speak ing-glish?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[can I see the men-yoo?]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[I'm a vege-tair-ee-an]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[can I get the chek?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Leave me alone![leave me a-lone!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doc-tor]
I'm lostI’m lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[I'm not feel-ing well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing, thanks[just brow-sing, thanks]
How much is it?What’s the price?[what’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[that's a bit pry-see]
Can you lower the price?Can you make it cheaper?[can you make it chee-per?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[what time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[it's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the ...?[where's the ...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[what’s the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out on the map?[can you point it out on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When does the next bus come?[when does the next bus come?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[a ticket to ...]

History of Izu

Volcanic formation and the Izu Peninsula Geopark

Izu is geologically unusual because the peninsula began as a group of volcanic islands that collided with the Japanese mainland before continuing to rise and deform. Volcanic cones, lava flows, uplifted seabed, sea cliffs and hot springs record this long process. The Izu Peninsula Geopark presents these features through sites including Mount Omuro, the Jogasaki Coast, the Amagi area and western coastal formations. Its geological story explains both the peninsula’s rugged scenery and the concentration of thermal waters that later supported the development of hot-spring settlements.

Ancient roads, shrines and temple settlements

Before modern roads, Izu’s mountains and narrow coastal corridors made travel difficult, while sea routes connected its ports with the wider Suruga and Sagami Bay regions. Religious institutions and pilgrimage routes helped establish enduring settlements, including Shuzenji around Shuzenji Temple. Buddhist traditions, mountain worship and local shrine networks remain visible in temple precincts, cedar-lined approaches and village festivals. The region’s topography also meant that communities developed in separate valleys and bays, contributing to the distinctive local identities found across the peninsula.

Izu as a medieval place of exile

The peninsula’s relative remoteness made it a significant place of political exile during Japan’s medieval period. The warrior Minamoto no Yoritomo was sent to Izu after the defeat of his family’s faction, and his later rise to power transformed Japanese history. Shuzenji is also associated with the final years of Minamoto no Yoriie, Yoritomo’s son and the second shogun of the Kamakura government. These episodes lend historical depth to temples, springs and old routes that otherwise appear primarily as scenic destinations.

Hot springs, timber and coastal trade

Izu’s hot springs supported the growth of bathing settlements long before modern tourism, with inns serving travellers, pilgrims and people seeking therapeutic stays. Mountain forests supplied timber and other resources, while coastal villages depended on fishing, salt, small-scale farming and maritime exchange. Improved roads and steamship connections in the nineteenth century strengthened links between the peninsula and larger ports. Traditional inns, bath culture, local seafood and mountain produce still reflect this combination of resource-based livelihoods and travel trade.

Shimoda and the opening of Japan, 1854–1858

Shimoda became internationally significant after the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, negotiated between the Tokugawa shogunate and the United States after Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival. The agreement opened Shimoda and Hakodate to American vessels and established a United States consulate at Shimoda, where Townsend Harris later served. The port therefore became an important setting in the gradual ending of Japan’s policy of restricted foreign relations. Historic streets, the Perry Road and Ryosenji Temple provide tangible links to this period, although the wider political transition unfolded across Japan.

Modern resort development and the railway age

From the late nineteenth century onwards, improved transport made Izu increasingly accessible to visitors from Tokyo and other parts of Japan. Atami and Ito expanded as hot-spring resorts, while railways and better roads gradually connected the eastern peninsula with inland and southern destinations. The opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen at nearby gateways further shortened access to eastern Izu, though many western and southern districts remained dependent on winding roads. Modern tourism developed around bathing, coastal scenery, gardens, golf, seafood and artistic retreats without erasing the peninsula’s older fishing and mountain communities.

Izu in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Izu, Japan

Discover Izu with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip with ease!

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Explore Izu like never before with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, Evendo has everything you need to make the most of your trip to Izu, Japan.

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Evendo is packed with features designed to enhance your visit. Learn about the history of Izu, access travel essentials, and benefit from tons of local advice to ensure you get the most out of your trip. Our easy navigation and 'Near Me' feature help you explore Izu effortlessly, while curated local tips let you experience the city like a local. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and start planning your unforgettable journey to Izu!

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