Izu Japan: Top Highlights & Must-Visit Spots Across the Peninsula

Why Izu Belongs on Your Japan Itinerary

The Izu Peninsula juts into the Pacific south of Tokyo, packing volcanic mountains, onsen towns, sea caves, and waterfall trails into a compact coastal region. It is one of the most geographically varied areas within easy reach of the capital — under two hours by Shinkansen to the gateway stations, yet a world away from Tokyo's urban density.

What makes Izu stand out is the range. In a single trip, you can ride a chairlift over a volcanic crater rim with views of Mount Fuji, hike through a forest of seven waterfalls, cruise through sea caves lit by natural skylights, and soak in onsen towns with over a thousand years of history. Most attractions are free or under ¥2,000, and the peninsula rewards both day-trippers and multi-day explorers.

This guide covers the highlights by area — east coast, central highlands, and west coast — to help you decide which parts of Izu to prioritize. For the full geographic picture, see our full Izu Peninsula overview, or browse all Shizuoka destinations for the broader region.

East Izu Coast: Onsen Towns and Volcanic Views

Mount Omuro: Crater Rim Walk with Fuji Views

Mount Omuro (大室山) is a dormant volcano near Ito with a perfectly symmetrical shape that looks almost artificial. A chairlift takes you to the crater rim, where a 1-km loop path circles the top with 360-degree views — Mount Fuji to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Izu highlands rolling inland.

According to the official Mount Omuro site, the chairlift costs ¥1,200 (~$8) for adults and ¥600 (~$4) for children, round trip. Hours are 9:00 to 17:00, with seasonal variations. The chairlift closes for winter maintenance from late November through late March.

Every February, Mount Omuro hosts yamayaki (山焼き) — an annual mountain-burning festival where the entire hillside is set ablaze to regenerate the grasslands. The event draws large crowds and is worth timing a visit around if you're in the area.

Atami and Ito: Gateway Onsen Towns

Atami and Ito are the most accessible onsen towns on the east coast — both are reachable directly by train from Tokyo in under two hours. Atami functions as the peninsula's northern gateway, with hot springs, seaside views, and a compact downtown walkable from the station. Ito, slightly further south, has a more relaxed coastal character with seaside walking paths and smaller ryokan.

Both towns make good starting points for exploring the broader peninsula, but they are destinations in their own right. For deeper coverage, see our Atami resort guide and Ito's coastal charm guide.

Central Izu: Waterfalls, Wasabi, and Hot Spring Heritage

Kawazu Nanadaru: Seven Waterfalls Trail

The Kawazu Nanadaru (河津七滝) is a series of seven waterfalls connected by a forested trail in southern Izu. According to the Kawazu town website, the walking path runs approximately 4 km and takes about 2 hours to complete. The trail is free, open 24 hours (though there is no lighting for nighttime walking), and requires no reservation.

Each waterfall has its own character — from the wide curtain of Shokeidaru to the narrow chute of Kanidaru. The trail passes through dense forest and over bridges, making it one of Izu's most photogenic walks regardless of season.

Joren Falls and Wasabi Country

Joren Falls (浄蓮の滝) is a 25-meter cascade recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. According to the Izu City tourism office, the falls are free to visit and accessible 24 hours. The surrounding area is famous for wasabi cultivation — the mineral-rich spring water that feeds the falls also feeds the terraced wasabi fields nearby.

If you visit the wasabi farms, look for fresh-grated wasabi (生わさび) — it is milder and more nuanced than the processed version found outside Japan. Some farms sell wasabi ice cream and other wasabi products as well.

Shuzenji Onsen: Hot Spring Heritage Town

Shuzenji Onsen (修善寺温泉) is one of Izu's most atmospheric hot spring towns. According to the official Shuzenji site, the town's onsen history stretches back over 1,200 years, traditionally attributed to the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The town is small and walkable, centered on a narrow river valley with bamboo groves, old ryokan, and a main temple.

Shuzenji is reached from Mishima Station via the Izu Hakone Railway (about 35 minutes). It makes a natural stop on a central Izu itinerary combined with Joren Falls, which is about 30 minutes south by car.

West Izu Coast: Sea Caves and Sunset Coastline

Dogashima: Cave Boat Cruises

Dogashima (堂ヶ島) on the west coast is known for its dramatic sea caves carved into volcanic rock. The highlight is the Tensodo cave — a natural grotto where sunlight streams through a hole in the ceiling, illuminating the water below. Sightseeing boats cruise through the cave system in a roughly 25-minute loop.

According to the Dogashima cruise official site, boat tickets cost ¥1,600 (~$11) for adults and ¥800 (~$5.30) for children. Hours are 9:00 to 16:30, with the last boarding at 16:00. The cruises are closed on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (except national holidays).

The west coast is harder to reach by public transport than the east — driving or taking infrequent buses from Shimoda or Shuzenji are the main options. For those interested in Izu's offshore destinations, our Izu Islands adventure guide covers the volcanic island chain accessible by ferry from the peninsula.

Shimoda: Perry's Port and Southern Beaches

Shimoda sits at the southern tip of the east coast and holds a unique place in Japanese history — this is where Commodore Perry's Black Ships anchored in 1854, beginning the opening of Japan to international trade. The town's Perry Road is a canal-side walking street lined with Meiji-era buildings, and the Shimoda History Museum covers the diplomatic events that shaped modern Japan.

Beyond the history, Shimoda has some of Izu's best beaches and a laid-back surf town character. It is the terminus of the Izu Kyuko Line (伊豆急行線), making it the furthest point easily reachable by train. For the full story, see our Shimoda port town guide.

Seasonal Highlights: When to Visit for What

Season	Highlights
February	Kawazu cherry blossoms (河津桜) — Japan's earliest blooming cherry trees; Mt. Omuro yamayaki fire festival
March–April	Standard cherry blossoms, mild coastal weather
May–June	Green season, waterfalls at peak flow, comfortable hiking
July–August	Beach season at Shimoda, summer festivals
September–October	Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds
November	Autumn foliage, especially at Shuzenji Onsen and inland valleys
December–January	Quiet season; some facilities closed (Mt. Omuro chairlift closes late Nov)

Kawazu's early-blooming cherry trees typically flower in February, a full month before the standard sakura season. For the full festival experience, see our Kawazu cherry blossom town guide.

Getting to Izu from Tokyo

The main gateway is Mishima Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen — approximately 45 minutes from Tokyo Station. From Mishima, the Izu Hakone Railway connects to Shuzenji (central Izu), and the Izu Kyuko Line (via Atami transfer) runs down the east coast to Shimoda.

Route	Transport	Time	Approximate Cost
Tokyo → Mishima	Tokaido Shinkansen	~45 min	~¥4,500 (~$30)
Tokyo → Atami	Tokaido Shinkansen or JR Tokaido Line	~45 min (Shinkansen) / ~1.5 hr (local)	~¥4,000 / ~¥1,990
Mishima → Shuzenji	Izu Hakone Railway	~35 min	~¥520 (~$3.50)
Atami → Shimoda	Izu Kyuko Line	~1.5 hr	~¥1,650 (~$11)

Renting a car at Mishima or Atami gives significantly more flexibility, especially for the west coast and waterfall areas where bus service is infrequent. Carry cash — rural buses and some small onsen facilities do not accept IC cards. For more on using Mishima as an Izu gateway, see our dedicated guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Izu as a day trip from Tokyo?

A day trip works for Atami or Ito — both are under two hours from Tokyo by train. However, seeing Mount Omuro, the west coast, or Shimoda requires at least an overnight stay. Two days with a car covers the main highlights comfortably; three days allows for a more relaxed pace including the west coast.

What is the best way to get around Izu without a car?

The Izu Kyuko Line (伊豆急行線) covers the east coast from Atami to Shimoda. The Izu Hakone Railway reaches Shuzenji in central Izu. West coast attractions like Dogashima require buses, which run infrequently — check schedules in advance. An Izu Free Pass combines train and bus rides for better value.

Which areas should I prioritize with only 2 days?

Day 1: Mount Omuro chairlift and the Ito area along the east coast. Day 2: Shuzenji Onsen and Joren Falls in central Izu, or head south to Shimoda and the Kawazu Nanadaru waterfalls. With a car, you can add Dogashima on the west coast to either day.

How much does it cost to visit Izu's main attractions?

Most attractions are free or inexpensive. The Mount Omuro chairlift costs ¥1,200 (~$8) round trip, the Dogashima cave boat is ¥1,600 (~$11), and the waterfalls (Joren Falls, Kawazu Nanadaru) are free. The main costs are transport — Shinkansen from Tokyo to Mishima runs about ¥4,500 (~$30) — and ryokan accommodation if you stay overnight.