infomapJAPAN Izu Onsen(Hot Springs), Atami, Ito, Higashi Izu, Nishi Izu, Naka Izu, Minami Izu, Access, Yasunari Kawabata, Special Feature 200612

Close to Tokyo, Japan's largest 'onsen' (Hot Springs) spa resort area attracts over 40 million visitors annually.

Accessible in less than an hour from Tokyo by 'Shinkansen' (Bullet Train), Izu Peninsula is a popular resort area featuring a mild climate and an abundance of nature�fs splendor on display. There are over 60 popular, small and large 'onsen' sites for visitors to enjoy leisure time along with a variety of activities in Japan's largest hot-spring resort area.

'Onsen' in Izu

The over 60 'onsen' sites in Izu Peninsula are divided into six areas: 'Atami', 'Ito', 'East Izu', 'Southern Izu', 'West Izu' and 'Central Izu'. Hot spring quality and health benefits differ from each other; hence visiting more than one 'onsen' site is one sure way to enjoy a different environment and enhance your pleasure during your stay.

Access To Izu

Convenient Access

Access to Izu from Osaka, Tokyo and Nagoya	Atami, the main entry to Izu Peninsula, is reached in less than an hour via a 'Shinkansen' ride from Tokyo. Conveniently located between Tokyo and Kyoto, visitors can stop over for a side trip to enjoy Izu's many attractions. Please see more detail at http://www.shizuoka-guide.com/



East Coast Journey on a train Undoubtedly one of the most popular train rides in Japan, the 62 kilometers between Atami and Izukyu-shimoda station provides splendid vistas of the blue Pacific Ocean along never ending eyepleasing seashore scenery. Special trains as the 'Superview Odoriko' featuring observation cars and the 'Izukyu Resort 21' guarantees a memorable journey.

Warm Climate / Beautiful Nature

Situated in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, Izu Peninsula boasts of the mildest climate in mainland Japan. Average winter temperatures hover above 10°C with a variety of flowers such as plum blossom, daffodil and camellia seen year-round. Numerous hiking trails provide a variety of superb vistas such as the stunning east coastline or the bucolic 'Amagi' cordillera, and the west shoreline with Mt.Fuji, Japan's symbol in full view.

Amusement / Activity

Izu is Japan's largest 'onsen' spa resort; to accommodate millions of visitors annually it offers wide-ranging accommodations and amusement facilities to fit all budgets and life-styles. Over 6,000 'ryokans' (Japanese style inn), modern hotels and other styles of lodgings are found in Izu. Visitors can spend leisure time in a numerous ways, including water sports, hiking, museums and historic sites.

Ito Marine

MOA Museum of Art
A collection featuring a variety of Japanese Art such as the golden tea room of the lord "Toyotomi Hideyoshi".

Yasunari Kawabata and Izu

One of Japan's most beloved writers, 'Yasunari Kawabata' particularly loved the Amagi area. In 1968, in recognition for one of his masterpieces 'Izu no Odoriko' he was awarded the first Nobel prize ever for a Japanese. The story depicting the passionate love of a young man for a lovely dancer is thought to mirror his own experience.
A room in the 'ryokan' where Yasunari stayed is preserved in its original state.

Izu - A wealth of Gourmet food

Surrounded by the sea, visitors to Izu can relish a variety of fresh seafood cuisine prepared as 'Sashimi', 'Sushi' or 'Tempura'. Fresh mushrooms are locally grown and wild boar meat is famous as a regional winter dish. Nearly a quarter (22%) of Japan's total production of 'Wasabi'(green horseradish) is grown in Izu Peninsula.

The Okami

Due to lack of information and poor services for non-Japanese speaking travelers, it's often difficult for foreigners to visit regional cities with the exception of Kyoto and Tokyo. In response, 'The Okami' group was formed by 'okami's (a hotel's 'hostess') from 'ryokans' and hotels in 'onsen' areas to attract more foreigners to Izu Peninsula. 'The Okami' actively work together as kindly 'mothers' to provide excellent service to foreign tourists.

OKAMI HP : www.the-okami.jp/top.html

Izu Onsen Map

Click available city or spot name.
Izu Onsen Map

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Nishi Izu(Western Izu)

Secluded hot springs, beautiful seascapes, a splendid view of Mt.Fuji. Although somewhat more remote and a touch less easily accessible, the western part of Izu offers many attractive spas amid a bucolic country atmosphere. Suruga Bay provides a wonderful view of the deep blue ocean and the distinctively splendid Mt. Fuji can be viewed on sunny days accompanied by glorious sunsets.



Matsuzaki Spa
Built in 1880, 'Iwashina School' a two-story building in temple style displays a unique architecture. Private houses with artistically designed plaster walls are common in the city. Plaster arts are displayed at 'Chohachi' art museum commemorating 'Izu-no-Chohachi, a locally famed plaster master. (Hot spring quality: colorless, sulphuric acid and smooth sensation.)
View of Mt.Fuji from Kumomi/Matsuzaki Area	Iwashina School



Toi Spa
'Toi', once a famed gold mine operating from the 17th-18th century is presently open to the public as a museum. Viewed from the shores of Suruga Bay, a visitor might occasionally admire Mt. Fuji appearing as a floating island in the sky. (Spring quality: sodium, calcium, sulphuric acid)
Toi Gold Mine Discovered in 1577, Toi gold deposit was mined by Shogun Tokugawa's administration. The world's largest gold ingot recorded in the Guiness Book of Records is on display.

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Naka Izu(Central Izu)

*The oldest 'onsen'* sites in Izu and Central Izu are known for the Nobel Literature prize awarded for the novel 'Izu-no Odoriko' (Dancer from Izu)** Easily traveled, Amagi's scenic road winds through deep, emerald-green forests. Central Izu features historical sites such as 1,200 year-old 'Syuzen-ji' Temple and 'Nagaoka Onsen'. Nobel Prize winning author, 'Yasunari Kawabata' and many other literary figures enjoyed the local spas and remained to work on their novels.


Shuzenji Spa
'Onsen' in this area boast a 1,200 year history. Many historic 'ryokan' such as 'Arai Ryokan' are registered as National Cultural Assets; 'Asaba' offers, live on stage, a Japanese traditional performance of 'Noh' (Traditional masked dancedrama). (Spring quality: colorless, alkaline simple spring)
Old Amagi Tunnel Located at the Amagi Pass, this tunnel made famous by the Nobel laureate 'Yasunari Kawabata's novel, 'Izuno- Odoriko', is also part of the hiking trail leading to Joren Falls and Kawazu-Nanadaru.



Amagi Yugashima Spa
A lovely spa village located in a mountainous area amidst the relaxing murmurs of the gently running 'Kano-gawa' River. 'Yumotokan Ryokan' is a favorite of Yasunari Kawabata, a famous novelist. 'Joren-no-taki' Falls, where visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of massive volumes of water cascading from 25 m is the best known waterfall in Izu. 'Wasabi' (green horseradish) fields are also in this neighborhood. (Spring quality: sodium, calcium, sulphuric acid spring)
Joren-no-taki Falls	Deai-Bashi Two bridges: 'Otokobashi' and 'Onna-bashi' span the Hontani River and Nekko River where they meet. An old tale claims the first person encountered there will become the man of destiny.



Izu-Nagaoka Spa
'Nagaoka Onsen' is easily accessible in 20 minutes travel by local train from Mishima Shinkansen station. Modern style hotels are set along the 'Kano-gawa' River. Historical locations such as a blast furnace and other artifacts speak of an industrial past. Strawberry picking which is a specialty in this area is also enjoyed from winter to spring. (Spring quality: colorless, alkaline simple spring, smooth water)
Mt. Katsuragi Panorama Park It takes 7 mins aerial cableway to the peak (altitude 452m) where you can see a splendid panoramic view of Suruga Bay, Mt. Fuji and the Amagi Mountains.



Kawazu-Nanadaru Spa
Called 'Kawazu-nanadaru', seven waterfalls are scattered in the Kawazu River valley flowing through this mountainous area. 'Nanadaru Onsen' scattered along these falls are said to be secret 'onsen' in Izu. Open-air bathing, admiring the falls, rock baths and hot spring gush forth from a mountain stream making these attractive spas a truly relaxing experience. (Spring quality: simple spring)
Shogedaru

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Atami Spa

*Close to all transportations it's one of Japan's best and largest 'onsen'* areas onsen** Greeting three million guests annually, it is one of the largest spa areas of Japan and the biggest in Izu Peninsula. It is also one of the easiest spa areas for foreign visitors to access in Japan. The hot springs were thought to have been discovered during the 8th century and finally developed as a hot spring resort towards the end of the 19th century. About 400 modern and traditional hotels, numerous souvenir shops dot the city from shoreline to mountain side. (Spring quality: colorless, salt spring, acidic spring etc.)



Atami Geigi Kenban Once each day, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m., attractive 'Geisha' perform an elegant dance at the 'Geigi Kenban'. The unique building style that holds the stage and audience seats is a local source of pride.	Kiun-kaku An elegant mansion house, it belonged to a businessman who contributed to establish modern Japan. A hotel in the past, it's now rated a historical and cultural asset.



Izusan Shrine	Fireworks Festival

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Ito Spa

*One of the most famous 'onsen'* sites in Japan along with Atami** Ito is the second largest spa city in Izu, after Atami. Facing the Pacific Ocean, 61 Japanese and Western style hotels are located from beach to the mountains. Visitors can enjoy a splendid view of the Pacific Ocean from the vantage of a seafront spa. Traditional spas along the Matsu River create a fine, steamy hot spring town ambiance. Many small hotels and a variety of art museums such as Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art and others can be enjoyed in the Izu highlands. (Spring quality: weak sodium spring, simple spring)
Jogasaki Beach	Komuroyama Park	Tokaikan Formally much in evidence, 'Tokaikan' maintains the traditional architectural style of a three-story wooden house in Ito. This reminder of the past is presently a museum depicting the history of 'Ito Onsen' spas and public baths.

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Higashi Izu(East Izu)

A splendid view of the Pacific Ocean seen from an open air bath and spa towns that are evocative of old Japan ambiance.

Located on the coastline, east of 'Izu Onsen' the village has several spas each with its own character. 'Hokkawa Onsen' is reputed for its open-air bath on the seaside. In 'Atagawa Onsen', the steam rising from the 13 springs in town and Tropical & Alligator Garden that uses abundant heat from hot springs make this spa town attractive. Also, comfortable luxury hotels line the streets of 'Inatori Onsen'

Tropical & Alligator Garden
Atagawa With a menagerie of 200 alligators and crocodiles, this zoo collects the most kinds of alligators (24 species) in the world. A luxuriant tropical botanical garden and a fruit orchard is maintained using abundant heat provided by hot springs.

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Minami Izu(South Izu)

A warm climate through the year and Shimoda, historic site of U.S.N. Commodore Perry's arrival The southern part of Izu offers three routes appropriately named 'Misaki Kaido'(Cape road), 'Flower Kaido'(Flower Road) and 'Tou Kaido'(Pottery Road) for tourists to enjoy the themed sites they prefer. Shimoda is notable as the site for U.S.N.Commodore Perry's arrival in 1853.



Shimokamo Spa
Enjoying a semi-tropical climate, 'Shimokamo Onsen' village is located at the southern most tip of Izu Peninsula. This area is blessed with an abundance of seafood and mountain fare. The mild climate attracts visitors to enjoy various outdoor activities throughout the year. (Spring quality: sodium spring)
Cape Irozaki Located at the southern tip of Izu Peninsula, Cape Irozaki is a precipitous cliff braving the waves of Pacifc Ocean for; a lighthouse stands guard at the south end. A splendid scenic seascapes is there for all to admire.	Minokake Iwa



Shimoda Spa
Located on the southeastern tip of Izu Peninsula, Shimoda is a port town with a rich history. It's known as the site where U.S.N. Commodore Perry landed during the Edo period, precipitating the end of Japan's 260 years period of national isolation. Hot springs, unique 'Namako-kabe' wall houses on the street and white sandy beaches are very popular with summer sightseers. (Spring quality: simple spring)
U.S.N. Commodore Perry The Monument for the Arrival of U.S.N. Commodore Perry's Squardon

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Onsen Guide and Map of Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka