Izu: Nature, Coast and Geopark History

The Izu Peninsula extends 60 kilometers south from the eastern side of Shizuoka Prefecture. It is about 40 kilometers wide from east to west, and its coastline measures 318 kilometers. Apart from the Tagata Plain, mountainous terrain covers most of the peninsula. Its highest peak is the 1,405-meter Banzaburō in the Amagi Mountains.

Mountain Forests and Coastal Landscapes

Extensive beech forests and natural forests of Japanese stewartia and maple grow in the Amagi Mountains. The ridge area has viewpoints overlooking Mount Fuji, beech forests and Lake Hachō. Roads such as the Izu Skyline and the Amagi Ridge Road provide access to this area. The part of the peninsula within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park includes the Amagi Mountains ridge and a strip along the coast.

Cape Irozaki lies at the southern tip of the peninsula. The coast there is marked by deeply indented sea cliffs; geologically, the cape is also one of the outstanding formations in southern Izu. In the northwest, the Ōsezaki juniper grove is designated a National Natural Monument of Japan. The coastal waters are home to distinctive fish species that are rarely found outside the region.

On Foot and on the Water

Along the Odoriko Trail Road, suspension bridges and wooden walkways lead to seven waterfalls known as Kawazu Nanadaru. Visitors can experience the gorge on foot; its beauty changes with the seasons. The route combines a walk with views of the waterfalls and the changing gorge scenery.

The coast also offers a range of ways to experience nature and is particularly well suited to exploring by sea kayak. Ōsezaki is considered one of the best diving spots on the Izu Peninsula. Hiking, sea kayaking and diving offer different ways to experience Izu.

Geopark and History

The Izu Peninsula Geopark has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2018. More than 100 certified geopark guides offer tours that introduce visitors to the Geopark and let them experience it firsthand. Geopark tours are available in all five areas of the peninsula and can be tailored to visitors’ interests.

The cultural heritage sites also reveal different sides of Izu: Iro Shrine is built into the rock at Cape Irozaki. Ōse Shrine is a sacred site for the fishermen of Suruga Bay. Since ancient times, hand-carved boat models and votive drawings have been dedicated there; they are among the 100 best examples of the historical and cultural heritage of Japanese fishing villages. The Toi Gold Mine is preserved as a historic site.

Shimoda is a historic port town at the southern tip of the peninsula. The Black Ships led by Commodore Matthew Perry landed there, initiating trade with the United States after Japan’s long period of isolation. Shimoda’s port history adds another historical dimension to the Geopark and shrine traditions.

Wasabi from the Amagi Mountains

Around Mount Amagi in the central part of the peninsula, wasabi is grown to particularly high standards, across a large area and in large quantities. Wasabi cultivation in Amagi uses the Tatamiishi method, developed by Hirai Kumatarō in 1892. It requires abundant water and produces high-quality wasabi.

Choose Izu as Your Destination

When planning your hotel stay, you can start by considering which themes matter to your trip: the forests and hikes in the Amagi Mountains, coastal landscapes and water activities, or the Geopark, history and wasabi.

Discover more destinations: Izu, Sunto District.

Return to the main travel overview: Shizuoka Prefecture.