Izu Peninsula
Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark; Parts Within Fuji Hakone Izu National Park · Ito, Shizuoka
A mountainous volcanic peninsula reaching south into the Pacific south-west of Tokyo, ringed by hot-spring towns, rocky coast and small beaches, and a classic weekend escape from the capital. The east coast runs from Atami, reached by shinkansen, through Ito and the Izu Kogen highlands to Shimoda near the southern tip. Along the way are the Jogasaki coast, black lava cliffs crossed by a suspension bridge above the sea, the green cone of Mount Omuro, and Kawazu, where early cherry trees bloom pink in February. Shimoda is where Commodore Perry's Black Ships anchored in 1854 and where the first American consulate in Japan was opened. The quieter west coast has the sea caves of Dogashima and views across Suruga Bay to Mount Fuji, and inland are the Amagi mountains, the Kawazu Seven Falls and the old temple spa of Shuzenji. The whole peninsula is a UNESCO Global Geopark, and much of it is best explored by car, with the Izu Kyuko railway covering the east coast.
Jogasaki Coast, Futo, Ito, Shizuoka, 413-0231, Japan
NO OPENING TIME HERE WAS CHECKED. The typical pattern: roads and coastal paths are open at all times, though mountain roads and toll ridge roads may close in fog, storms or typhoons. The Mount Omuro chairlift and the Dogashima cave boats run in daytime only, roughly 9 am to 4 or 5 pm, with last rides before closing, and stop in wind or swell. Museums and temples close by late afternoon, and trains down the east coast thin out in the evening. Confirm current times, road closures and boat schedules before relying on them.