At the bottom of the west slope of Mt. Ōmuro is a large, open pit. On the edge of the pit is a cave that goes deep into the volcano, probably a collapsed lava tube. Legend has it that a daija (giant snake) lived in this cave and frequently terrorized the villagers.
The Giant Snake of Mt. Omuro Read More »
Gyokusenji was the first US consulate in Japan and was occupied by Townsend Harris, America’s first resident diplomat.
Gokusenji – First US Consulate in Japan Read More »
A well preserved section of the Higashiuraji (or Shimoda Kaido), an ancient road in eastern Izu, Japan
Higashiuraji – Old East Izu Road Read More »
Izu’s geology is perhaps its most unique feature. For example, this peninsula is the only land mass in Japan that sits on the Philippine Sea Plate.
Because of its violent geological past, Izu has steep mountains that rise up from the sea. It was easier to reach Izu by boat than by land for most of its history. So much of Izu’s culture is a result of its geology.
Izu Peninsula Geology Read More »
