Izu Katsuobushi
Watching smoke rise from the tebiyama furnace, seeing blocks of fish slowly transformed by fire and time, you gain a rare insight into the foundation of Japanese cooking.
Izu Culture
Izu’s Oldest Shrine: Shirahama Jinja
Not far from the laid back cafes of Shimoda’s popular Shirahama Beach lies a hidden gem that whispers of Japan’s ancient legends. Shirahama Shrine isn’t your typical tourist stop — it’s a living connection to the Izu Peninsula’s deep cultural roots, where nature, mythology, and life in a small community seamlessly merge. A Shrine Steeped
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Izu: Cherry Blossom Paradise
The Izu Peninsula offers a truly unique experience with a sakura season that spans several months—from October to April.
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Izu: From Exile to Empire
The Izu Peninsula . . . onsen (hot springs) resorts and amazing natural scenery. However, few people think of Izu as a place that shaped Japanese history.
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Discovering Izu: Nishi Izu
But to find these smaller treasures in unexpected places way off the beaten path adds a great measure of wonder and awe.
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Matsuzaki: One of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Villages
The quaint little village of Matsuzaki, on Izu’s west coast, is a dream destination for folks seeking the charm of old Japan.
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Shogun: A Back Story
People born after 1980 may not realize the impact that the book and the original TV drama had on the Western image of Japan. I can confidently say that only World War II had a bigger impact — at least on the American psyche.
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Izu’s Long Cherry Blossom Season
For a few fleeting moments in spring, cherry trees bloom in ephemeral splendor and people turn out in droves before the blossoms disappear. At least that’s what people believe.
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Izu’s Top Three Strange Festivals
The Izu Peninsula has many festivals, and many take place in the summer and fall. Three festivals are among the most unusual in all of Japan.
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Anjinsai – A Local Izu Festival
The Anjinsai Festival in Ito, Shizuoka, is a captivating local festival on the Izu peninsula that draws locals and tourists alike to experience a fusion of traditional customs and exhilarating festivities. Known for its breathtaking fireworks display, energetic yosakoi dances, thrilling taiko competition, and lively outdoor Wakuwaku-ichi market and beer garden at Fuji no Hiroba, the Anjinsai Festival is a true celebration of the rich cultural heritage and lively spirit of Ito.
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