Best of Izu
At some point [people] start wondering if there’s something else, something a little quieter, a little less curated.
Izu Geology
Slow Travel on the Izu Peninsula
On the Izu Peninsula, slow travel works differently. Here, distance isn’t optional. It’s built into the land. And rather than being an inconvenience, that distance is what gives each place its character.
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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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Discover Izu: Japan’s Geologic Marvel
That’s some pretty wild stuff when you think about it. In fact, the Philippine Sea Plate continues to subduct under the Eurasian Plates at a rate of at least 4 centimeters per year! All that tectonic activity explains why two of the three highest volume of onsen (hot spring) sources are here in Izu – the cities of Atami and Ito.
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History of Ito Onsen
The history of Ito’s onsen dates back well over a thousand years. According to legend, the onsen were discovered during the Nara period…
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Japan’s Izu Peninsula – A Hidden Gem
If you’re looking to explore Japan and take a break from the crowds in Tokyo and Kyoto, Izu may be just the place you’re looking for. This peninsula located in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture and is packed with natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a great option for tourists seeking an off the beaten path destination.
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Visit a Japanese Village
Everything about Japanese culture can be traced back to its rural villages. Japanese language, behavior, rituals, and diet can be traced back to a small village tucked away in a remote mountain valley.
How can that be? Let’s look at one lesson from language.
One of the first words a foreigner learns when studying Japanese is “gaijin,” 外人 which means ‘outsider.’ The more polite and socially accepted version of this word is “gaikokujin,” 外国人 which means ‘person from a foreign country.’ The word “gaijin” is strongly connected to the important concepts of “uchi” 内 and “soto” 外 in Japanese.
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Asahi Falls – Izu City
Five tiered waterfalls with a famous shakuhachi history.
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Mount Ōmuro and the Story of the Izu Peninsula
For the people of Ito, Mount Omuro has long existed as much more than a tourist attraction. The mountain has deep connections to nearby Ike Village, local traditions, Japanese mythology, and the evolving history of the Izu Peninsula itself.
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Izu Peninsula Geology
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.
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