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.
Japanese Culture
A Short History of Japan’s Lodging System
When people think of accommodations in Japan today, words like ryokan, minshuku, and even Airbnb come to mind. Many of these lodging traditions trace their roots back hundreds of years to the Edo period, when the Tokugawa shogunate codified a nationwide accommodation system.
Shizuoka Tea
But there’s another side to Japanese tea—one focused on taste, health, and pure drinking pleasure—thriving in places like Shizuoka Prefecture
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
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.
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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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.
Hiring a guide transforms your travel experience
A local guide can add profound value to your trip, especially if it’s your first time in a complicated country like Japan.
Hiring a guide transforms your travel experience Read More »
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.
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…