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.
Japanese Culture
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.
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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.
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…
Traditional Crafts in Izu
I’ve often lamented that many of the old ways are nowhere to be found in Izu, but I understand why. People have no practical reasons to preserve the past, and few young people have the interest nor the time. That’s why Shuzenji Gami is such a rare and important discovery.
Off The Beaten Path Japan
Of course we want to visit the most famous places, and we should. There are also many amazing places that people miss and go home without experiencing the numerous benefits to traveling off the beaten path. Why not do both?
Hanami Season in Japan: Easier Than You Think
Here in Izu, we have some of the earliest blooming varieties of sakura (cherry trees). The most famous is the Kawazuzakura, which begins to bloom in the beginning of February and peaks around the second to third week of the month. This early variety was developed in the city of Kawazu, where a popular festival runs from the beginning till the end of February.
Mt. Omuro’s Sengen Shrine
The Izu Peninsula’s Mt. Omuro is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.