静岡Shizuoka
伊豆Izu
A peninsula of sea cliffs, onsen towns and early cherry blossom. Three days lets you drive the whole coast at your own pace.
- From Tokyo
- About 2 h 30 by car
- Give it
- 3 days
- Best in
- Winter to summer
Izu hangs south into the Pacific from the foot of Fuji, and it is best seen by car. The east coast runs through the onsen towns of Atami and Ito to the lava cliffs at Jogasaki; the west coast is quieter, with coves and views of Fuji across Suruga Bay.
The Izu Skyline runs along the ridge of northern Izu, above the sea on both sides. At the southern tip, Shimoda has white beaches and a harbour that was one of the first Japan opened to the West.
Most visitors see one corner of Izu. With three days you can go down one side and back up the other, and stay a night in a hot-spring inn on the way.
The first hours out of Tokyo are on the expressway. After that the coast roads are slow and winding, so allow time for the stops.
季節Seasons
Izu through the year
- Spring 春Best
Kawazu's early cherry blossom runs from February into March, weeks ahead of Tokyo.
- Summer 夏Best
Beach season at Shimoda and the southern coves.
- Autumn 秋Now
Warm, quiet weeks after the summer crowds.
- Winter 冬Best
Mild by the sea, with clear views of Fuji from the west coast.
Know when Izu is at its best
A short note from our family before the best weeks in Izu and the rest of the Drives near Tokyo, with any offers. A few times a year, by email.
祭り・行事Festivals
Festivals and events in Izu
Dates come from each organiser’s own site and are added as they are announced. Big events bring crowds and road closures, so plan your Drive around them.
Atami sea fireworks
Atami Bay · 熱海海上花火大会
Twenty minutes of fireworks over Atami Bay from about 20:20, held rain or shine.
Central car parks fill on show nights and are slow to leave afterwards; the organisers recommend the train.
Official siteAtami Baien Plum Festival
Atami Baien garden · 熱海梅園梅まつり
Some of Japan’s earliest plum blossom: 469 trees of 60 varieties in a garden opened in 1886, with performances at weekends.
The garden car park has about 100 spaces, and nearby roads are busy every day of the festival.
Official siteEarly February to early March · Date not announced yet
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Along the Kawazu River · 河津桜まつり
About 850 early-flowering cherry trees line the river, with stalls along the bank. Around a million people come each season.
Traffic in and around Kawazu is heavy at peak bloom, weekdays included. Parking at Izu-Kogen Station and taking the train is often quicker.
Official siteShimoda Black Ship Festival
Shimoda · 黒船祭
Marks Commodore Perry’s arrival in 1854 with parades, ceremonies and fireworks over Shimoda Bay.
Official siteIto Anjin Festival fireworks
Ito · 按針祭 海の花火大会
Izu’s largest fireworks, along the Ito coast from 20:00, closing a festival for William Adams, who built Japan’s first Western-style sailing ship here.
The Route 135 bypass closes in the evening and there is no parking near the beach; temporary car parks open on the day.
Official site
旅の相談Plan this Drive
Drive to Izu
Tell us your dates and who is coming.
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