01 Izu's Instagram-worthy spots where you want to go to take pictures

When you think, "I want to go see a breathtaking view in Izu!", here are some spots that will come in handy, mainly focused on Nishi-Izu, and even ranging from Mishima to Minami-Izu. We will introduce you to major spots that you absolutely can't miss, as well as hidden gems that only those in the know are aware of.

Mihama Beach and Torii of Moroguchi Shrine

Next to the vermilion-painted Torii gate is a beautiful blue sea, and the distant view of Mt. Fuji is unbelievably magnificent. It's truly a breathtaking sight!

You can get the best shot of the Torii Gate and Mount Fuji from the pier, or enjoy the picturesque view of the sea through the Torii Gate.

Koganezaki

The peculiar rock formation that looks like a horse, "Horse Rock," is located at "Koganezaki," which offers this spectacular view. The rock face of the horse's neck glows golden in the sunset. On a clear day, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance.

Godzilla Rock in Tago

The strangely shaped rock on Otago coast, called "Meganeccho", the Izu monster "Izulla" or sometimes "Godzilla Rock" is a popular photo spot during sunset. This is because if you take a picture with the sunset inside the mouth of "Izulla," it looks like the monster is breathing fire.

Tombolo in Dogashima

A "tombolo" is a sandbar that connects the mainland and an island. The view of the sandbar at low tide is well known here on Sanshiro Island in Izu-Dogashima, along with Angel Road in Kagawa Prefecture. It's possible to walk across it at low tide during spring tide.

Norihama Beach

"Norihama Beach" is a beautiful coastline surrounded by small islands with white striped cliffs.

In fact, there is a little-known photo spot on this beach. If you walk northeast along the coast toward just below Route 136, you can take pictures of the sea from inside a cave at low tide.

Sawada Park Open-Air Bath

When it comes to spectacular open-air hot springs in Nishi-Izu, the "Sawada Park Open-Air Bath" is a must-visit. Once you climb up the stairs, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea.

* This photo was taken in the men's bath for purpose of interview.

It's truly healing to be able to soak in a hot spring while admiring this beautiful sea view.

Namako wall street

In Matsuzaki town, there are nearly 200 buildings with namako walls," a Meiji era construction style that still retains its original appearance. The romantic townscape has a slightly Western atmosphere and makes you want to take a slow stroll with your camera in hand".

Next to the Tourist Association is the birthplace of pharmaceutical researcher Heizaburo Kondo, known as the Kondo Residence. Walking along the street next to it, you will see the vermilion-painted gate of Josenji Temple right in front of you! The contrast of white and red is striking.

Scenery of flowers in Matsuzaki town

In Matsuzaki Town in spring, in addition to 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the Naka River, cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers bloom everywhere. There are also fields of nemophila and poppies, which are grown in the rice fields during the off-season.

There is a scenic spot called Senganmon in Matsuzaki town, so please enjoy it along with the flowers."

Kumomi Beach

Kumomi Beach, also known as a diving spot, is a location where the high transparency of the sea and the view of Mount Fuji can be seen. The impressive triangular-shaped rocks facing each other are called "Ushitsuki Rock," also known as the "Couple Rocks".

There's also a free coastal footbath called "Nagisa no Ashiyu," so it's nice to warm your feet while admiring Fuji.

Cape Aiai, Meeting Bell

Near the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula is the Okuirou Coast "Cape Aiai". In Kanji, it is written as "愛逢岬" (愛 means love, and 逢 means to meet). What a wonderful name for meeting love.

If you walk about 10 minutes in the direction of Yusuge Park from "Cape Aiai", there is a monument called the "Meeting Bell". There is also a smartphone stand, so be sure to take a photo."

Furthermore, from Yusuge Park, you can also overlook the popular Hirizo Beach, known for its emerald green transparent sea that can only be reached by boat.

Scenery of hot spring water in Shimogamo Onsen

Izu Peninsula has many hot springs, but if you want to see a truly classic hot spring scene with steam rising up, be sure to visit "Shimokamo Onsen".

They also grow melons in greenhouses, taking advantage of the high-temperature hot springs.

Minami no Sakura to Nanohana Festival

The "Minami no Sakura to Nanohana Festival" held annually from February 1st to early March in Minami-Izu Town features a collaboration of Kawazu cherry blossoms and nanohana flowers. The vivid and blooming landscape heralds the arrival of spring in Minami-Izu.

During the festival, there is also a night illumination, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.

Healthy farmer's nanohana field

During the "Minami no Sakura to Nanohana Festival" period, the "Healthy Farmers' Nanohana Field," where numerous nanohana flowers bloom across the fallow fields along the Aono River, is also at its best. Please enjoy it together with the festival.

Shirohama Shrine

Lastly, we introduce Shirahama Shrine in Shimoda City. Its formal name is "Ikonahime-no-Mikoto Shrine," and it is known as the oldest shrine in Izu.

The torii gate of this shrine stands on a rock that juts out into the sea, known as the "Daimyojin Iwa no Akatorii" (the red torii gate of the great deity rock). This place is also a must-visit power spot in Minami-Izu.

Genbei-River

The "Genbei River" in Mishima is a refreshing spot by the water. Although it is not a natural river but rather a waterway developed for agricultural purposes, you can enjoy the transparent water from the springs of Mt. Fuji and the pleasant sound of the babbling stream. Please take a walk along the stepping stones.

Mishima Skywalk

The "Mishima Skywalk" is a 400-meter pedestrian-only suspension bridge, the longest of its kind in Japan. On a clear day, you can see Japan's highest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and Japan's deepest bay, Suruga Bay, from the bridge. Feeling the wind blowing from below is also an exciting experience.

This facility closes at 5:00 p.m., but sunsets can be seen at certain times of the year.

Compared to Higashii-Izu, Nishi-Izu to Minami-Izu have many hidden gems. If you're curious about any particular spots, please consider visiting them.

Writer

Yoshika IZUMI

Hot spring sommelier master, hot spring tourism practitioner

We will introduce recommended spots from a girls' perspective, centering on hot springs. The range of defense is from beautiful hot springs to historic hot spring towns and maniac secret hot springs. I want to connect the hot springs that I want various people to come to and the travelers who are wondering where to go next vacation. May you be the catalyst for your trip.

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