Discovering the Izu Peninsula | 2-Day Trip from Tokyo | japan-guide.com

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○ Izu Peninsula Travel Guide: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6310.html

In this video, we are heading for a 2-day getaway trip to the Izu Peninsula, a popular and convenient destinations known for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, charming port towns, and hot spring resorts. On day one, will be cycling to some scenic waterfalls, enjoy a lunch made with a locally grown ingredient, then head to the town of Shimoda to check out some its historical sightseeing spots before reaching our accommodation for the night.
On day two, we will be going on a hike along the Jogasaki Coast and end our trip in Atami, where we will visit a traditional inn and shop for some souvenirs.

This video was filmed in January 2024.

– Chapters –
00:00 Intro
02:00 Heading to Izu
03:07 Kawazu
03:20 Seven Waterfalls
04:34 Wasabi Lunch
05:28 Shimoda
06:24 Hotel Izukyu
07:38 Jogasaki Coast
08:36 Kiunkaku
09:41 Souvenir Shopping
10:46 Outro

– Video Credits –
Host & Narrator: Matt Evans
Videographer: Charles Sabas
Producers: Stefan Schauwecker & Export Japan

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Breathtaking coastal landscapes, hot  spring resorts, charming port towns,   and scenic natural landscapes, these  are the things that come to mind when   thinking about the Izu peninsula. Just  two hours away by train from Tokyo,   the peninsula makes for the perfect  getaway from the bustling city.

In this video, we’ll introduce an easy  overnight itinerary using only public   transport – perfect for families, or anyone  looking for a quick break from the big city. For transportation, we’ll be using the JR Tokyo  Wide Pass – offering three days of free travel on  

Designated trains and shinkansen in the Greater  Tokyo area and its surroundings, from central   Tokyo to Yokohama, Karuizawa, Nasushiobara  and even the Mt Fuji area – for 15,000 yen. After picking up our JR Tokyo Wide Pass at Tokyo  Station, our trip begins with a scenic two and a  

Half hour ride on the Odoriko limited express, all  the way down to the coastal town of Kawazu. Here,   we’ll set off on rented e-bikes to  the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, before   enjoying a nice lunch made with locally grown  wasabi. Making our way back to Kawazu Station,  

We’ll take a train down to the port  city of Shimoda for a scenic stroll,   before boarding a shuttle bus to  our accommodation for the night. We’ll start day 2 by taking a bus and train for a  morning walk along the picturesque Jogasaki Coast,  

Before taking another train up  north to the resort town of Atami,   where we will visit Kiunkaku, a beautifully  preserved Japanese style inn. Finally,   we will end our trip with some souvenir hunting in  the nostalgic shopping arcades around the station.

My name is Matt Evans, join me on a perfect  two-day getaway to the Izu Peninsula. DAY 1 Arriving at Tokyo Station, we start by making our  way over to the JR EAST Travel Service Center,   where we’ll pick up our JR Tokyo Wide  Pass. Travelers have the choice of buying  

The pass over the counter at a ticket office,  buying it at a reserved seat ticket machine,   or making an advance reservation online  and then completing the transaction at   a reserved ticket machine. Whichever method  you decide to use, just remember that you’ll  

Need to show your passport in order to prove  your eligibility and complete the purchase. Armed with our JR Tokyo Wide  Pass, it’s time to head up to   the platform and board the Limited  Express Odoriko for a relaxing and   scenic journey along the coast to the Izu  Peninsula, and the small town of Kawazu.

A short walk away from Kawazu Station is the  Kawazu Sightseeing Information Center, where we   rent our e-bikes for the morning before cycling  all the way to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. A pleasant wooded path along the river  allows visitors to enjoy various views of  

The seven waterfalls which range  from 2 to 30 meters in height. It is said your wish will be granted  if you manage to throw one of these   rocks inside the circle made of straw,  but I guess today isn’t my lucky day!

Probably the most famous spot along the  walk is right here at the Shokeidaru   Falls – the two statues to my left  are from the 1926 Kawabata Yasunari   short story “the Izu Dancer”, set  in this part of the peninsula. As well as the waterfalls themselves, the  river is known for its many interesting  

Rock formations resembling the scales of a snake,   formed – like the river itself – by flowing  volcanic lava many thousands of years ago. Our stroll along the Kawazu  Seven Waterfalls complete,   it’s time for a bite to eat. The area’s geological  conditions make it ideal for wasabi farming,  

So what better way to try out the local  specialty than with a wasabi lunch. The Kawazu area is especially known  for its wasabi. So we’re here at   the Wasabi-en Kadoya to try a local favorite:   a simple bowl of rice topped with bonito flakes  and of course a big ball of wasabi. Itadakimasu!

It’s really good, but that was  too much wasabi in one mouthful! After our wasabi lunch, we retrace  our steps to Kawazu Station and take   the Izukyu Line south along the coast  to the pleasant port city of Shimoda.

Shimoda is best known as the place where Commodore  Perry and his American warships arrived in 1853,   forcing the country to open its  borders to foreign trade. Today,   it’s a peaceful harbor town and a  perfect spot for an afternoon walk.

Along Perry Road, visitors can soak up the  local atmosphere and take in some historic   buildings – some decorated in the namako-kabe  or sea cucumber style the area is famous for. At the end of the road stands Ryosenji  Temple, where the Shimoda treaty was signed  

In 1854 between Japan and the United States,  ending Japan’s era of international isolation. Back at Izukyu Shimoda Station, we board a shuttle   bus to our accommodation for  the night, the Hotel Izukyu. Located within easy reach of the popular  Shirahama Beach, the Hotel Izukyu is  

A mid-to-large sized resort style hotel with  comfortable rooms and natural hot spring baths. So we’re about to enjoy a traditional style buffet  dinner. I’ve got my beer, I’ve got three tickets   right here to exchange for three main courses  of my choice. Let’s see what we get. Kanpai!

I’ve got some tempura, and some katsuo no tataki, which is seared bonito. And to finish, we’ve got a custard pudding with 2 bite size cheesecakes. Well that was a big delicious meal, I’m going to  jump in my private bath and have an early night.   DAY 2

As the sun rises on the Izu Peninsula,  we take the train back north for an early   morning walk along the Jogasaki Coast.  This section of Izu’s eastern coast   This section of Izu’s eastern coast is popular for its breathtaking views of jagged cliffs and rock formations.

We’re finishing today’s walk at one of my favorite  local landmarks – the Kadowaki suspension bridge,   hanging 23 meters over this rocky inlet,  with spectacular views out to sea. After a scenic walk by the sea, we continue north  along the coast by train to the resort town of  

Atami, where we will visit the beautifully  preserved former traditional inn, Kiunkaku. Built as a private villa in 1919 by a  wealthy shipping magnate, the property   became a ryokan in  1947 and remained in operation until 1999. Today,   it is owned by the city of Atami and open  to the public as a cultural property.

A visit to Kiunkaku takes you through rooms of  varying styles: from traditional Japanese-style   guest rooms where famous writers like  Mishima Yukio and Dazai Osamu stayed,   to more Western-style rooms,  and even Roman-style baths… …but perhaps the main highlight here is  Kiunkaku’s elegant and secluded garden,   combining classic traditional  elements with some modern touches…

Before we say goodbye to the Izu Peninsula,   there’s just enough time for some last  minute souvenir shopping in Atami. The two shopping arcades by the station:  Nakamisedori and Heiwadori offer plenty   of options for purchasing souvenirs. Inside Atami station, some Atami-branded  shops even offer discounts for  JR Tokyo Wide Pass holders,  

Something to keep in mind if you are planning  to purchase the pass for your future trip. Okay so for souvenirs I got some traditional cherry blossom flavored sweets and some langue-de-chat biscuits. And that was our two day trip exploring   some of the highlights of the Izu  Peninsula. Thanks for joining me! 

I hope this video was enjoyable and perhaps  inspired some ideas for your next trip to Izu. For more information about this  trip or to watch another video,   click the links on the screen now,  or head over to japan-guide.com,   your comprehensive, up-to-date, travel  guide first-hand from Japan. Thanks for  

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