Beyond hot springs: Startups reset tourism in Japan’s Izu

Travel & Leisure

Heritage, fisheries and ecotourism lift peninsula’s travel industry

Mozulab, a tourism startup based in Shizuoka prefecture, conducted a tour centered on the Izu Peninsula’s history and cultural heritage in December last year. (Mozulab)

NODOKA MURAKAMI

February 8, 2026 11:59 JST

SHIZUOKA, Japan — Once synonymous with hot springs and scenic views, tourism on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture, south of Tokyo, is being reshaped by startups betting on culture, community and environmentally friendly travel.