Chubu · Shizuoka

Izu travel guide: coast towns, hot springs and choosing a base

Izu is a peninsula of different journeys: lava coast, hot-spring towns, a southern port and a western shore with sea caves. The most useful decision is which landscape you want to spend time in, then which base makes it practical.

AsiaVela editorial teamUpdated 30 September 20263 min read

The rocky coast and Dōgashima Bay on the Izu Peninsula.

Suggested time: 2 days for an area
Where to stay: East coast or Shuzenji
Season and timing: Weather affects coastal visits and boat operations

The short answer

Choose one area for a short stay: the eastern coast for Jogasaki, the interior for Shuzenji, or a dedicated western-coast plan. Verify the final local transfers and a ryokan’s dinner time before connecting activities across the peninsula.

Choose the landscape before the hotel

Jogasaki’s lava-formed shore suits a coastal walk, while Shuzenji offers a temple and hot-spring-town setting. Dogashima brings a western-coast interest with boat activities dependent on conditions. These are distinct outings. Choose the one that draws you to Izu instead of assuming every attractive photograph belongs to a compact two-day circuit.

Atami and Mishima serve different approaches

An eastern-coast arrival and an inland journey to Shuzenji need different connections. Establish the actual rail station, local bus or taxi and accommodation transfer. A western-coast visit adds road travel beyond the main railway. Compare the whole journey rather than the fastest main train, and leave enough time to reach a booked dinner without rushing.

A temple building among green trees at Shuzenji on the Izu Peninsula.

Make time for the local food

What to eat and where to look

Kinmedai nitsuke

Alfonsino simmered in a sweet-and-savoury soy sauce is associated with southern and eastern Izu. Whole fish and fillet make different meal sizes.

Where to look: Menus on the chosen coastal route
Fit it into your day: One proper lunch or dinner, with portion and origin checked.

Wasabi-don

Rice with freshly grated wasabi draws attention to Izu’s inland cultivation. Bonito and other accompaniments may be part of the preparation.

Where to look: Restaurants that explicitly describe fresh wasabi
Fit it into your day: A meal on an inland outing, not a reason to cross the whole peninsula.

Himono

Salted and dried fish is grilled in many coastal meals. Species and preparation vary; a ryokan menu should be checked directly.

Where to look: Coastal restaurants or the accommodation meal plan
Fit it into your day: A breakfast or meal component when it is actually included.

Tokoroten

Gel-like strands made from seaweed can be served with different savoury or sweet seasonings. They are distinct from wheat noodles.

Where to look: Shops naming tokoroten on the menu
Fit it into your day: A small regional break near the selected base.

Make the bath part of a settled stay

A ryokan night can give Izu a slower rhythm, with time for bathing and food. Confirm whether baths are shared or private, meal inclusion and any requirements relevant to your group. The word onsen does not guarantee day admission or a private facility. Choose a stay that works for the experience you want and the time you can arrive.

Kinmedai nigiri sushi, illustrating a fish used in coastal Izu cuisine.

Let food follow the coast or the interior

Kinmedai is a useful food interest on the southern and eastern side, while wasabi draws attention inland. Himono and tokoroten offer other regional tastes. There is no need to cross the peninsula to try all four. With poor weather, shorten exposed walking or postpone a boat activity and use a confirmed bath or indoor visit near the base.

Practical questions

What is the most useful first planning decision?

Is a guided visit necessary?

An independent visit can work with a clear route and current access information. Compare the actual guided programme for interpretation or practical support, including the meeting place and what is covered.

How should food fit the route?

Choose one main meal near the planned visit and leave smaller tastes optional. Check the actual menu, ingredients and opening before making a restaurant the only lunch option.