mountains and by the sea. Izu also has some great outdoor destinations
for activities such as climbing and hiking. I've listed a few of the ones
I've visited and some famous one that I have not.
I've also included a couple of free Onsen that I particularly enjoyed.
The woodblock prints above are by Hiroshige, and believe it or not this is
really what Izu looks like. (Click on the pictures to enlarge)
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offered by the Odakyu line.
Hiking and bicycling are also viable options in some areas. Driving is the best option for the south
shore from Numazu tot he tip. Shore traffic can be heavy so be prepared.
If you go by train, the two doorway stations to Izu are the hot spring town of Atami and the cold spring
town of Mishima.
Use Mishima to access the central part of Izu including Ohito and Shuzenji. Also Use Mishima to
access Nishi Izu from Numazu to the tip. While your in Mishima, don't forget to check out the large
springs and the Mishima Shrine. If your timing is right, you can view Yabusame (traditional archery
done from a horse at full gallop)
Use Atami To access Higashi Izu and everything else.
There are hundreds of resorts, lodges, ryokans, hotels, etc in Izu. There are also youth hostels, an
campgrounds for the budget conscious travelers. There is even a KOA. I have also camped out on
the beach and at various areas in the woods with great success but Im not sure if this is legal or not.
Here is one cute pension that I think you will enjoy and is English friendly
http://izu-sakuraya.jp/english/
Osawa Onsen
Pure "Real Japan"
Osawa Onsen lies in a relatively quiet river valley inland from Matsuzaki. In the spring cherry
blossoms and Nanohana accentuate the ancient beauty of the deep valley. There are numerous
historic sites and museums in the area.
I stayed at the luxurious Osawa Onsen Hotel http://www.osawaonsen.co.jp/ which was a marvelous
experience. The word Hotel is a bit misleading. Its more like a large Inn. Be prepared for gorgeous
traditional Japanese food and great Onsen. Getting there by public transportation is possible.
Contact me for the latest bus information. I'd recommend traveling by car or arranging transportation
with the Hotel.
http://www.tsuribashiso.com/english/onsen.html
Ohito
Ohito lies along the Kanagawa river in the interior of Izu. I have never actually stayed
at any of the hotels here and the only onsen I have tried was the foot bath st the
station. The main attraction for me at Ohito is the rock climbing and hiking. I recommend
going 5 km up the road to Shuzenji for onsen.
Kumomi
working on the Izu islands. The hot springs are one of the remnants of this ancient island building.
Another remnant is the amazing columnar basalt that can be viewed in river gorges and near
waterfalls and other places where erosion has exposed the deepest foundations of the most
ancient volcanoes.
Right now the information you see is simply place markers. I haven't had time to post stuff yet so
please contact me at webmaster@topadventure.net if you want more advice.
Natural Wonders and Sights
Seven waterfalls of Kawazu
kamadaru, Unitary, Hebitaru, Shokeidaru, Kanitaru, Deaidaru and Otaru
Joren Waterfall
Rock climbing
Ohito
