Izu Highlands (Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Izu Highlands (Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)

Izukogen is a highland area in the eastern part of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is a tourist destination with a warm climate overlooking Sagami Bay, natural scenery, art, museums, and unique cafes and inns. Originally developed as a resort and vacation spot, it gradually became a tourist destination after the war. In addition to natural landscapes such as Mt. Omuroyama and Jogasaki Coast, there are many themed facilities such as the Cactus Park, the Teddy Bear Museum, and the Forest Art Museum, making it enjoyable for families, couples, and seniors alike. There are also many hot spring inns, pensions, and rental villas, and a wide variety of accommodations that allow pets.

Highlights

• Jogasaki Coast (Kadowaki Suspension Bridge): A dynamic landscape of cliffs and rough waves. The thrill of Kadowaki Suspension Bridge and the view from the promenade are famous. There are many photo spots.
• Mount Omuro: A circular independent volcano. You can reach the summit by lift (Omuroyama Lift), and enjoy a 360-degree panorama from the outer ring walkway at the top. The rape blossoms in spring and Japanese silver grass in autumn are beautiful.
• Izu Cactus Park: In addition to the cactus exhibit, you can enjoy capybara hot spring baths (popular in winter) and interact with animals.
• Izu Teddy Bear Museum: A popular museum that displays teddy bears from all over the world. There are also plenty of cute souvenirs.
• Museums and galleries: Unique private art museums and archives are scattered throughout Izu Kogen. The charm of Izu Kogen is that you can explore art while strolling around.
• Lake Ippeki: A quiet lakeside promenade. There are boats and nearby cafes, so you can relax.
• Izu Granpal Park: A family-friendly facility where you can enjoy attractions and night events (beware of seasonal opening hours and events).
• Hot springs and accommodationThere are many inns with natural hot spring water and private baths, where you can enjoy a hot spring bath overlooking the sea or a therapeutic hot spring experience in the quiet highlands.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station:Izu Kyuko Line "Izukogen Station"
• train:
  • From Tokyo: Take the JR Tokaido Line or Ito Line, or the Odoriko/Super View Odoriko Limited Express to Izukogen Station. The travel time varies depending on the type of train, but the journey from Tokyo to Izukogen generally takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • By Shinkansen: Tokyo → Atami (Shinkansen) approximately 40-50 minutes, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line at Atami (approximately 40-60 minutes).
• Express bus:There may be direct buses from Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc.) or Ikebukuro to Izu (times may vary depending on the season and route).
• car:From Tokyo, take the Tomei/Shin-Tomei Expressway → Odawara-Atsugi Road or Manazuru Road/National Route 135 for approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours (depending on traffic conditions).
• Local transportation:You can travel from the station to tourist spots by bus, taxi, rental car, bicycle, or on foot. Since tourist spots are scattered around, it is convenient to use a rental car or taxi.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: If you rush around the main attractions (Jogasaki, Mt. Omuroyama, and one or two art museums), it will take 6 to 10 hours. However, if you want to enjoy the hot springs and food at your leisure, you won't have enough time.
• 2 days, 1 night: A standard plan (recommended) that includes relaxing in the hot springs and sightseeing at leisure at the main spots.
• 2 nights or more: Recommended if you plan to explore the surrounding areas of Ito, Atami, and Shimoda, or if you want to enjoy museums and activities at your leisure.

Nearby spots (places you can visit for a day trip)

• Ito Onsen Town and Ito Marine Town
• Atami (Atami Castle, plum garden, hot spring town)
• Shimoda/Shirahama Beach (1.5-2 hours by car)
• Kawazu (Kawazu cherry blossoms, strolling along the Kawazu River) — Kawazu cherry blossoms are popular in spring
• Amagi Pass and Mount Amagi (nature trails, wasabi fields)

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion:Parking lots and restaurants are crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, New Year's, weekends, national holidays, and during the Kawazu cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. We recommend making reservations early.
• Coastal and Cliff Safety:The cliffs and walking paths at Jogasaki can be slippery in places. Please stay within the fences, keep an eye on children, and be especially careful on wet rocky areas and in strong winds.
• weather:Winds can be strong along the coast, and on days with high waves, walking along promenades and fishing can be dangerous. Transport and facilities may be suspended or closed during typhoon season (summer to autumn).
• What to wear and bring:Dress appropriately for the season (sun protection and hydration in summer, windproof and cold-proof in winter). Comfortable shoes are recommended when hiking or walking on trails.
• Onsen etiquette:There are some facilities that will refuse entry to you if you have tattoos. It is a good idea to check in advance whether there are private baths or facilities that allow tattoos.
• Pets allowed:The number of facilities that allow pets is increasing, but you must abide by the terms of use and observe proper etiquette (keeping pets on a leash, disposing of pet waste, etc.). Some facilities require advance notice or additional fees.
• Environmental protection:In order to preserve the natural scenery, please be sure to take your trash with you, do not touch the plants or animals, and avoid barbecues outside of designated areas.

— Travel planning notes —

• The standard two-day, one-night itinerary involves visiting Jogasaki, Mt. Omuroyama, cafes, Mt. Komuroyama and the art museum on the first day, and relaxing at the Cactus Park and Lake Ippeki plus a hot spring on the second day.
• Seasonal attractions: Spring (flowers, cherry blossoms, rape blossoms), Summer (sea and marine leisure), Autumn (autumn leaves), Winter (hot springs and capybara baths)

If necessary, please let us know your departure point (Tokyo, Nagoya, etc.), the number of days you'll be staying, and your preferences (hot springs, nature walks, traveling with children, traveling with pets). We'll also provide you with specific itineraries, transportation times, and recommendations for different types of accommodation.