The Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島) stretches south of Tokyo into the Pacific Ocean — a 60km strip of rugged coastline, volcanic hot springs, bamboo forests, and some of the clearest ocean water in eastern Japan. Just 50 minutes by Shinkansen, Izu is the perfect destination for onsen ryokan weekends, beach getaways, and coastal road trips.
Key Areas of Izu Peninsula
🌊 Atami
GatewayJan fireworks & Shinkansen access
Classic hot spring resort 50 min from Tokyo by Shinkansen. MOA Museum, dried seafood market, retro Showa charm.
🌊 Ito
Mid-coastJogasaki cliffs & coastal hiking
Coastal onsen town with golf courses, Jogasaki volcanic coastline hike (9km), and Ikeda 20th Century Art Museum.
🌊 Shimoda
South tipShirahama beach & Black Ship history
Black Ship history, white-sand beaches, and Japan's oldest US-Japan treaty site. Best beaches on the peninsula.
🌊 Shuzenji
HighlandsRiverside rotenburo & bamboo grove
Mountain onsen village with bamboo grove, ancient temple, and Katsura River rotenburo. Most atmospheric in Izu.
Stay in Atami or Ito
Atami and Ito have the most accommodation options on Izu's east coast — from budget business hotels to luxury onsen ryokan. Atami is fastest from Tokyo; Ito has a quieter coastal atmosphere. Many ryokan include dinner and breakfast in the room rate.
Stay in Shimoda
Shimoda at the southern tip has beautiful bay-view hotels and ryokan near Shirahama beach. It's further from Tokyo (2h40 by Odoriko train) but offers the best beaches and the most scenic setting on the peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Izu Peninsula from Tokyo?
Atami (the gateway to Izu) is just 50 minutes from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen Kodama (¥3,760). The Odoriko limited express from Tokyo or Shinjuku reaches Atami (60 min), Ito (85 min), and Shimoda (2h 40min) without requiring a bullet train fare. Local JR trains continue down the east Izu coast. For west Izu (Shuzenji), take Shinkansen to Mishima then the Izu Hakone Sunzu Line to Shuzenji (30 min, ¥520).
What is Atami famous for?
Atami (熱海) is Shizuoka Prefecture's hot spring resort city — the closest traditional onsen town to Tokyo. Once Japan's most popular honeymoon destination (1950s–70s), it has undergone a revival since 2010 with younger visitors drawn by its retro Showa-era charm, excellent MOA Museum of Art, and seafood. The Atami Fireworks Festival (January) is Japan's most popular winter fireworks event. Atami's seafood market (dried fish products, dried squid) is famous across Japan.
What is the best onsen town on Izu Peninsula?
Shuzenji Onsen (修善寺温泉) in the Izu highlands is widely considered Izu's most atmospheric onsen destination — a bamboo grove, ancient Shuzenji Temple, and the Katsura River with riverside rotenburo (outdoor baths). It's more traditional and less commercial than coastal towns. For beach and scenery, Shimoda on the south tip has a beautiful bay and Black Ship history. For family convenience with direct Shinkansen access, Atami wins. Most Izu ryokan have private onsen rooms.
Can you swim at Izu Peninsula beaches?
Yes — Izu has some of the clearest ocean water in the Kanto region. Shimoda's Shirahama Beach and Tatado Beach are among Japan's cleanest. The official swimming season is July–August. Izu also has good snorkeling and scuba diving (Osezaki, Kumomi) due to Kuroshio Current warm water and diverse marine life. The east coast has calmer water; the west coast is more rugged with dramatic cliffs. Some beaches near Jogasaki Coast are unsuitable for swimming but excellent for coastal hiking.
What is Shimoda known for?
Shimoda (下田) at the southern tip of Izu is famous for the Black Ships — Commodore Perry's 1854 arrival that opened Japan to Western trade after 250 years of isolation. Ryosenji Temple was where the US-Japan Convention of Kanagawa was signed. The city has a pleasant bay, gorgeous beaches (Shirahama, Yumigahama), and a charming old town of white-walled buildings. Kurofune Maru pirate ship replica offers harbor tours. In June, the Shimoda Black Ship Festival recreates the historic moment.
How many days do you need for Izu Peninsula?
A focused overnight trip (1 night, 2 days) is enough to experience one area — Atami+Ito or Shimoda or Shuzenji. Two nights (3 days) lets you combine coastal scenery and inland onsen, or drive the full peninsula loop. A week is ideal for those who want to explore beaches, hike Jogasaki Coast, visit Wasabi farms, stay in multiple ryokan, and travel at leisure. Shuzenji and Shimoda can be combined into one 2-night trip by taking the east coast down and the west coast (Dogashima, Matsuzaki) back.