Spots in Higashi-Izu / Minami-Izu / Nishi-Izu Area

  • Shimoda Aquarium
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    4.0
    328 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimoda-shi, Shizuoka prefecture 3-22-31
    An aquarium located in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture built on the water using a natural bay. In the Perry aqua dome situated in the middle of the bay, visitors can view large aquarium tanks recreating the ocean off Izu. There are also bottlenose dolphin shows held on the aquarium’s “marine stage.” Meanwhile, Pacific white-sided dolphin and sea lion shows are held in the aquarium’s marine stadium. Exhibiting some 250 species and 1,500 individual marine creatures, facilities such as a penguin pool, earless seal hall, and sea turtle pond have made the aquarium a top destination for visitors to Shimoda.

    We not going inside but we pass there for few times and see 3 dophins was so happy to swim inside the ocean and playing with the visitors, they jump and swim freely. If you have kids or would like to...

  • Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden
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    4.0
    276 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunhigashizuchou Naramoto 1253-10
    This is a zoo and botanical garden in Higashi Izu-cho, Kamo County in Shizuoka Prefecture and is composed of three facilities: an alligator park, a plant park and a separate park. The alligator park allows you to observe 17 different kinds of alligators including cross-breeds from various angles and holds events to get to know alligators throughout the year except in the winter. The plant and separate parks have 15 greenhouses that exhibit approximately 5,000 types of tropical plants including bananas and original orchid species. The separate park is popular for its red pandas. It is also known for having the only Amazonian Manatee in Japan.

    DONT support this! The living conditions of the animals, especially the alligators, the birds and the manatee are absolutely horrifying. I have never seen anything like it and am still in...

  • Izu Animal Kingdom
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    4.0
    267 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunhigashizuchou Inatori 3344
    A theme park located in Higashiizu Town, Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture with a zoo, amusement park, sports zone, and more. In addition to white tiger, lion, and cheetah exhibits, there’s also a Walking Safari area where visitors can view animals like giraffes and zebras living in environments close to their natural habitat. There’s also a Ferris wheel, go-carts, a Dinosaur Forest dotted with lifelike dinosaur models, and a miniature golf course, making the park the perfect place to enjoy an entire day as a family or group.

    First of all, a zoo is always a little depressing if you think is like a prison, but the zafari advertising of this one catch my attention. It looked ok until you reach the petting zoo. The parrots...

  • Kawazu-zakura cherry trees
    Travel / Tourism
    Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
    This variety of cherry tree is found in abundance in the town of Kawazu Town, Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture, where it blooms earlier than other varieties, from early February to early March. Kawazu-zakura line the Kawazu River for several kilometers from the mouth of the river near Kawazu Station. The Kawazu-zakura Festival is held in the area each year from around February 10 to March 10. Some 150 festival stalls open up shop during the event, and the festival grounds bustle with tourists. The cherry trees are also lit up at night, creating a lovely spectacle. The original Kawazu-zakura ancestor tree still stands in the garden of the Iida Residence in Kawazu, and the tree’s lovely spring blossoms can be viewed even from the nearby sidewalk.
  • Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato
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    3.5
    128 Reviews
    Transportation
    Shizuoka Shimoda-shi Soto Ke Oka 1-1
    A roadside station located along National Route 135 in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture. There is a fishery association direct sales store, where you can buy Japanese lobster, turban shell, and abalone, and a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, where you can taste fresh seafood. In addition, it features a harbor museum, souvenir shops, and a tourist information office, so many tourists stop by for a visit.

    Just leaving Shimoda, this is an ideal place to buy some souvenirs. Be aware that some shops don’t accept credit cards. There is a park nearby where kids can play bit.

  • iZoo
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    4.5
    127 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunkawaduchou Hama 406-2
    Located in Kawazu Town, Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture, iZoo is one of the largest zoos in Japan dedicated to reptiles and amphibians. iZoo cares for a diverse variety of reptiles and amphibians, including an endangered Galapogos giant tortoise, iguanas, lizards, snakes, and frogs. In addition to indoor and outdoor animal exhibits, visitors can also enjoy taking commemorative photos, petting, and feeding some of the zoo’s creatures. Children 30 kilograms and under can take a photo riding the giant tortoise (extra fee required). Closest station: Kawazu Station on the Izu Kyuko Line. Closest bus stop: The “Shobusawa” stop on the Tokai Bus.

    私は爬虫類には全く興味がないのですが、カメレースとガラパゴスゾウガメとの写真が本当に良い印象に残りました! Even I am not interested in them, very rare crocodiles and chameleons were very interesting to see. We took photos with Galapagos Turtle and...

  • Dougashima Yuransen Cruising
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    4.5
    140 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunnishizuchou Nishina 2060
    These are sightseeing cruise boats that depart from Nishi Izu-cho, Kamo County in Shizuoka Prefecture; cruises last for approximately 20 minutes and tour round the mysterious caves of Dogashima. The cruise tours the ever-changing ria coastline and the small islands that pepper the sea as well as the Tenso Skylight Cave where the blue sea sparkles in the light that shines through a hole in the ceiling and Sanshiro Island than can only be accessed on foot at low tide. As the cruises depart every 10–15 minutes, you can drop by anytime when you are out for a drive.

    Its not that beautiful in reality when seen from boat as some of pictures mention. Better to see the cave area from top by short 10min hike on top of caves.

  • Kurone Iwaburo
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    4.0
    88 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Kitagawa Onsen, Higashiizu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
    Located on the coast in Shizuoka Prefecture’s Kamo County, Higashiizu Town, this is a publicly managed open-air bath right on the edge of the ocean. Just as its catch phrase of “bathing in an open-air bath while looking at America” implies, the view is outstanding. One can enjoy bathing with the ocean at eye level, and it is a popular spot that attracts hot spring lovers from all over the country. One of the three bathtubs is exclusively for women, and it is possible to enter the bath while wearing a bath towel. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. all of the baths are women-only.

    I spoke with the proprietors. In the past year (2018) the baths have been redone such that there is a permanent womens bath and mens bath, both opening to the sea. As such, this is not a mixed...

  • Shimoda Port Cruise Boat - Susquehanna
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    3.5
    51 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shizuoka Pref. Shimodashi Sotogaoka 19
    This dramatic looking, black sightseeing cruise boat, Susquehanna, takes passengers on a cruise around Shimoda Port, the gateway for the opening up of Japan. There are many sights to see on the approximately 20 minute long cruise, including Shimoda’s streets, the place where the Black Ships led by Perry dropped anchor, the Nesugatayama mountains, and Benten Island, said to be where Yoshida Shoin hid overnight before trying to board one of Perry’s ships. During the autumn through to spring you can also enjoy feeding the seagulls from the ship. The closest station to the dock is Shimoda Station.

    This is a pleasant enough boat ride. However, bear in mind that it costs ¥1200 for one adult and is over in 20 minutes. Also, the regular ticket only gives you entry to the 1st level, where the...

  • Koganezaki Crystal Park
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    4.0
    39 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunnishizuchou Ugusu 2204-3
    This museum which displays modern glass works and kaleidoscopes gathered from around the world is located in the Ugusu district of Shizuoka Prefecture’s Kamo County, Nishiizu Town, a production area for silica, the raw material in glass. In addition to their regular exhibits, they also hold original exhibitions based on the theme of glass. In their experience workshop, visitors can enjoy making unique glass products such as sand-blasted items and stained glass. There is also a shop where guests can purchase glass products such as Nishi Izu’s Kamo Furin handmade wind chimes and works by local artists.

    泊まった宿のすぐ近くにあり、行く予定はなかったけど、気になり訪れてみました。 素敵な作品があったり、体験などあり、とても楽しかったです。 食事も美味しかったです。

  • Roadside Station Hana no Sansei-En Izu Matsuzaki
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    3.5
    30 Reviews
    Transportation
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunmatsuzakichou Osawa 20-1
    This roadside station is located on the side of the Shizuoka Prefectural Route 15 (Shimoda-Matsuzaki road) in Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture. The area is famous for being Japan's biggest producer of cherry blossom leaves. Visitors at the station can try items such as sakuraba soba noodles and sakuraba ice cream made with cherry blossom leaves. It also features facilities such as the Kajika no Yu day spa, a free rest area, and more, making it a popular rest stop for people on long drives.

    不思議な形の木 子だねの木とか言うそうで 男性と女性のシンボルを両方持っていると言うことです。 遠目に見ると ちょっと近寄りがたい 怖い感じがしました

  • Mt. Nesugata (Shimoda Ropeway)
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    4.0
    37 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shizuoka Shimoda-shi Higashihongo 1-3-2
    This is a mountain in Shimoda City. The mountain got its name from the ridge line at the crest which looks like the outline of a woman sleeping on her back. An aerial tramway near the IzukyuShimoda Station connects passengers to the peak of the mountain from which a panoramic view of downtown Izu, Mt. Amagi, and the seven islands of Izucan been seen.

    short ride ropeway to the hill to enjoy the whole shimoda view. not very big but good place to visit

  • Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana
    Transportation
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunminamizuchou Shimogamo 157-1
    This roadside station on the side of National Route 136 is located at the southernmost end of Izu. It offers a full range of facilities including a farmer's market offering things such as seasonal fresh vegetables and fish, as well as a facility where visitors can experience the foot baths of Shimogamo Onsen. During odd months, the station holds events such as the Yu no Hana Free Bazaar. In addition to being a tourist destination, the market is also used by many locals as a place to socialize.
  • Izu no Chohachi Art Museum
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    4.5
    34 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunmatsuzakichou Matsuzaki 23
    This is a museum which aims to communicate to the succeeding generations the contributions made by the craftsman, Chohachi Irie to plaster art “kote-e” and the techniques of traditional plasterers. Approximately 50 unique artworks created by Chohachi Irie—which are different from normal plaster art—are on display and are introduced in the museum. It takes 50 minutes by bus to get to the museum from Izukyu-line Shimoda Station.

    昭和59年(1984年)、「漆喰鏝絵の殿堂...

  • Shimogamo Onsen Gin-no-yu Kaikan
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    4.0
    22 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunminamizuchou Shimogamo 247-1
    This municipal day-trip hot spring facility located in Minamiizu Town, Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture was remodeled and reopened in 2016. In addition to the large indoor baths, the facility offers a variety of other bathtubs including iwaburo (a bathtub surrounded by rocks), neyu (baths in which one can lay down), and tropical-style baths all in the rotemburo outdoor bath area, and guests can enjoy types of hot water that change each season. There are also a massage corner and rest area where guests can relax after finishing their bath. In the restaurant, patrons can enjoy a very Shizuoka-like menu including bowls of kama-age shirasu (boiled whitebait) and cha soba (soba noodles made by adding green tea powder to the buckwheat flour mixture).

    ここの近くに良くダイビングに出かけるのですが、ここを利用するのは初めてでした。 だいぶ昔に下賀茂温泉の旅館に泊まったことがあり、そこは塩分濃度も高く高温の源泉を空気に触れさせて冷ますと言ったお湯で、濃厚だった印象があるのですが、こちらはサラリとしたお湯です。 匂いを嗅いでみると少し塩素臭も… 残念ながら、露天にある浅く寝転んで浸かる浴槽以外は全て循環式のお湯でした。 食事処も隣接し、館内も清潔で料...

  • Hina no Ashiyu Foot Baths
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    4.0
    45 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunhigashizuchou Inatori
    These footbaths are located inside of Inatori Bunka Park near the entrance to Inatori Onsen. The baths, which are large enough for up twenty people at a time, are divided up into five blocks. Each block has a different temperature, allowing you to enjoy your preferred temperature. Look for the large onsen yagura (decorative watch tower marking a hot spring).

    雛の館は小さな展示施設ですが常設で稲取の吊るし雛が見られます。見応えのある展示で写真映えはかなりのものです。公園には桜(河津桜でしょうか?)や梅が植わっており一足先の春を目で楽しめました。館の通路は広く、ベビーカーや車椅子のままでも入れそうです。子ども連れの来館客も多くいました。

  • Odoriko Onsen Kaikan (Odoriko Hot Springs Hall)
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    3.5
    20 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunkawaduchou Mine 457-1
    This is a municipal-managed day-trip hot spring facility located in Kawazu Town, Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is a spot where one can enjoy plenty of warm water from the Mine Hot Spring. There are a variety of baths to enjoy, including indoor baths with lots of light thanks to their large windows, a rotemburo open-air bath with sounds of the flowing Kawazu River and a waterfall shower too. In February and March one can view the beautiful Kawazu cherry blossom trees in bloom from the rotemburo. The facility is also equipped with a 80 square meter relaxation room and a light meal area.

    河津桜の並木は川沿いにあり、河口から歩くと3キロほどになります。私が訪れたときは3月上旬でしたがまだ肌寒かったです。内風呂は少し熱く、冷えたからだをポカポカにしてくれます。露天風呂からは桜を見ることができ、風が吹くと花びらが湯舟に落ちていく様子も風情があります。休憩所も清潔でありゆっくりできました。 ビールの中瓶(サッポロ)も400円で販売しています。フロントの横にあって見にくいのですが、踊り子...

  • Hofuku-ji Temple
    rating-image
    3.5
    47 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimoda, Shizuoka prefecture 1-18-26
    This temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect in Shizuoka Prefecture’s Shimoda City was the Shimoda magistrate’s office at the end of the Edo Shogunate, and served as lodgings for the Shogunate government officials during Japan-U.S. negotiations then. It is famous as a temple where Kaishu Katsu gave an audience to Yodo Yamauchi, the feudal lord of Tosa, and had him pardon Ryoma Sakamoto’s crime of becoming a lordless samurai. The room where this happened has been left as it was at the time. On the premises is the grave of the geisha Okichi, who met an unnatural death after serving the American consul Townsend Harris, and there is also the Tojin Okichi Memorial Hall which displays photos and mementos of Okichi.

    A small temple at the end of the road by the Black Ship museum makes for a good turn around point. ;)

  • Shimokamo Tropical Garden
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    3.5
    25 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunminamizuchou Shimogamo 255
    Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden is a 15-minute drive from Shimoda Station right near the Shimogamo Nettai Shokubutsuen Mae bus stop. It is unique for making use of heat from Shimogamo Hot Spring to grow tropical plants in a hothouse. Ever since 2014, admission has been free. Visitors can not only see hibiscus, bougainvillea, and other tropical plants throughout the year but also see many plants that are unique to each of the four seasons. Visitors never get tired of the splendid colors and unusual shapes of these plants. Some plants are available for sale or rent. The onsite parlor sells miracle fruit, sherbet, and fresh fruit juice.

    伊豆急下田駅からバスで25分程度なのに交通費が一人往復で1320円かかり地方のバス料金の高さに驚きです。 温室の植物も特別なものがあるわけでもなく、説明も少なく、無造作に鉢植えが並んでいるだけに感じました。 外観もかなり年季の入っている様子でした。 カフェで飲み物でも購入しようと思いましたが、スタッフは常連のお客さんと話してばかりでキョロキョロしていたが特に対応されずじまいで交通費をかけて行くべき...

  • Iwashina School
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    4.5
    33 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shizuoka Pref. Kamogunmatsuzakichou Iwashinahokusoku 442
    The Iwashina School in Matsuzaki Town, Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture, is the oldest elementary school building in the Izu area. The construction of the Namako Wall (sea cucumber wall) around the school building was completed in 1880. The building incorporates western style balconies with the traditional Japanese shrine architectural style and the exterior is finished with an imposingly striking high-color effect. Within the building and grounds are many places of interest such as the Iwashina School ‘hengaku’ (a stone tablet displaying the school’s name), which is said to have been written by the Prime Minister of Japan at the time Sanjo Sanetomi. The Senbazuru (thousand cranes) relief created by master craftsman Irie Chohachi, and the Kaikatei building, which was the old Iwashina City Hall and now rest house, are both also of particular interest. The site has been designated as a national Important Cultural Property.

    明治期に各地に小学校ができましたが、費用の4割を地元民の寄付でまかなったという学校(復元)。隣に廃校になった小学校の立派な校舎があり、過疎化を名目とした学校統合の結果でしょうか。鏝師の入江長八が腕をふるった部屋があります。山田五郎さんの色紙が印象的でした。

Shizuoka Areas

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With the giant Pacific Ocean to the south and the great Mount Fuji to the north, Shizuoka prefecture is blessed with some of the best views the country has to offer. The white sand beaches of the Izu Peninsula are a rare find on mainland Japan, neighbored by beautiful cliffs, tumbling hills, and natural hot springs. As Japan’s largest producer of green tea, the age-old tradition of tea drinking is ubiquitous in Shizuoka, from the miles of tea fields to the old tea houses hosting traditional tea ceremonies.

Shizuoka Photo Album

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