Popular Tours & Experiences in Higashi-Izu

Higashi-Izu boasts a rich array of natural landscapes and unique experiences. Must-visit attractions include the magnificent Jogasaki Coast, where you can stroll along the trails to admire the peculiar coastal terrain and challenge the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. Mount Omuro offers a cable car experience, and reaching the summit provides panoramic views of the Izu Highlands and Sagami Bay. Additionally, hot spring areas like Atagawa and Kitagawa allow you to enjoy open-air baths with ocean views, providing ultimate relaxation. You can also visit the Izu Shaboten Zoo to interact with cute animals like capybaras, adding fun to your trip.

Higashi-Izu is very suitable for family travel. The Izu Shaboten Zoo is a popular choice, where children can get up close with various animals, especially the famous scene of capybaras enjoying a hot bath. The Izu Teddy Bear Museum displays a wide variety of teddy bears and often hosts special exhibitions, making it a hit with children. Izu Oceanic Park offers water activities and diving experiences, where you can observe marine life. Many hot spring inns also provide family baths or children's play facilities, ensuring everyone in the family has a joyful time.

Hot spring areas in Higashi-Izu, such as Atagawa, Kitagawa, and Inatori, mostly overlook the Pacific Ocean. Their specialty is enjoying the magnificent sea view or sunrise while bathing, offering a more resort-like and relaxed atmosphere. The spring qualities are diverse, including chloride springs, sulfate springs, etc. Ito Onsen has a more historical feel, with a relatively bustling town center and numerous hot spring inns, suitable for travelers who prefer a traditional hot spring town ambiance. Its spring quality is mainly simple thermal springs. If you prefer sea views and tranquility, Higashi-Izu is a good choice; if you like a lively and convenient hot spring town, consider Ito.

The cherry blossom season in Higashi-Izu is usually earlier than in the Kanto region. The most famous Kawazu Sakura typically blooms from late February to early March, with a relatively long flowering period, forming a spectacular pink tunnel along the Kawazu River. Additionally, the Sakura Tunnel in the Izu Highlands is another excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing. From late March to early April each year, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees lining the road stretch for several kilometers, creating a romantic sea of flowers. It is recommended to check local tourism information before the blooming period to catch the best viewing opportunities.

The most convenient way to travel to Higashi-Izu from Tokyo is by train. You can take the JR East Limited Express 'Odoriko' from Tokyo Station, which directly reaches major stations in Higashi-Izu such as Ito, Izu-Kogen, or Izu-Atagawa. The journey time varies depending on the destination, ranging from approximately two to two and a half hours. This route offers scenic views along the way and provides direct access to most tourist areas. Alternatively, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the JR Ito Line or Izukyu Line to reach various parts of Higashi-Izu.

For your first visit to Higashi-Izu, we recommend planning a trip that combines natural beauty, hot springs, and local cuisine. For example, during the day, you can take a walk along the Jogasaki Coast, experience the suspension bridge, or take the Mount Omuro cable car for panoramic views. In the afternoon, you can relax in the comfortable hot springs at a local ryokan. In the evening, savor fresh seafood, especially Kinmedai dishes. You can also explore the unique shops in the Izu Kogen art town. It is recommended to plan for at least a two-day, one-night stay to fully experience the charm of Higashi-Izu.

Jogasaki Coast has a natural study trail of about nine kilometers. It is recommended to start from Izu Oceanic Park or near the Jogasaki-Kaigan Station. The most popular route is from Kadowaki Lighthouse, crossing the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge to Futo Port. The entire trail takes about one to two hours and offers stunning views of volcanic rock formations and the blue sea. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to walk, but some sections may have stairs or uneven terrain. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of the sea breeze. During summer, take precautions against sunburn and stay hydrated.

Higashi-Izu offers a diverse range of accommodation options to meet various traveler needs. The most popular are the ocean-view hot spring inns, many of which feature private open-air baths or spacious public baths with sea views, allowing for ultimate relaxation while overlooking the Pacific. In addition, there are numerous boutique guesthouses and resort hotels providing cozy or modern stays, some incorporating local art or natural elements. For families, some inns offer family-friendly facilities or children's meal services, ensuring fun for both adults and kids. You can choose based on your travel companions and preferred accommodation style.

Higashi-Izu is renowned for its abundant seafood, especially the local specialty, Kinmedai (red snapper) dishes, which are worth trying whether braised, as sashimi, or sushi. You can enjoy the freshest seafood at restaurants around the fishing ports, such as the canteens near Inatori Fishing Port, which offer various seafood set meals. Additionally, the Izu Peninsula is famous for its wasabi, and many restaurants offer unique dishes made with fresh wasabi. There are also many restaurants offering traditional Japanese cuisine around the hot spring areas, allowing you to savor delicious food.

A one-day itinerary for Higashi-Izu typically covers natural landscapes and unique experiences. Common arrangements might include visiting the magnificent Jogasaki Coast and Kadowaki Suspension Bridge to appreciate the dramatic coastal erosion. Next, you might head to Mount Omuro, take the cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the Izu Highlands, and even try the traditional 'volcano shooting' activity. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax in a seaside hot spring area or visit local zoos and museums. If you want a convenient way to plan your trip, you can book through KKday, which offers Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation policies, eliminating language communication barriers.