Popular Sightseeing Tours in Higashi-Izu

The East Izu coastline boasts stunning scenery and numerous worthwhile attractions. Among them, Jogasaki Coast is famous for its dramatic cliffs and the thrilling Kadowaki Suspension Bridge, making it an excellent spot to experience the might of the Pacific Ocean. You can also take a cable car up Mount Omuro and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Izu Plateau and Sagami Bay from the crater rim; on clear days, you might even glimpse Mount Fuji. Additionally, areas around Ito Onsen and Atagawa Onsen offer many seaside parks and footbath facilities, allowing you to relax while enjoying the sea views. It's recommended to consider the Izu Kyu Line railway, which allows you to explore charming seaside towns along the way.

The East Izu region, with its abundant hot springs and coastal scenery, is ideal for seniors seeking relaxation. For itinerary planning, a leisurely pace is recommended. Consider staying at hot spring inns in places like Ito, Atagawa, or Inatori to enjoy a comfortable onsen experience. During the day, opt for attractions that are relatively flat and easily accessible by transportation, such as taking the Mount Omuro cable car for effortless panoramic views, or strolling along some of the flatter coastal paths to enjoy the sea breeze. Riding the Izu Kyu Line railway to admire the coastal scenery is also a great pleasure. For dining, enjoy fresh local seafood and choose restaurants offering refined Japanese cuisine. Be sure to allocate ample rest time and consider the travel distance and modes of transport between attractions to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable journey.

The hot spring areas of East Izu and Hakone each possess unique charms. East Izu is renowned for its abundant seaside hot springs and fresh seafood. It offers various types of spring water, such as the weakly alkaline springs in Ito and the salt springs in Atagawa, catering to travelers who prefer sea views and seafood dining. The overall atmosphere of the region is more relaxed, allowing for a flexible pace of sightseeing. Hakone, on the other hand, is famous for its views of Mount Fuji, numerous art museums, and the natural landscapes of Lake Ashi and its surrounding mountains. It offers diverse hot spring options and convenient transportation, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy art, natural lake and mountain scenery, and easy access. Your choice can depend on personal preference: opt for East Izu if you favor coastal scenery and seafood, and choose Hakone for mountain and water landscapes combined with art and culture.

East Izu comes alive in the summer with numerous vibrant festivals and events. Among the most popular are the various seaside fireworks festivals. Locations like Ito Coast and Atami (near East Izu) host spectacular fireworks displays on different dates, offering a romantic evening by the sea. Additionally, hot spring areas such as Atagawa and Inatori often feature traditional summer festivals or night markets, allowing visitors to experience local Japanese summer customs, enjoy street food, and watch performances. While specific dates may vary annually, they typically fall between late July and mid-August. It's advisable to check the latest information from local tourism authorities when planning your trip.

The primary and most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to the East Izu region is by train. You can take the JR Limited Express 'Odoriko' or 'Saphir Odoriko' from Tokyo Station, which offers direct services to major East Izu stations like Ito, Izu-Kogen, and Kawazu. The journey typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your destination. Another option is to take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the Izu Kyu Line for various destinations within East Izu. This method may take a similar amount of time to the direct express train but offers more flexibility with the transfer. Both options provide a comfortable way to reach East Izu and begin your journey.

A two-day, one-night itinerary in East Izu can combine natural scenery with hot spring experiences. On the first day, it's recommended to alight at Ito or Izu-Kogen Station. In the morning, visit Jogasaki Coast to experience the grandeur of the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge, or take the Mount Omuro cable car for panoramic views. In the afternoon, engage in local craft workshops or immerse yourself in the art scene at the Izu-Kogen museum cluster. In the evening, check into a seaside hot spring inn for a sumptuous seafood dinner and a relaxing onsen soak. On the second day, head to Kawazu Town or Inatori Town to experience the charm of these smaller towns. If it's the cherry blossom season, admire the Kawazu cherries, or explore local markets for fresh seafood. In the afternoon, wander along the coastline, stopping at cafes or souvenir shops before heading back, ensuring a fulfilling yet relaxed trip.

The Izu-Kogen area is renowned for its rich artistic atmosphere and hosts many unique art museums. For instance, the 'Izu Teddy Bear Museum' houses a collection of teddy bears from around the world and often features special exhibitions related to animation, evoking a sense of childhood nostalgia. The 'Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art' primarily showcases 20th-century modern art, including works by renowned Japanese and international artists. Furthermore, the 'Museum of Ivory and Stones' attracts many art enthusiasts with its exquisite ivory carvings and rare stone collections. Each museum has its own theme, ensuring that regardless of your artistic interests, you can find a distinctive artistic space in Izu-Kogen to enrich your cultural experience during your travels.

If you're visiting East Izu during the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, it's advisable to choose accommodation in Kawazu Town or its surrounding areas for convenient access to the cherry and rapeseed blossoms. As the festival period is highly popular, accommodation demand is high, so early booking is recommended. You can opt for a traditional Japanese hot spring inn (Ryokan) for a 'full-board' experience that includes local onsen; or choose a resort hotel with sea views to enjoy the Pacific vistas. If accommodation in Kawazu Town is fully booked, consider the Ito City or Izu-Kogen areas. These locations are still conveniently accessible from Kawazu by the Izu Kyu Line and offer a wider variety of lodging options, such as boutique hotels or unique guesthouses, allowing for easy planning of your cherry blossom viewing trip.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, the East Izu region is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood. The top must-try local delicacy is 'Kinmedai' (splendid alfonsino). This deep-sea fish has tender meat and is exceptionally delicious whether braised, simmered in the Japanese style (Nitsuke), or served as sashimi. Additionally, various fresh seafood bowls and sushi are not to be missed. For specialty dining, seafood restaurants are the prime choice, with many offering daily catches and limited-time specials. The kaiseki (multi-course haute cuisine) meals at hot spring inns often incorporate local seafood, providing a refined dining experience. You can also sample freshly grilled seafood or purchase local specialties at local fish markets or 'Michi-no-Eki' (roadside stations) to savor the most authentic East Izu flavors.

The primary sightseeing bus service in the East Izu region is operated by 'Izu Kyu Bus'. Its route network connects major stations like Ito, Izu-Kogen, Atagawa, Inatori, and Kawazu with popular surrounding tourist spots. For example, bus routes are available from Izu-Kogen Station to Jogasaki Coast or from Ito Station to various hot spring facilities within the city. While there may not be dedicated hop-on-hop-off tourist buses like in some other regions, the Izu Kyu Bus route planning effectively meets the travel needs of most visitors. Upon arrival at each station, it's recommended to consult the bus information or route maps available at the station to check schedules and routes for your desired attractions, allowing for flexible itinerary planning and a deeper experience of East Izu's beauty.