Izu Peninsula
A mountainous peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, known for hot spring towns, surf beaches and easy train access from Tokyo on the east coast.
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The Izu Peninsula is a mountainous peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, on the Pacific coast of Honshu, west of Tokyo. It juts about 50 km south into the ocean, with Sagami Bay on the east side and Suruga Bay on the west. Its volcanic past is why hot springs are so common, and Atami, Itō and Shuzenji are the best-known onsen towns. The peninsula is loosely split into four areas: East Izu, Naka-Izu, West Izu and South Izu.
Many people from the Kanto region use it as a weekend getaway. Beyond the hot springs, visitors go for sea bathing, surfing (mainly around Shimoda), scuba diving and golf. Wasabi is grown here, and fresh seafood is easy to find at the fishing ports. The Tōkaidō Shinkansen stops at Atami and Mishima, but the west coast has no train service at all, and buses run less often than trains. Check your transport before you pick a base.
Izu Peninsula in five
- Choose one base, not the whole loopIzu is a long peninsula with slow local transport. Pick Atami or Ito on the east coast, Shuzenji inland, or Shimoda at the tip, then day-trip from there.Tokyo hub
- Take the shinkansen to AtamiAtami is about 45–55 min from Tokyo Station by shinkansen, so it also works as a day trip. The Odoriko limited express runs on to Ito and Izukyu-Shimoda.
- Rent a car for the south and the coastBeaches and viewpoints away from the Izukyu line have infrequent buses. A rental car opens the south and the west coast, but fills up on holiday weekends.Best time to visit Japan
- Go in February for Kawazu blossomsKawazu cherry trees flower from early February into March, long before Tokyo's. The riverside gets crowded on weekends; go on a weekday morning.
- Add Hakone by rail from AtamiAtami and Odawara are one short JR ride apart, so Izu and Hakone combine in a three-day loop out of Tokyo.Hakone travel guide
Things to do in Izu Peninsula
See all attractions in Izu Peninsula
Need to know
- Getting there
- Shinkansen to Atami in 45–55 min; Odoriko on to Ito and Shimoda
- Getting around
- Izukyu line and buses; a rental car helps in the south
- Best base
- Atami for a quick stay, Ito or Shimoda for a longer one
- Time needed
- 1 day for Atami, 2–3 days for the east coast
- Lodging tax
- Atami ¥200 per person per night; check other towns Read more
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- JanuaryMild, camellias
- FebruaryKawazu blossoms
- MarchBlossom, mild
- AprilGreen, mild
- MayGolden Week
- JuneRainy season
- JulyBeach season
- AugustHot, beach crowds
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberClear, mild
- NovemberAutumn color
- DecemberCool, clear
Right now in Izu Peninsula
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
18
- Feels like
- 17°
- Humidity
- 69%
- Wind
- 13 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 4%
Izu Peninsula
05:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today20°19°4%Tuesday: Clear. High 20°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Wed19°17°62%Wednesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 62%.
- Thu21°15°94%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Fri24°17°22%Friday: Fog. High 24°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Sat17°13°35%Saturday: Drizzle. High 17°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Sun17°11°14%Sunday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 14%.
Updated 02:25 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- AprShingen-ko FestivalFuji Five Lakes, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Tokyo to Atamiabout 45–55 min by shinkansenSea views and a hot spring soak, back in Tokyo by evening.Read the guide
- Hakoneabout 15–30 min by train from Atami to OdawaraLake Ashi, Owakudani and onsen, one short JR ride away.Read the guide
- Mt Fujiabout 2–3 hours by train and busClear-day views from the Fuji Five Lakes side, best in winter.Read the guide
- Kamakuraabout 1.5–2 hours by trainTemples and the Great Buddha, reached on the way back to Tokyo.Read the guide
Before you go to Izu Peninsula
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Rules for Izu Peninsula, checked
- Atami City charges a lodging tax of ¥200 per person per night, paid at the accommodation. Children of elementary school age or younger are exempt.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
Plan around Izu Peninsula
Lake Ashi, Owakudani and onsen, one short ride from Atami.
Read the guideWhere to see Mt FujiClear-day viewpoints across the Fuji, Hakone and Izu area.
Read the guideIs the JR Pass worth itPrice the route before you buy any national pass.
Read the guideBest time to visit JapanBlossom, autumn color, rainy season and typhoon months.
Read the guideMoney in JapanATMs, cash at small inns and how to pay for onsen stays.
Read the guideBest eSIM for JapanData plans for trains, cities and the coast.
Read the guideIzu Peninsula FAQ
Is the Izu Peninsula worth visiting?
Yes, for onsen, the coast and early cherry blossoms. It is less polished than Hakone and less crowded. Go to Atami for a simple trip, or Shimoda for beaches and a quieter stay.
Can you visit Atami as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. The shinkansen takes about 45–55 minutes each way, and the sea and hot springs are within a short walk or taxi ride. Stay a night if you want the bath at your hotel and the quiet evening.
How many days do you need in Izu?
Two days and one night covers Atami and Ito. Add a second night for Shimoda or Shuzenji. The peninsula is long, and the southern loop takes longer than the map suggests.
Do you need a car on the Izu Peninsula?
Only if you want the west coast, remote beaches or viewpoints. The Izukyu line and buses cover the main east coast towns. A car does not help in Atami, where parking and steep streets slow you down.
When do the Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom?
Usually from early February to early March, weeks before Tokyo's cherry blossoms. Timing varies with the winter, so check the local forecast before you book a room.
Is Izu or Hakone better for a weekend from Tokyo?
Hakone, for a first trip with clear onsen and Fuji views on a loop. Izu, if you want the sea, less crowding and a cheaper room. The two combine well through Atami and Odawara.