The Izu Peninsula extends 60 kilometers south from the eastern side of Shizuoka Prefecture. It is about 40 kilometers wide from east to west, and its coastline measures 318 kilometers. Except for the Tagata Plain, mountainous terrain covers most of the peninsula. The character of Izu is shaped by both extensive mountain ranges and a long, highly varied coastline.

Amagi: Mountains, Forests and Wasabi

At 1,405 meters, Banzaburō is the highest peak in the Amagi Mountains and on the peninsula. Notable natural features along the ridge include viewpoints overlooking Mount Fuji, beech forests and Lake Hachō. Extensive beech forests cover the mountains; natural forests of Japanese stewartia and maple also grow here. Roads such as the Izu Skyline and hiking trails such as the Amagi Ridge Trail lead to the ridge area.

Wasabi cultivation also characterizes the central part of the peninsula around Mount Amagi. The quality, cultivated area and production volume are particularly high there. The Tatamiishi method, developed by Hirai Kumatarō in 1892, is used to grow wasabi in Amagi. It involves stacking stones. The method requires abundant water and enables the harvest of high-quality wasabi—a tangible connection between the landscape, water and local farming practices.

Coastal Landforms and Routes by the Water

Cape Irozaki lies at the southern tip of the peninsula. There, deeply indented sea cliffs shape the coastline; the cape is one of southern Izu’s outstanding geological formations. The Iro Shrine is built into the rock. The peninsula’s coastline is especially well suited to exploring by sea kayak.

In the northwest, the juniper grove at Ōsezaki is designated a national natural monument of Japan. Ōsezaki is also considered one of the best diving spots on the Izu Peninsula. Ōse Shrine is a sacred place for the fishermen of Suruga Bay. Since ancient times, fishermen have dedicated hand-carved model boats and votive drawings there. These works are considered among the 100 finest historical and cultural records of Japanese fishing villages.

The Odoriko Trail Road offers a different way to experience the landscape on foot: it leads over suspension bridges and wooden walkways to seven waterfalls known as Kawazu Nanadaru. Walking through the gorge lets visitors experience their changing beauty through the seasons. Mountain trails, coastal views and paths along the waterfalls thus offer different perspectives on the peninsula’s natural environment.

Discover the Geopark and History

The Izu Peninsula Geopark has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2018. More than 100 certified geoguides offer tours where visitors can learn about and experience the Geopark. Geoguided tours are available in all five areas of the peninsula and can be tailored to visitors’ interests. This makes it possible to discover geological diversity not only at a single coastal formation, but also in the context of Izu’s varied landscapes.

Historic sites are also part of the peninsula’s character. The Toi Gold Mine has been preserved as a historic site. Shimoda, a historic port town at Izu’s southern tip, is where the Black Ships led by Commodore Matthew Perry landed and initiated trade with the United States after Japan’s long period of isolation. Together with the Iro Shrine built into the rock and the records preserved at Ōse Shrine, these places reveal different aspects of Izu’s history and culture.

Discover more destinations: Izu, Sunto District.

Return to the main travel overview: Shizuoka Prefecture.