Izu Peninsula
Private Day Tour

February through March, the Kawazu River valley erupts in Japan's earliest and most distinctive cherry blossoms — a deep pink variety unique to this region. Yellow rape flowers frame the pink trees along the riverbanks.

The combination of deep pink cherry blossoms and bright yellow nanohana (rape flowers) at Kawazu is Izu's signature spring image. Peak colour typically runs from mid-February through early March.

The dramatic lava cliff coastline at Jogasaki comes alive with coastal wildflowers in spring. The suspension bridge walk over the sea with blooming hillsides is one of Izu's most memorable spring experiences.

Shimoda's Black Ship Festival in May commemorates Commodore Perry's 1853 arrival. The historic port town is at its most festive, with the old merchant district lanes at their most colourful.

The dramatic volcanic coastline is at its most vivid in summer — green cliffs plunging into deep blue sea, the suspension bridge swaying gently over the Pacific. An unforgettable walk.

Shimoda has some of Izu's cleanest beaches. Shirahama Beach's white sand and clear water are a world apart from Tokyo. Summer brings beach atmosphere to this otherwise quiet historic port town.

Shimoda's working fishing port is at its most active in summer. Fresh tuna, sea bream, and local catch arrive daily — lunch at a portside restaurant in August is Izu at its best.

Several operators along the Jogasaki Coast and Shimoda Bay offer sea kayaking through the volcanic sea caves — a spectacular way to see the lava formations from water level.

Autumn brings brilliant orange persimmons and mikan (mandarin orange) to coastal villages. Many farms open for picking in October — a uniquely Japanese autumn harvest experience.

September through November the summer crowds clear completely. The coastal roads are almost empty, the air crisp, and every stop feels private. Izu at its most unhurried.

October and November offer the clearest air of the year on the Izu Peninsula. Suruga Bay views of Mt. Fuji across the water are most reliable in autumn — the mountain appears to float above the sea.

Roadside mikan (mandarin) farms along the west coast of Izu open for pick-your-own visits in October. Coastal Nishiizu farms have the sweetest fruit and best sea views.

Izu's mountain wasabi farms are open year-round, but winter is the best season — cold, clear mountain water flowing through the growing channels, the farms quiet and uncrowded.

Ito and Atami are Japan's most historic hot spring towns. Day-use onsen bath facilities available at several ryokan — perfect for warming up on a winter coastal drive.

Winter air over Suruga Bay is Japan's clearest. The snow-capped summit of Mt. Fuji floating above a flat blue sea — as seen from the western Izu coast — is one of Japan's most iconic winter views.

Winter is the quietest season on Izu. Roads that are gridlocked in cherry blossom season are virtually empty. The coastal villages feel authentic and local — no tour buses, no crowds.