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Izu Peninsula Geopark: Enjoy Scenic Ocean Views and Local Treats
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The Izu Peninsula Geopark is famous for its natural vistas that offer visitors the chance to hike or cycle along the region's pristine coastline. Read on for a sample itinerary that will let you enjoy a day by the ocean, orange picking, and more, all as a day trip in Higashiizu from Tokyo.
Visit the Beautiful Coast of Higashiizu
Izu is a small, rocky peninsula that stretches out from the main island of Japan. Two and a half hours south of Tokyo, the region is home to countless hiking trails and panoramic ocean views. In this article, we'll introduce a day trip itinerary to Inatori Onsen in Higashiizu that includes a visit to the scenic Hosono Plateau and a mikan orange picking experience.
This trip takes advantage of a new rental bicycle program from the Higashiizu-cho Tourism Association, letting visitors take in the ocean views at their own pace on a motor assisted e-bike!
9:00 - 11:32 -- Travel to Inatori Onsen by Izu Odoriko
Getting to Inatori Onsen from Tokyo is simple; just pick up a ticket for the JR Izu Odoriko (English) limited express train at Tokyo Station. This line runs directly to Izu-Inatori Station, a two and a half hour trip from Tokyo Station.
Be sure to keep an eye out the window, as nearly the whole trip south from Tokyo offers spectacular views of the Izu coastline.
11:35 - 11:50 -- Pick up a Bento Lunch from Izu Inatori Station
While Inatori Onsen has plenty of great local restaurants to enjoy, our day of cycling means setting out from the station as soon as we arrive. Consider picking up a hand-packed lunch from one of the local supermarkets.
With lunch in hand, head down the hill east of the station for a 5 to 10 minute walk to the ocean, and the Higashiizu-cho Tourism Association!
12:00 -- Rent a Bike at the Higashiizu-cho Tourism Association
At the Higashiizu-cho Tourism Association, which is located within Higashiizu City Hall, you'll find guides to the local area, maps, and rental bicycles! These motorized e-bikes make getting around the hilly terrain of Higashiizu a lot easier.
Just fill out a quick form and you're good to go! An all day rental costs 2,000 yen, and hourly rates are also available for shorter trips.
12:00 - 13:00 -- Cycle to Hosono Plateau
Our first destination is Hosono Plateau. It's about 8 kilometers from the Tourist Association, with the first half of the ride offering spectacular ocean views, and the second a lovely journey through the emerald shade of mountain foliage.
While the road to the plateau is only 8 kilometers, plan to take about an hour to reach the top; the path up is quite steep, even with the help of an e-bike. Don't be afraid to take a short break and enjoy the scenery!
13:00 - 14:00 -- Exploring Hosono Plateau
The Izu Peninsula is famous for its geopark. These UNESCO-recognized sites are renowned for their natural vistas.
Once you reach the top of the paved trail and see Hosono Plateau stretching out before you, you'll be amazed by the sense of scale and open space the broad, grassy fields inspire.
To one side, you'll see a row of windmills turning lazily in the mountain breeze; to the other, you can look out and over the mountainside all the way to the ocean.
Take some time to explore the fields of gently swaying silver grass known as susuki in Japanese. This is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch! Once you've rested and recharged, it's time to head back down. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
14:00 - 14:20 - Ride Down to Futatsubori Farm
You'll find our next stop, Futatsubori Agricultural Experience Farm, at the base of the trail. In fact, it may look a bit familiar; we passed it on our way up to Hosono Plateau!
14:30 - 15:40 -- Mikan Orange Picking at Futatsubori Agricultural Experience Farm
This mountainside grove has been producing mikan oranges for more than one hundred years, and has been open to visitors for just over 50. For just 500 yen, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat orange picking experience. Futatsubori Agricultural Experience Farm grows fifteen varieties of orange, so visitors can pick their own oranges from late October all the way through May.
When we visited in November, sweet and easy to peel wase oranges were in season. One of the most popular varieties is the New Summer Orange, in season in April and May. These fruits have a truly refreshing fragrance and taste and look like extra-large lemons.
While you enjoy the oranges, be sure to snap a picture of the view from the grove! These hilly terraces are the perfect spot to gaze out at the sea.
Once you've had as much fresh fruit as you like, you can also fill up a souvenir bag to take back with you; this bag is paid by weight once you're finished picking.
New Summer Cider. Picture courtesy of Futatsubori Agricultural Experience Farm
On our way back, let's stop by the farm's new deck and cafe! With parfaits, freshly squeezed juice, and more, you're sure to find a favorite afternoon treat.
15:45 - 16:00 - Bike to Cape Kurone
Now it's time to head to our last scenic destination for the day! Hop back on your bike for a quick 10 to 15 minute ride to Cape Kurone. There are a few inclines between Futatsubori Farm and Cape Kurone, but turn on your e-bike motor and they're a breeze.
16:00 - 16:30 - See the Sunset from Cape Kurone
Another of Izu's famous geosites, Cape Kurone is one of the peninsula's most iconic locations. The sight of sapphire blue ocean waters foaming turquoise and bright white as they crash against the rocky shoreline is as spectacular as it is distinctive to Higashiizu.
Take a deep breath of the fresh sea air and find a spot to take the perfect photo of an ocean sunset over Cape Kurone!
16:30 - 16:45 -- Back to the Higashiizu-cho Tourist Association
After you've gotten your perfect souvenir photo, let's head back to the Higashiizu-cho Tourism Association and return our e-bikes. Just head downhill and back to the main road, and you'll find yourself there after a 10-minute ride along the coast.
After 17:00 - Return to Tokyo
Higashiizu is famous across Japan for its delicious local fish; if you want to spend a bit more time here before heading back to Tokyo, there are plenty of great restaurants to stop by for dinner.
When you get back to the station, be careful of the time! You may want to check the train schedules in advance, as you won't be able to get an express ticket directly to Tokyo from Izu. Instead, take a train to Atami. From there, you can catch an express to Tokyo, or even transfer to the Shinkansen for a quick and comfortable ride back.
For more information on wonderful places in the Izu Peninsula Geopark, please visit the official website of Higashiizu.
Route Summary
Tokyo Station → Izu Iatori Station → Higashiizu-cho Tourism Association → Hosono Plateau → Futatsubori Agricultural Experience Farm → Cape Kurone → Higashiizu-cho Tourism Association→ Izu Inatori Station → Tokyo Station
Expenses
Transportation (roundtrip): 9,140 yen
Bicycle rental: 2,000 yen
Mikan picking experience: 500 yen
The writer visited these facilities on November 2, 2021.
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