One of the nicest times to visit the Izu Peninsula is spring time when the climate is warm and pleasant without the ridiculous heat and humidity of the summer months. Coastal areas in particular make for good trips from our base in Ito and this post features three different places I explored on our most recent travels in this wonderful part of Shizuoka Prefecture.

First up is the bay just to the north of Kawana Beach. Earlier this month, I headed out by myself one afternoon to see a shrine I’d come across on Google maps by complete accident. From Kawana station, it is a 20 minute walk downhill to Kawana Beach which itself is rarely visited by any tourists. Following the coastal road for another 10 minutes takes you past some good viewing spots and eventually onto Ubako Shrine which is very much hidden away.

Torii gates are usually a red-orange colour but this one is a very unique yellow one that is starting to disappear amongst the surrounding vegetation.

A short trek through the overgrowth takes you to the main shrine located beneath the cliff.

My maps app said it was just 15 more minutes on foot north to Shiofuki Park so I continued on as was always my plan. Every now and again, there was a gap in the overgrown roadside greenery and I could see some nice ocean views.

However, what I didn’t know was that there was a single road tunnel to get through. Not even cars can pass in this tunnel and there is no path at the side to walk along.

Four years ago I went to Shiofuki with my wife and her dad but we only went down to the ocean which was very nice. As we were leaving and going back to the car, I noticed there was some kind of trail heading up the little mountain. I knew I had to return and investigate it one day but didn’t have the time, energy, willpower etc to visit it on subsequent trips to Izu. I wouldn’t be denied this time though and on my arrival I darted  up the steps which zig-zag their way up this modest-sized mountain.

The wooden Ogiyama Observation Deck structure was my destination.

It only took me five minutes on foot to get there and more lovely views were the reward for all my sweating.

After that I quickly descended the steep slope which leads you to to the Shiofuki Observation Point on the Sagami Sea. The waves were much calmer on this occasion but when the tide comes in, the waves hit the rocks and the water entering the cave holes is then spurted out the other side. It’s quite the sight!

Teishi-jima is an island I’ve seen from distance many times when in Izu but this view from just across the water was the closest I’ve been to it. My swimming skills aren’t the greatest but I reckon even I could make it across to that island without drowning!

Back at Kawana Beach, the late afternoon weather was still pretty good and it was nice to actually see some people playing on the gravelly-sand beach. I think I’ve only ever been to this local area out of season so have never seen it looking so good!

A couple of days prior to that I went to Numazu but as I had to transit in Atami I decided to take a little detour to the sea. The harbour was very reminiscent of mediterranean Europe (in my mind!) and Atami-jo Castle could be seen in the hills beyond that.

My main destination in this area was Atami Sun Beach which I had only ever been to for a brief stop. It has to be said that it was more impressive than I remember!

The beach is fringed by palm trees and it can look quite exotic from the right vantage points thanks to the clear blue sky and white sand.

Jacaranda promenade runs parallel to the beach and made for a pleasant wander without getting any sand in my socks and trainers!

It is perhaps fitting that the coastal trip in between those visits to Atami and Kawana was Ajiro which is actually located in the middle of them. I’ve already written a post about this place which I went to with my wife and dog early one morning for the first time. Ajiro was where the recent, critcially acclaimed TV series ‘Shogun‘ was set with filming actually taking place in Canada!

The views on the coast were quite beautiful and I put that down to the fact that if the sun is shining then such areas usually look good thanks to the contrasting colours of the sky, sea and vegetation.

Click here to read ‘Is It Worth Visiting The Japanese Fishing Village Which Was The Setting For The TV Series Shogun?’

Click here to read ‘Visiting All Of The Beaches On The North-Eastern Coast Of Izu’

Click here to read ‘The Outdoor Hot Spring Baths In Izu With An Access Point More Like A Bond Villain’s Lair!’

Click here to read ‘The Sea Cave In Shizuoka That Sprays Seawater Several Metres Into The Air‘