Izu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Izu City, the top choice is Izu Kōen Onsen Ryokan, nestled amidst lush mountains offering private outdoor baths overlooking the Izu Peninsula and distant views of Mount Fuji. Another standout is Shūzenji Onsen Hotel, renowned for its centuries-old public bathhouse and traditional tatami rooms, paired with fresh local seafood cuisine.

For a modern twist, Izu Peninsula Resort blends oceanfront infinity pools with Japanese gardens and smart-room technology. Located just 5 minutes from Shūzenji Temple, it’s ideal for travelers seeking both tranquility and cultural immersion in nature-rich surroundings.

The Shūzenji district is the most recommended area for lodging in Izu City, offering easy access to the Izu Express Line and home to one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts—Shūzenji Onsen. Surrounded by historic tea houses, Zen gardens, and centuries-old temples, it provides a serene atmosphere perfect for evening strolls along the Shūzenji River.

Izu Kōen is another favored destination, known for upscale resorts and rich biodiversity. Both areas are close to hiking trails like Ōmuro Mountain and scenic viewpoints at Tenshōzan, making them ideal bases for exploring Izu’s natural wonders.

In Izu City, experience the authentic Shūzenji Zen Tea Ceremony, led by master tea practitioners within a thousand-year-old temple, embodying the spirit of "ichi-go ichi-e" (one time, one meeting).

Join a hands-on Izu Pottery Workshop, crafting ceramics using volcanic ash glaze inspired by the region’s geology. Attend the annual Izu Gion Matsuri, featuring traditional kagura dances, lantern processions, and local food stalls that revive Edo-period customs.

For a spiritual journey, hike Ōmuro Mountain at dawn to witness the sunrise over Suruga Bay, creating a moment of profound connection with nature.

Savor Izu Black Pig, a prized local delicacy featured at Shūzenji Yakiniku House, where charcoal-grilled ribs melt in your mouth, enhanced by house-made plum wine.

At riverside fishing villages along the Izu River, sample freshly cooked Izu Trout Hot Pot, made with daily-caught fish, clear broth, and seasonal vegetables—perfectly balanced with wasabi and mountain greens.

Don’t miss Izu Matcha Mochi, crafted with premium matcha from local plantations—soft, sweet, and ideal as a souvenir or afternoon treat while exploring the hills.

Families will love Izu Land, a themed amusement park with rides, a children’s farm, and interactive nature workshops on volcanic geology. Kids can feed lambs, pick strawberries, and learn about Izu’s unique ecosystem.

The Ōmuro Mountain Family Hiking Trail offers gentle slopes and a star-gazing platform, where parents and children can identify constellations and spot fireflies near the Shūzenji River. Evening guided stargazing tours with telescopes provide unforgettable memories.

For a relaxed outing, visit the Forest Cabin Café with organic snacks and warm drinks, surrounded by trees and birdsong.

The highlight is Ōmuro Mountain, an active volcano rising to 1,000 meters, with panoramic views of Suruga Bay, the Izu Peninsula, and distant Mount Fuji from its summit observatory.

In spring, the slopes bloom with hydrangeas and azaleas, while summer brings glowing fireflies along the Shūzenji River—a magical sight. Winter occasionally sees snow, creating a rare "Snowy Izu" landscape.

Visit early morning to avoid crowds and watch the first sunlight bathe the peak, offering a powerful sense of peace and grandeur.

Couples should book a private outdoor onsen at Izu Kōen Onsen Ryokan, surrounded by bamboo groves and facing the valley, with candlelit dinners under the stars.

Enjoy a riverbank starlight dinner at a riverside wooden cabin, featuring a chef-curated kaiseki meal paired with live shakuhachi flute music for an intimate ambiance.

Walk hand-in-hand through the Tenshōzan Lantern Path, lighting up love-themed lanterns, then make a wish beneath the night sky—creating a timeless memory together.

Izu City is well-connected via the Izu Express Line, with direct express trains from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, taking around 2 hours to reach Izu-Kōgen Station. From there, buses serve all major attractions.

Local Izu City Tourist Bus runs daily routes covering Shūzenji, Ōmuro Mountain, and Izu Kōen, offering multi-day passes for convenience. Renting a car is also highly recommended—the Izu Peninsula Loop Road winds along the coast, allowing spontaneous stops at sea cliffs and hidden coves, especially ideal for exploring Tenshōzan and Sanbōzan volcanic sites.

Capture the iconic sunrise at Ōmuro Mountain Summit, where mist swirls below and sunlight breaks across the peaks—ideal for dramatic long-exposure shots.

Photographers love the bamboo forest path along Shūzenji River, where dappled light filters through tall stalks, creating ethereal patterns on stone paths—perfect for moody, artistic compositions.

During the Firefly Festival, the riverbanks glow with bioluminescent insects, enhanced by soft-lit installations—great for night photography using tripods. In autumn, hydrangea fields and temple reflections offer stunning contrast between color and stillness.

The Izu Gion Matsuri (July) stands out, reviving Edo-era traditions with kagura dances, drum performances, and a vibrant lantern procession illuminating the streets with handmade paper lights.

The Shūzenji Onsen Festival (autumn) features locals in yukata parading across ancient bridges to honor the hot spring deity, offering free samples of limited-edition onsen mochi and yuzu tea.

The Ōmuro Firefly Festival (late summer) transforms the Shūzenji River into a living constellation—paired with ambient music and light art installations, creating a dreamlike, immersive experience.