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Izu Images 24 images Created 18 May 2009

The Izu peninsula or Izu-hanto as it is known in Japanese, is a large mountainous peninsula with deeply indented coasts west of Tokyo. Sitting precariously on top of various tectonic earthquake plates, Izu is prone to frequent quakes. The upside of its geology is that there are abundant hot springs all around the peninsula and the Izu 7 Islands.
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  • Shikinejima Port, Izu Islands - Shikinejima or Shikine Island is one of the most popular of the Izu islands chain for its hot springs, slow island life and ocean views.
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  • Cruising the Izu Islands on one of the many ferries that ply these waters from either Tokyo or Shimoda. Off in the background is Niijima, one of the more popular of the islands for its beaches and powerful surf.
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  • Sanyo-so Japanese garden, designed by renowned Kyoto craftsman Jihei Ogawa beautifully reflects four seasons: weeping cherry trees in spring, iris in summer, maple in autumn, as well as Japanese plum in winter. The garden permeates the vast ryokan compound from the original Azumaya building  which is the best place to view the entire garden. The  buildings all reflect traditional Japanese building methods designed by famed architect Togo Murano.
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  • Dogashima Onsen Outdoor Bath, Izu Hot spring or onsen bathing is a popular form of entertainment and relaxation for the Japanese.
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  • Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese dinner served in a series of courses. Kaiseki draws on a number of traditional Japanese haute cuisines, especially the traditions of imperial court cuisine or yusoku-ryori and samurai cuisine honzen ryori.  Kaiser also draws its more austere influences from Buddhist cuisine shojin ryorui, and tea ceremony cuisine cha kaiseki.  These individual cuisines have been incorporated into modern kaiseki - an art form that balances taste, appearance, texture and colors.  Only fresh seasonal and usually local ingredients are used and are prepared so as to enhance their flavor.  Dishes are presented on ceramics and garnishes chosen to enhance the season and the appearance of the meal.
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  • Niji-no-Sato Japanese garden, makes use of nature and surrounding land forms with an abundance of trees and flowers blooming in season, surrounded by a pond on which is a wooden Japanese arched bridge.
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  • Wasabi, sometimes called Japanese horseradish Eutrema japonicum is a plant of the Brassicaceae family, which includes mustard and horseradish. Wasabi stems are used as a condiment with a strong pungent flavor.   The plant grows naturally along mountain streams in Japan.  Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture is one of the main producers of wasabi in Japan.
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  • Niijima Moai - Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city - or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
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  • Inatori Fishing Port, Izu - Fresh fish is an important form of food for the Japanese, who consume it nearly every day. Izu supplies much of the fresh fish and seafood for Shizuoka prefecture.
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  • Japanese Fertility Shrine, Dontsuku Shrine, Izu - In spite of all its rules and propriety, Japan has a quirky side. If you’re into that kind of stuff, head to the Dontsuku Festival, a celebration of fertility.<br />
The Dontsuku Shrine in Higashi Izu, Shizuoka, hosts a fertility festival in the hot spring town of Inatori. The festival dates back more than 2,000 years.
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  • Tomari Beach, Shikinejima - The northern corner of Shikinejima Island is where the stunning Tomari Beach is found. This quiet fan-shaped inlet has shallow waters, making it the ideal place swimmers.
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  • A walking trail starting from the Tsumeki lighthouse, winds along the shoreline along Cape Suzaki which extends around Shimoda, the first port in Japan to open itself to the rest of the world.
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  • Sawada Park Onsen Outdoor Bath, a famous outdoor hot spring or rotemburo as they are known in Japan.  Though Sawada is small, its magnificent view over the Pacific Ocean makes up for its small size. Hot spring or onsen bathing is a popular form of entertainment and relaxation for the Japanese.
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  • Komatsu Onsen Rotemburo, Outdoor Bath.  The Izu Peninsula is one of the most active volcanic regions of Japan, in the vicinity of Mt Fuji and frequent tremors, but also a great spot for numerous hot springs. Hot spring or onsen bathing is a popular form of entertainment and relaxation for the Japanese.
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  • Matsuzaki Edo Period Doors, A striking feature of Matsuzaki is its namako-kabe walls - a crisscross plasterwork design in gray and white used to decorate walls. The appealing harlequin patterns also fortify buildings against the typhoons that lash the peninsula from its two coasts.
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  • Ashitsuki Hot Springs on Shikinejima island. These hot springs are free of charge, but the temperature changes radically throughout the day depending on the tides as the water seeps in from the ocean. These springs are famous throughout Japan for their healing properties. Hot spring or onsen bathing is a popular form of entertainment and relaxation for the Japanese.
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  • Oshima Tidepools, Izu Islands - Izu Oshima - identified by the word Izu as many islands in Japan are known as "Oshima" is known for its hot springs and beaches. Izu Oshima is also known for its camellia flowers - seen almost everywhere during January.
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  • Japanese Fishmonger Ito, Izu - Fresh fish is an important form of food for the Japanese, who consume it nearly every day. Izu is a big source of seafood for Shizuoka.
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  • Yugashima Autumn Trail near Shuzenji, Izu - Shuzenji’s unique history has inspired travelers and Japanese writers alike and listed as one of the 100 Best Hot Springs in the country
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  • Japanese Footbath in Atami, Izu - Foot baths are all the rage in Japan, often in front of railway stations in hot spring towns to give tired travelers a rest from their arduous sightseeing schedules. Hot spring or onsen bathing is a popular form of entertainment and relaxation for the Japanese.
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  • Gokurakuen Afterlife Hell - The concept of hell leaves little to the imagination in Buddhism.  Detailed punishments are clearly proscribed for the wrongdoings done in this life. Izu Gokurakuen, a macabre hell museum, reveals the fates of those punished in its galleries showing hell according to the Ojoyoshu, complete with blood dripping models burnt alive. The people who created the place live next door and divide their time between daily routines and educating visitors about the afterlife.  Before roaming the horrific displays, staff gives a talk on Buddhist Hell (in Japanese only).
    gokurakuen-3.jpg
  • Canadian village at Niji-no-Sato  was modeled on Nelson City, Canada, a sister city of Izu City. Situated near a lake and offers  nature, teddy bears, and a kaleidoscope museum.
    niji-no-sato-canadian-3.jpg
  • Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace "Nirayama Hansharo” was once an iron smelting facility in Izu, Shizuoka. The furnace represents the beginnings of modern iron production in Japan. The furnace received world heritage status in summer 2015 among other sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution which include Miyanohara Coal Mine, Nagasaki Shipyards, Miike Coal Mines, and others.  Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace represented the most advanced technology of the time, and iron produced there was cast into cannons.
    nirayama-reverberatory-1.jpg
  • Shuzenji Bamboo Forest - Chikurin No Komichi in Shuzenji is a path that follows the Katura River - contrasts between the bamboo  stretching to the blue sky and the red bridges is what makes Shuzenji Onsen special. Shuzenji Onsen is one of the  most famous onsen towns in Japan located on the Izu Peninsula. Shuzenji attracts visitors with its attractive hilly setting and history.
    shuzenji-bamboo-4.jpg