Welcome to Izu-Kogen, Japan’s Hidden Secret (+ 6 Key Attractions!)
It has one of only nine designated UNESCO Global Geoparks in Japan
If you’ve never heard of Izu-Kogen, it’s because it’s Japan’s best-kept secret. It’s popular amongst the locals, especially Tokyoites, since it’s just two hours away from Tokyo Metropolis. Located in Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka Prefecture), it boasts many natural scenic spots, including hot springs, beaches and sea cliffs.
The Peninsula is also one of the only nine designated UNESCO Global Geoparks, which means there’s geological significance in the region. With preservation and sustainability top of mind, everywhere you see will be the best nature has to offer.
Even getting to Izu-Kogen is a scenic journey, as you’ll be riding along the coast of Japan. As you hop on any of the direct trains from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, through the railway line from Atami to Shimoda, you’ll be greeted with panoramas of the sea and volcanic mountains.
While Izu-Kogen may not boast the nightlife Tokyo has, it does offer more nature and tranquillity, perfect for a getaway from the city. Here are the best spots and must-dos at Izu-Kogen!
6 Key Attractions at Izu-Kogen
From the various resorts to nature sightseeing spots, there are plenty of must-sees here at Izu-Kogen. We’ve narrowed down the list to 6 places for you:
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
The festival celebrates the flowering of the Kawazu Cherry Trees, Kawazuzakura, held yearly from early February to early March. Unlike other cherry trees, Kawazuzakura blossoms at a much slower pace, giving visitors ample time to witness the rows and rows of cherry pink.
What’s more fascinating is that Kawazuzakura is unique to Izu-Kogen and can only be found in the region, attracting around two million visitors per year!
Mount Omuro
Mount Omoro is one of the most distinct hills at Izu-Kogen due to its shape — it has an impact crater, left by the last eruption.
Now, it’s an extinct volcano, and visitors can take a chair lift up to the top and take a walk around the crater. As you’re on the top of Izu-Kogen, you’ll not only get an unobstructed view of the town, but also the Pacific Ocean, Izu-Oshima Island, and even Mt. Fuji.
Jogasaki Coast
The lava from Mount Omuro created a unique pathway called Jogasaki Coast. The 9km coast is now a popular hiking trail, consisting of two popular suspension bridges that overlook the sea, Kadowakitsuri Bridge and Hanshiro Otoshi Suspension Bridge. Along the pathway, visitors can enjoy views of tide pools, unique rock formations, wild hydrangeas — a magnificent ecosystem that the Japanese government is preserving.
Here, there are signs everywhere (in both Japanese and English), where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the coast.
Various museums
Another key trait of Izu-Kogen: museums. In Izukogen, you’ll find various museums sprouted across the city, each more quirky than the next. Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll likely find something up your alley; there’s the Izu Wax Doll Museum, Music Box Museum of Izu, Izu Teddy Bear Museum, Nosaka Automata Museum, and more!
Lake Ippeki
Just a few minutes drive from Izu-Kogen, you’ll find Lake Ippeki, a small crater lake reflecting the Amagi Mountains nearby.
The lake is a haven for nature enthusiasts, as it’s home to not only cherry trees, but also marine life such as carps, black basses and bluegills. It may not be a huge lake (it has a circumference of only 4km), but you can still get a slice of peace and tranquillity here.
Mark Izu-Kogen as your next destination
When you think of travelling to Japan, you think of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or the temples and shrines of Kyoto — but there’s a reason why the Japanese flock to Izu-Kogen for a getaway. Why not take a trip off the beaten path and discover this hidden gem in Japan?
