Weekend Diving Escape in Izu Peninsula
If you are a diver, you’ll want to explore every water within your reach, even if it’s not world-renowned. At least that’s why I went on a dive trip to Izu.
September 17, 2016
Area: Shizuoka｜Taiken Japan
ALL 253Ishikawa 14Shizuoka 34Gifu 57Nagano 44Toyama 5Niigata 22Yamanashi 26Aichi 56Fukui 1
Ryugashi Cave - Hamamatsu
Ryugashi-Do is an hour’s bus ride from Hamamatsu. It was opened to the public in 1983, after explorers widened the cracks in the limestone to allow access and cleared away rubble. The length of the cave is about 1000 metres but only around 400 metres are developed and accessible to tourists. The stalagmites and stalactites at Ryugashido have been given whimsical names and are artfully lit so they appear resemble real things.
September 4, 2016
Mt. Fuji: A Hike ANYONE Can Do
"Should I Climb Mount Fuji?" Answer that question here.
August 1, 2016
Nirayama Furnace: Where the Industrial Revolution Gained Heat
There are 19 sites registered as a World Heritage throughout Japan as of May 2016, with some Meiji Industrial Revolution sites recently registered in 2015 including the Nirayama Hansharo reverberatory furnace. Nirayama Hansharo is one of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining registered by UNESCO, together with the sites in Kyushu, Yamaguchi and Iwate.
June 15, 2016
Niijima Island: A Perfect Escape From City Life
After moving to Tokyo and experiencing the hustle and bustle of Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Harajuku I was searching for a place to escape the crowded and fast-paced streets. I wanted to see a different side of Japan. A more quiet and peaceful part of the country. When I asked a Japanese friend, he suggested going to Niijima, a small island off of the coast of Izu.
June 15, 2016
Botanical Garden: Hamamatsu Flower Park
The botanical garden at Hamamatsu is primarily for flowers and plant-viewing, but the garden management authorities have endeavoured to recreate the gardens into a haven for visitors with some quirky plant-displays, a play area, entertainment and restaurants — all designed to appeal to families and groups. This makes it an interesting day out for people of all ages.
May 28, 2016
Yuru-Kyara Invasion!
Anyone visiting Japan cannot help but notice the colourful characters used to promote or identify everything from businesses and products, to services and regions.
May 25, 2016
Japan's longest Suspension Bridge: Mishima Skywalk
Whether you are a daredevil or not, Mishima Skywalk in Shizuoka provides spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Suruga Bay. Should you go, a good time to visit the Mishima Skywalk is shortly before closing where the pedestrian footfall is low and the views of the multi-Hurd sunset are the best!
April 27, 2016
Experiential Tourism – Working on a Shiitake Farm
Japan’s tourism is booming with rapidly growing numbers of overseas visitors. Part of the new wave is Experiential Tourism. This means rolling up one’s sleeves and working in some traditional area to really get to grips with grass roots Japan.
April 18, 2016
Rock Climbing at Jogasaki on the Izu Peninsula
Izu Peninsula is a relatively small landmass that juts out into the Pacific. It is a spectacularly beautiful and incredibly rugged landscape. Due to its tumultuous formation the area is rife with hot springs and a lot of rock formations. The coastline is covered in rock outcroppings, some are hundreds of meters tall, while others are much shorter. Some of the best rock in Izu Peninsula though can be found at Jogasaki, and because of this rock climbers flock from around the country to climb here.
April 8, 2016
Shuzen-ji, an Inspirational Temple
Let’s not forget to visit the temple after the hot spring (onsen) in Shuzen-ji.
March 8, 2016
Izu’s Ebisu-jima Island: The Natural Side of Shimoda’s History
The quiet, historic town of Shimoda, tucked into the mountains along the southeast coast of Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula, is best known for its connection to Admiral Perry and his American Black Ships. But while there is no shortage of man-made interest here in this tiny port town, the rugged beauty of the rocky coast is what stands out to many who come.
January 20, 2016
Gorgeous Lakes in Japan
Do you ever go to any lakes in your own country? Many people prefer to go to the beach or to go hiking rather than to go to a lake. Summer should be beach, isn’t it? I also had the same thinking before, until I discovered these gorgeous lakes that Japan has. So, let’s learn more about the lakes in Japan that will make you want to see them for real!
NatureAttractionsShigaKanagawaYamanashiShizuoka
January 13, 2016
Izu's Furry Little Flying Friends
Izu is a popular escape for Tokyoites keen to see a bit of greenery within a comfortable day trip. But spend a few hours here and you will also become aware of the wildlife dimension to this natural paradise. Insects abound, and some of them are not so small!
November 27, 2015
Kawazu Seven Waterfalls
A place to escape the heat of the city or a chance to walk through some pleasant scenery, the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls makes a memorable trip. Although a distance from Tokyo they are an easy side trip during a stay on the Izu Peninsula.
November 13, 2015
Walking On An Alien Planet, Izu Cactus Park
A little way down Izu Peninsula’s scenic east coast, near Ito City, you will find Cactus Park, Shaboten Koen. Originally set up over half a century ago, cactii that had been used for research at a Tokyo University were planted out at the Park. Large glass pyramids connected by walk-through underground tunnels were an innovative design to house the tropical Central American plants.
October 23, 2015
Shimoda
It’s 1854. US Admiral Perry’s fleet of Black Ships have returned to Japan to claim their prize – opening up of Shimoda Port for international trade. Just the previous year Perry had steamed into Tokyo Bay demanding at cannon-point that Japan open up, breaking 3 centuries of isolation of the Japanese capital from the outside world.
September 30, 2015
Kinomiya Shrine in Atami
2,000 years ago an unassuming camphor seedling started life at a spot now occupied by Kinomiya Shrine, in Atami. Did it germinate there naturally or was it planted?
September 25, 2015
