Izu's Coastal Charms

You pick up your hire car at Atami station in the early morning and your stay begins with a visit to one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, deep in a cave. The water gushes out at over 70 degrees. 

Not far from there, the Izusan-ji sanctuary, protected by two dragons, offers a lovely view of Sagami Bay. We then take you on a tour of the former home of a shipping magnate. The European-inspired architecture and the beauty of its landscaped gardens surprise and delight any visitors. 

After lunch in the centre of Atami, you can choose to climb up to the castle to enjoy a footbath and a lovely view. At continuing South, you can get even higher to enjoy the panoramic sea views from Mount Omuro. 

The rock formations of the Jogasaki coastline, formed by its eruption 4000 years ago, have carved incredible shapes. Nice place for a stroll before returning to your hotel and its hot water pool overlooking the sea. 

After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, head for the Kawazu waterfalls!  You can also go on a hike lasting around an hour to admire the seven waterfalls along the Odaru River.  

We recommend you take advantage of the baths surrounded by lush vegetation before continuing southwards to the town of Shimoda. The port of Shimoda was one of three ports opened to foreigners after more than 200 years of isolationism. 

A number of temples and museums recall that historical episode, notably the Ryosenji Museum. Take a stroll along Perry Road, a vestige of the Commodore's presence in the city. This street, which runs alongside the Hiraname River, lined with traditional houses and weeping willows. 

After lunch, we have selected our favourite beaches for you, short hikes to the Pacific capes and the discovery of a cave straight out of the animated film Porco Rosso. That evening, you'll enjoy the hospitality at a local inn, where the day's catch will be carefully cooked and warmly served.

Breakfast in your hotel. Head for the East of the peninsula. First stop is at the Ishibu rice fields with their panoramic view of the ocean. Please park in the parking lot before walking to the rice fields to avoid pollution.

You then stop off at a small coastal village where the strange walls will take you back to the days of the old samurai residences. 

After lunching on fresh fish and heading North by car, take advantage of a boat trip to admire the coast from the sea and the Tensodo, a designated national treasure that offers a unique spectacle where light streams in from the ceiling of the cave. 

A walk along the cliffs will take you to the lovers' bell, which you can ring twice to bring longevity to your love life. 

Finally, head back towards the centre of the island along a country lane to discover the wasabi fields, a green and soothing landscape in the Japanese countryside. Stop to contemplate a 25-metre-high waterfall in the middle of deep forests and return to your spa lodge.

Traditional breakfast in your ryokan. Head for Shuzenji, a town linked to the famous monk Kobo Daishi who lived in the 9th century. The founder of Mount Koya is said to have miraculously made the hot spring of Tokko-no-yu during his apprenticeship.

This spring was the very source of Shuzenji temple, which later gave its name to the locality. You can also enjoy the bamboo, cherry, maple and plum forests over rivers spanned by vermilion bridges.

These walks lead to the summit of Mount Daruma, which offers a view of the imposing Mount Fuji overlooking Suruga Bay. For lunch, we suggest an excellent restaurant specialising in river fish.

On the way to Atami, stop off to admire Mount Fuji from a terrace, a must-see view in the region. Back to the city and return your rental car before 5 PM. You will be able to reach your next destination by Shinkansen.