RENT & RIDE JAPANIzu Peninsula (Shizuoka)
Izu Coastal Seafood Tour: A 2-Day Round-Trip Along the Peninsula's Best Shores
A two-day round-trip from Hachioji circling the Izu Peninsula's coastline—fresh seafood bowls at Numazu Port, dramatic cliffs at Jogasaki and Cape Irozaki, and the blue caves of Dogashima.
- DISTANCE
- 360 km
- DURATION
- 18 h
- LEVEL
- Intermediate
Wedged between the Pacific Ocean and Suruga Bay, the Izu Peninsula is a collection of scenic roads where mountains tumble straight into a deeply indented, rias-style coastline. On this two-day loop you'll leave Tashilog Garage, feast on seafood at Numazu Port—where the catch of Japan's deepest bay comes ashore—then ride the east coast past Jogasaki to Cape Irozaki at the peninsula's southern tip, overnighting in Shimoda. Day two explores the west coast's Dogashima before the return ride.
Highlights
- Numazu Port: a paradise of seafood bowls and dried fish, fresh off the boats of Suruga Bay.
- Jogasaki Coast: lava-formed cliffs and the thrilling Kadowaki Suspension Bridge.
- Cape Irozaki: the southernmost tip of Izu, with 100-meter cliffs and a white lighthouse over the open sea.
- Dogashima: the west coast's premier scenery, famed for the "Blue Cave" of Tensodo and the tombolo phenomenon.
Riding Tips
Routes 135, 136 and Pref. Road 16 have many curves and elevation changes with plenty of rental cars about, so keep a safe distance and ride at a relaxed pace while enjoying the coastal views.
- Day 1
- 1START
Tashilog Garage
Start point in Hachioji. Head to Numazu via the Tomei / Shin-Tomei Expressway.
TIPSFill up and check tire pressure before departure. An early start lets you catch Numazu Port's morning bustle.
- 2FOOD~75 min
Numazu Port
A fishing port at the western gateway to Izu, with over 70 restaurants and shops—a mecca for seafood lovers.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsFamous for seafood bowls from Japan's deepest bay and top-ranked dried horse mackerel. The Byuo viewing gate and Deep Sea Aquarium are nearby.
- 3VIEW~60 min
Jogasaki Coast (Kadowaki Suspension Bridge)
A roughly 9 km cliff coast in Ito City, with the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge and lighthouse as highlights.
HISTORYThe cliffs were formed by lava from the eruption of Mt. Omuro some 4,000 years ago, eroded by the sea. It is a key geosite of the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsThe 48 m-long, 23 m-high suspension bridge is thrilling. The lighthouse observation deck offers views of the Izu Islands and Amagi range. Allow about an hour to walk.
- 4VIEW~50 min
Cape Irozaki
The southernmost cape of the Izu Peninsula, where 100-meter cliffs born of an ancient undersea volcano line one of South Izu's finest viewpoints.
HISTORYAt the tip stand a lighthouse and the Irou and Kumano shrines, with sweeping Pacific Ocean views from atop the cliffs.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsWalk the trail from Irozaki Ocean Park out to the lighthouse. It's often windy, so watch your footing.
- 5VIEW~30 min
Yumigahama Beach
South Izu's iconic bow-shaped white sand beach, an easy stop on the way back from Cape Irozaki.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsA gentle, curving beach perfect for a short break. Stroll along the pine grove and enjoy the sea breeze.
- 6SPOT~720 min
Shimoda (Overnight)
The historic port town where Commodore Perry arrived, opening Japan to the world. Tonight's lodging.
HISTORYIn 1854 Perry's fleet arrived and Shimoda was opened under the Treaty of Kanagawa. Perry Road and the Shimoda Black Ship Museum preserve this history of Japan's opening.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsStay at a hot spring inn near Shimoda. For dinner, try Izu specialties like simmered kinmedai (golden eye snapper). Rest early for day two.
- Day 2
- 7VIEW~40 min
Ryugu Cave (Ryugukutsu)
A sea cave in Shimoda whose collapsed ceiling forms a heart shape when seen from above—a popular power spot.
HISTORYWave erosion carved this cave, whose collapsed ceiling opens like a skylight—one of Shimoda's most photogenic natural formations.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsAn easy first stop on day two. Walk the upper trail to look down on the heart-shaped beach.
- 8VIEW~25 min
Yuhigaoka Viewpoint (Margaret Line)
A viewpoint along the Margaret Line (Route 136), overlooking Suruga Bay and the Hagachizaki coast.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsThe grounds feature whimsical "Five Monkeys" statues. A great rest stop midway along the west-coast winding road.
- 9VIEW~70 min
Dogashima (Tensodo Cave)
The west coast's premier scenic spot, known for the "Blue Cave" of Tensodo and the tombolo phenomenon at Sanshiro Islands.
HISTORYTensodo is a roughly 147-meter sea cave of white tuff, designated a National Natural Monument in 1935. Light streams in through a collapsed "skylight" in the ceiling.
TIPSOpen in Google MapsTake the cave-tour sightseeing boat to Tensodo (about 20 min). At low tide, walk across to Sanshiro Islands via the tombolo. Sunsets over Suruga Bay are stunning.
- 10VIEW~35 min
Koibito Misaki (Lovers' Cape)
A west-coast cape on a headland with views of Mt. Fuji across Suruga Bay, famous for its "Bell of Love."
TIPSOpen in Google MapsOn clear days the observation deck frames Mt. Fuji across the bay. Enjoy this last seaside view before the ride home.
- 11GOAL
Tashilog Garage
Return to Hachioji, riding back via the West Izu Skyline and Izu-Jukan Expressway.
TIPSLeave before late afternoon to avoid traffic. Keep any dried-fish souvenirs cool for the ride home.