Things To Do
in Higashiizu
Higashiizu is a picturesque coastal town located in the Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan. Known for its scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and abundant hot springs, it is a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking along the rugged coastline or relaxing on the sandy beaches.
The town also offers delicious local seafood and cultural experiences, making it a charming destination for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Ito Orange Beach, enjoying the golden sands and refreshing waves. You can rent a beach chair and soak in the sun while sipping on a cold drink.
Head to Ito Marine Town for a delicious seafood lunch. Take a stroll along the seaside promenade and browse through local shops for unique souvenirs.
Enjoy a peaceful sunset on the beach, capturing the perfect Instagram shot. Dine at a beachfront restaurant, indulging in fresh sushi and local delicacies.
Visit the Izu Granpal Park for exciting outdoor activities like zip-lining or paddle boating. Don’t forget to take pictures of the beautiful flower gardens.
Have a picnic lunch in the park and enjoy the picturesque views. Explore the nearby hiking trails to experience stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Return to your hotel and relax with a soak in an onsen, allowing the warm mineral waters to refresh you. Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner for an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery with beautiful beaches and ocean views.
- Rich in natural hot springs, offering a relaxing experience.
- Abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and diving.
- Cultural experiences including traditional Japanese inns and local cuisine.
- Less crowded compared to other tourist destinations in Japan, providing a more peaceful environment.
- Limited public transportation options, making it difficult to navigate without a car.
- May have fewer amenities and services compared to larger cities.
- Seasonal weather can be unpredictable, affecting outdoor plans.
- Tourism may be less developed, potentially leading to fewer luxury accommodations.
- Some areas may not have English signage, making it challenging for non-Japanese speakers.
Best Activities in Higashiizu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience the stunning coastal views and dramatic cliffs along Jogasaki Coast. Walking along the scenic promenade offers breathtaking perspectives of the ocean and surrounding nature.
A unique outdoor experience that combines a botanical garden and a zoo. Visitors can enjoy interacting with animals like capybaras while exploring various cactus and succulent plants.
Rent a bicycle and explore the picturesque routes along the coastline and through the lush countryside of Izu Peninsula, perfect for enjoying the natural scenery.
A family-friendly park featuring spacious green areas, playgrounds, and trails for walking and jogging, ideal for a day out with kids and family.
Engage in various water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving to discover the rich marine life along the Izu coastline, known for its clear waters and vibrant ecosystem.
Hike up to the volcanic crater of Mount Omuro for panoramic views of the Izu Peninsula and surrounding areas. The gentle trails make it accessible for hikers of all levels.
An outdoor garden featuring tropical plants and alligators. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and learn about various species in a natural setting.
Walk across this scenic suspension bridge for stunning vistas of the surrounding nature and the ocean, making it a great photogenic spot.
Tours
Uncover the best of Higashiizu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Higashiizu
Visit one of these nice places.
A quaint hot spring town offering picturesque views of mountains and traditional ryokans, perfect for photography.
This unique zoo features beautiful displays of cacti and the stunning backdrop of the mountains, ideal for capturing wildlife and nature.
With its lush gardens and exotic plants, this location provides great opportunities for vibrant photos, along with alligators in a tropical setting.
An impressive suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the valley and coastline, creating great opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
Taking the ferry to Oshima Island provides the opportunity to photograph the beautiful coastline and the distant mountains.
This volcanic crater offers a breathtaking 360-degree view from the top, allowing for incredible photos of the surrounding area.
A seaside location known for its dramatic rocky coastline, perfect for capturing the raw beauty of nature.
A serene beach known for its beautiful sunsets, providing a romantic setting for stunning seaside photographs.
Food in Higashiizu
Higashiizu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly sliced tuna sashimi is a must-try in Higashiizu. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate flavor make it a local favorite. Recommended at local seafood restaurants such as Maguro Tei or Kaiten Sushi Tuna Kobo.
Must-Try!
Higashiizu is renowned for its spiny lobster, known as 'Iseebi,' which is often prepared in various ways, such as grilled, steamed, or in hot pots. Try this delectable local specialty at Izakaya Tsukiji or Kaikobo.
The region is famous for its high-quality wasabi, often used in sashimi, sushi, and other traditional dishes. Experience the unique pungency of Higashiizu's wasabi at Wasabi Farm or Wasabiya.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Higashiizu better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide variety of fresh local produce, seafood, and artisanal goods. Visitors can also indulge in street food like grilled seafood skewers, takoyaki, and freshly made tempura.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Higashiizu, as in the rest of Japan, politeness is paramount. Be sure to use honorific language and bow slightly when greeting someone. Using proper titles and addressing people respectfully is important in building relationships.
It is customary to remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional inns (ryokan), and some temples. Be prepared to follow this norm by wearing clean socks or indoor slippers provided by your host.
Maintain a low voice and avoid disruptive behavior in public places, such as restaurants or public transport. It is also considered impolite to speak on the phone in these environments. Instead, engage in quiet conversations and be mindful of your surroundings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Higashiizu with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Higashiizu
Ensure a smooth experience
In Higashiizu, as in much of Japan, tipping is not customary and can even be considered rude. Service charges are typically included in the bill, and exceptional service is expected as a standard. Instead of tipping, patrons may express gratitude verbally or leave behind a small token of appreciation in a designated manner.
Payments in Higashiizu are usually made in cash, although credit and debit cards are becoming more accepted in restaurants and shops. Many establishments still rely heavily on cash transactions, and it is advisable for visitors to carry yen. Additionally, mobile payment options are gaining popularity, but it is best to check in advance if a specific technology is accepted.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Higashiizu.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Higashiizu, as the cherry blossoms bloom, creating picturesque landscapes. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. However, this season offers beautiful beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. Expect local festivals and fresh seafood, but be prepared for occasional rain.
Autumn (September to November) is another excellent time to visit, with cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. The serene landscape is perfect for enjoying nature walks, and the region's hot springs are particularly inviting during this season.
Winter (December to February) in Higashiizu is mild compared to other parts of Japan, with occasional snowfall in the mountains. This season is less crowded, allowing for a peaceful experience. Visitors can enjoy hot springs and winter scenery, especially in areas like Iritono-yu.
Higashiizu at Night
Hiking in Higashiizu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful coastal park offering a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
An extinct volcano with a gentle hike to the summit offering panoramic views of the Izu Peninsula and surrounding area.
A scenic trail that provides access to several viewpoints and nearby valleys, ideal for both casual hikers and more experienced trekkers.
A trail that winds through lush forests and offers opportunities to see local wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
While primarily a garden, there are walking paths that allow for light hiking while enjoying the unique tropical plants and animals.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Higashiizu through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Higashiizu by plane.
Located approximately 140 km from Higashiizu, it is one of the two primary airports serving Tokyo and handles both domestic and international flights.
Situated about 170 km from Higashiizu, Narita is the main international airport for Tokyo and offers a wide range of international flights.
Approximately 80 km from Higashiizu, this airport serves the Shizuoka region and offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Located around 300 km from Higashiizu, this airport serves the Osaka area and is a major international hub.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Higashiizu, representing a significant portion of the population.
Includes a small percentage of expatriates and immigrants from various countries.
A transient demographic group, as Higashiizu is a popular destination for domestic and international tourism.
The Soul of Higashiizu
Discover the essence of Higashiizu through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Higashiizu is famous for its beautiful beaches and good waves, making surfing a popular sport among locals and tourists.
Soccer is widely played in Higashiizu, with many local teams and leagues contributing to the sport's popularity.
Basketball has a significant following in Higashiizu, with community courts and school teams participating in regional competitions.
With a strong community focus, volleyball is a popular sport in Higashiizu, with events held on the beaches as well as indoor leagues.
Fishing, both recreational and competitive, is a beloved pastime in Higashiizu, taking advantage of the region's rich marine life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Higashiizu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood is prominent in Higashiizu, some restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, often featuring the region's fresh vegetables and tofu-based specialties. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences in advance when dining out.
Gluten-free options may be available at select establishments, particularly those serving traditional Japanese cuisine where rice-based dishes and sashimi can offer suitable alternatives. However, communicating dietary needs is essential to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Higashiizu with these cultural adventures.
