Izu, while being relatively close to the capital area of Tokyo, is still abundant with natural oceanic and mountainous landscapes. Filled with hot springs, great food, and plenty of activities to enjoy, it is a beautiful tourist location that puts to full use its natural advantages. It is also divided into the four areas of East, Central, South, and West Izu, with each region having its own particular hot springs. Representing East Izu is Inatori Hot Springs and Imaihama Hot Springs, which offer many lodgings that have overarching views of the seven islands of Izu. The views are so great, you might mistake it for a resort in Hawaii. In central Izu you’ll be able to enjoy a more mountainous landscape from hot springs such as Shuzenji Hot Springs, which was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 famous hot springs. There’s also the Izu Nagaoka Hot Springs from which you can gaze upon the majesty of Mt. Fuji. Well-known for attracting great writers, this region of hot springs has a long and fabled history. In South Izu you’ll find places loved by the locals like Shimoda Hot Springs, famous for its high water quality and clarity. There are also several places to dip your feet for free, so looking around town for all of them should be a grand adventure as well. Located on the western coast, West Izu has great views of the setting sun while you enjoy a bath at Dougashima Hot Springs, a staple of Izu vacations. You’ll feel like you’re in a different world witnessing the beautiful sunsets ofDougashima. As you can see, Izu has many ways to enjoy its various areas and diverse hot springs, filled with hotels and Japanese inns that use the region’s abundant nature to their advantage.
1. Hotel Laforet Shuzenji (Central Izu)
Surrounded by Izu’s forest, the Hotel Laforet Shuzenji strikes harmony with the nature all around. You can choose your room and the bath you use based on your personal style and the amount of people you’re with, from which you’ll have grand views of Mt. Fuji and other distant mountains. The restaurant has breakfast and lunch, includes a lounge, and you can even use the BBQ facilities if you wish. Why not enjoy the beautiful scenery of Izu while relaxing atShuzenji Hot Springs?
Address: 1529 Odaira, Izu, Shizuoka 410-2415
If you’re planning on taking a stroll through Shuzenji Temple, then Hotel Laforet Shuzenji is our best recommendation.
2. Izu Inatori Ginsuisou (East Izu)
As could be expected from a hotel listed on the “Pro’s Choice Top 100 Japanese Hotels & Inns” at the number one spot in hospitality, Izu Inatori Ginsuisou’s customer service is second to none. The charming yet modern guest rooms all have an ocean view. Enjoy luxury dining with traditional seafood dishes and views that will move you from the evolving open-air bath.
Address: 1624-1 Inatori, Higashiizu, Kamo District, Shizuoka 413-0411
If your itinerary includes exploring The Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu, then Izu Inatori Ginsuisou is the place for you.
3. Senoumi Annex Umiusagi (East Izu)
Senoumi Annex Umiusagi is conveniently located only a few minutes’ walk away from sightseeing and leisure spots. Each of the four types of open-air baths are based on a different seasonal theme, and the mingling of Japanese and western styles in each guest room is sure to keep you relaxed. The seafood served here is always spot on and uses local ingredients. This place is perfect for basking in the sea breeze and getting a little private time.
Address: 1591 Inatori, Higashiizu, Kamo District, Shizuoka 413-0411
If your trip brings you to Roadside Station Amagigoe for some local delicacies, Senoumi Annex Umiusagi is a great place to stay.
4. Shinyu no Yado Sazana (East Izu)
The rooms of Shinyu no Yado Sazana are that of a relaxing, Asian flavor. Some guest rooms even have their own open-air baths, and from the main facility that this one is an affiliate to, you can enjoy vast ocean views from the large bath drawn from Inatori Hot Springs. From the aromatic spa to the luxurious local cuisine, Sazana is sure to give you that true resort feeling.
Address: 1594-1 Inatori, Higashiizu, Kamo District, Shizuoka 413-0411
Going to Joren Falls to wash yourself in negative ions? Shinyu no Yado Sazana is the place for you.
5. Shimoda Tokyu Hotel (South Izu)
The beach is only several minutes by foot from the Shimoda Tokyu Hotel, with palm trees and a garden pool in the vicinity to really emphasize that tropical island feel. Guests’ views are prioritized here, so of course majestic views of the vast Pacific Ocean are available from the rooms and the open-air baths. The cherry on top of your stay here will be the voluminous fusion-style cuisine. Wouldn’t you like to listen to the waves crash in the sunny nature of Izu?
Address: 5-12-1 Gochome, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0025
If you’re looking for an unbeatable ocean view in Shimoda, then we highly recommend the Shimoda Tokyu Hotel.
6. Shimoda Prince Hotel (South Izu)
The Shimoda Prince Hotel is just a one-minute walk from Shirahama Central Beach where you can enjoy swimming and beach walks. Revel in Shimoda’s fishing industry with the sushi and sashimi being served, all while enjoying the simple yet high quality & mature luxury guest rooms. The ocean off of Shirahama Beach is framed picture perfect from the large baths for you to enjoy as well.
Address: Shirahama, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0012
For anyone who’d like to take a dip in the ocean at Shirahama Beach, the Shimoda Prince Hotel is one of the best places to do it from.
7. Ishinoya Izu Nagaoka(Central Izu)
The historic presence of Ishinoya Izu Nagaoka is sure to impress with its traditional Japanese garden. Every guest room on site has great views of the entire garden. Aside from enjoying the velvety waters of the indoor baths, you’ll also be able to dine on the delicacies of Izu privately in your own room, or in a secluded eatery. The gentle Japanese atmosphere will take you out of your day-to-day for some genuine relaxation.
Address: 192 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka 410-2211
If you plan to do some shopping at Roadside Station Izu-no-heso, then we recommend staying over at Ishinoya Izu Nagaoka.
8. Dougashima New Ginsui (West Izu)
At Dougashima New Ginsui, don’t be afraid to let the sunset townDougashima’s views move you to tears. Each guest room has an ocean-front view and a large engawa, or Japanese-style veranda. The food focuses on seasonal items, all of which are done to perfection by professional Japanese chefs. The large bath includes access to a sauna where you can recover your body, then relax your soul with the impressive view of the shifting ocean waters.
Address: 2977-1 Nishina, Nishiizu, Kamo District, Shizuoka 410-3514
If you plan on enjoying some West Izu gourmet at Tagomaru, then we highly recommend the Dougashima New Ginsui for your stay.
9. Mizu-no-michi Kaze-no-michi Yugashima Tatsuta (Central Izu)
Mizu-no-michi Kaze-no-michi Yugashima Tatsuta is a great place to enjoy the seasonal events and tourist locales of Amagi Yugashima. Listen closely and you’ll hear the rippling of the river water right from your room, or look out the window and find refreshing scene of mountains. The choice of which room to take is yours! The four different conceptual private baths and the large communal bath are drawn from 100% genuine hot springs. You’ll feel like you’re back at home deep in the countryside when you bite into the sweetfish and amago trout meals prepared with fish straight from the river.
Address: 347 Yugashima, Izu, Shizuoka 410-3206
If walking through the Yama Amagi Tunnel is on your agenda, staying at Mizu-no-michi Kaze-no-michi Yugashima Tatsuta is a great choice.
10. Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel (East Izu)
On the outside, Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel has incredible views of Imaihama Beach, while inside it has wide open spaces and high ceilings that really give you a sense of grandeur. Choose from six different restaurants to eat at and enjoy the perfect service of the hotel. Amenities are abundant as well, and each guest room is made specially for functionality. The bathing area is reminiscent of ocean waves and a starlit sky, and you can even use it in the middle of the night. A great place for people who like to stay inside.
Address: 35-1 Midaka, Kawazu, Kamo District, Shizuoka 413-0503
If you’d like to take a walk on the Imaihama Coast, Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel is certainly a great place to stay.
