Izu-Kogen is a hidden oasis just 2 hours from the busy life in Tokyo, perfectly situated if you want to experience traditional Japanese hot spring with almost no tourist on your way to Kyoto or vice versa.
Like Hakone, the national park of Izu-Kogen is situated on the foot of the mountains which include Mt. Fuji. But unlike Hakone, you are able to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and escape from the touristic hot spots, concrete hotels and long queues, which you unfortunately have to deal with in Hakone. Here you get the authentic small ryokans, which are family owned, and are build in a traditional way.
Seeing Mt Fuji from Izu-Kogen is not a problem, and it shoots up beautifully in the horizon. You are almost sure to be the only foreigners here, since most travelers tend to stop at Hakone, instead of continuing a bit further to this hidden secret.

The beautiful nature in Izu-Kogen is not something you can compare with other places in Japan. The coast line (Jogasaki) is the highlight, which stretches for many kilometers and a full hike will take about 5 hours. There are no houses build, since it is a national park, and you can enjoy some fantastic hiking routes in the forest with pine and oak trees.
The coast line is a remaining of an old volcano which erupted more then 7.000 years ago. The result is a beautiful long cliff formation in shiny dark gray along the waterfront. Hiking here is easy. You cannot get lost, since you have the Pacific Ocean to one side and the mountains to the other side.
If you are staying at the Hanafubuki Ryokan, you can go on a morning hike together with their local guide.

In the small village of Izu-Kogen you find some small local shops, cafes, restaurants and museums.
Mt. Ohmuro is the old volcano which caused the outcome of the coast line. Today it is not active, and you are able to visit the old crater, and reach the summit with a short cable car ride. From the top, you get a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains including Mt. Fuji, and also the small islands just outside the coast.

Next to Mt. Ohmuro is Southern Cross Golf Resort, where you can enjoy a round of golf.
During summertime, you can try sea kayaking in the Pacific Ocean. Mountain Hiking is also available in the nearby highlands. If you really want to visit Hakone National Park, you can go on a daytrip with a private guide.

If you are looking for a scenic spot in Japan, with beautiful nature, easy access, traditional accommodation, less tourists, and real Japanese hot springs, Izu-Kogen is definitely the place to visit.

How to get there:
From Tokyo or Shinagawa Station, take the Odonkyu Limited Express to Izu-Kogen Station (2h30min).
From Tokyo or Shinagawa Station, take the Hikari Shinkansen to Atami Station (50 min). Change to the Ito Line to Izu-Kogen Station.
From Osaka/Kyoto, take the Hikari Shinkansen to Atami Station (2h30min). Change to the Ito Line to Izu-Kogen Station.

Note: The Japan Rail Pass is valid until Ito Station. A surcharge of JPY 640 applies per one way between Ito and Izu-Kogen Station even though it is the same train. 

Læs mere her om transport til Izu fra Tokyo og fra Kyoto.


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