Things to do in Izu – May 2023
If you’ve been thinking about visiting Izu, the last two weekends in May are are a great time to do so. There are lots of things to do in Izu!
Shimoda Black Ship Festival
Shimoda’s biggest annual festival commemorates that era with the Kurofune Matsuri (Black Ship Festival). The first festival was held in 1934 as a way to honor the five crew members of Admiral Matthew Perry’s expedition to Japan who died at sea or during their time in Japan. Today, the festival also honors the friendship between Japan and the US.
History of Ito Onsen
The history of Ito’s onsen dates back well over a thousand years. According to legend, the onsen were discovered during the Nara period…
Traditional Crafts in Izu
I’ve often lamented that many of the old ways are nowhere to be found in Izu, but I understand why. People have no practical reasons to preserve the past, and few young people have the interest nor the time. That’s why Shuzenji Gami is such a rare and important discovery.
Japan’s Izu Peninsula – A Hidden Gem
If you’re looking to explore Japan and take a break from the crowds in Tokyo and Kyoto, Izu may be just the place you’re looking for. This peninsula located in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture and is packed with natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a great option for tourists seeking an off the beaten path destination.
Off The Beaten Path Japan
Of course we want to visit the most famous places, and we should. There are also many amazing places that people miss and go home without experiencing the numerous benefits to traveling off the beaten path. Why not do both?
Izu’s Transformation by Rail
The Izu Peninsula’s natural beauty and plentiful hot springs make it one of the top vacation destinations for domestic tourists in Japan. While the scenery and hot springs have been around for a long time, getting here was nowhere near as easy as it is today.
Hanami Season in Japan: Easier Than You Think
Here in Izu, we have some of the earliest blooming varieties of sakura (cherry trees). The most famous is the Kawazuzakura, which begins to bloom in the beginning of February and peaks around the second to third week of the month. This early variety was developed in the city of Kawazu, where a popular festival runs from the beginning till the end of February.
DIY – The Japanese Way
Learning the metric system seemed to be an advantage, but I wasn’t prepared for the “shaku”! When I went to buy some siding for my first shed, the panels were measured in shaku. What the hell is a shaku?
Mt. Omuro’s Sengen Shrine
The Izu Peninsula’s Mt. Omuro is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.