Minami Izu

Introduction to Minami Izu

Located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, Minami Izu enjoys a sub-tropical climate with stunning views along the coastline and pristine beaches. Known for water sports and hot springs this is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors. Minami Izu is also known for its fresh seafood which comes directly off the fishing boats – particularly famous for Spiny Lobster, long-legged crab, abalone & sea snail.

Highlights of Minami Izu

A popular destination for sea kayaking, fishing, and other activities on, in, and under the water in Minami Izu experienced divers can dive with hammerhead sharks at Mikimoto Island.

Follow the Southern coastline and visit Yumigahama Beach, Cape Irozaki Lighthouse and Iro Shrine, Hirizo Beach and Hagachizaki Monkey Bay, and some of the many fishing villages in between, for a great day of exploring.

Close to Minami Izu

Shimoda

Shimoda is a historic and picturesque port town with some of the best beaches in Japan.

Matsuzaki

Matsuzaki is a remote sea-side town with a rich history & exciting outdoor activities.

Things to do & See

Food & Drink

Fresh seafood, wasabi, and local produce ensure outstanding culinary experiences.

Water Activities

In on or under the water there are plenty of chances to get wet and have fun in Izu.

Seafood Platter

Hirizo Beach

Cherry Blossoms

Hagachizaki Monkey Bay

Lobster Ramen

Seasons
Access
Stay
Links

SUMMER ( June – August – 15 – 35 degrees)

Summer is the peak season for Minami Izu and Japanese visitors and families flock to the white sand beaches for their Summer vacation.

While it is hot outside the water is always close in Minami Izu and all of the water activities can be enjoyed.

AUTUMN ( September – November – 10 – 25 degrees)

The summer stretches late into the year in the sub-tropical Southern tip of the Izu Peninsula and the water temperature remains warm through to late November.

Autumn is also the best time to see the schools of hammerhead sharks that follow the warm currents around Mikomoto Island.

WINTER ( December – February – 5 – 20 degrees)

Winter skies in Minami Izu are generally clear (although there is often a strong breeze blowing from the West) and a calm sunny day in February can be a great time to walk on the beach.

Winter is also peak season for delicacies such as spiny lobster, long-legged crabs, and other locally caught seafood such as Kinmedai snapper,

Combine beach and seafood with the blossoming of Kawazu cherry blossom trees and bright yellow rapeseed blossoms and onsen and Minami Izu is perhaps the perfect winter getaway destination.

SPRING (March – May – 10 – 25 degrees)

As with much of Izu, Spring comes early to Minami Izu – the early cherry and rapeseed blossoms in mid-February are followed by other variations of blossoms from mid-March.

Sea kayaking, fishing, and SUP are all great ways to get out on the water in the Spring.

BY TRAIN

Minami Izu on the southern tip of the Peninsula does not have any direct train access.

From Tokyo, you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Kodama, transfer at Atami to the local line, and head to Shimoda where you can take a local bus to Minami Izu.

GOOGLE MAP

BY CAR

Take the Tomei Expressway from Tokyo and follow signs to Shizuoka. Take the Nagaizumi-Namazu IC towards Izu Jukan Expressway / Mishima / Shimoda.

Continue onto Route 136 and finally follow Route 414 and Route 316 to reach Minami Izu

GOOGLE MAP

GETTING AROUND

The area around Minami Izu is quiet and rural so the best way to travel around the area is by car or campervan.

There are local buses available but be sure to check the schedules in advance.

Tokai Bus Company has a special local Minami Izu bus pass available.

RYOKAN

Minami Izu only has 5 or 6 hot spring ryokan in the area but there is not a lot of information about them in English.

HOTELS & RESORT HOTELS

There are a limited number of Hotels available in Minami Izu – notable hotel options include Kyukamura Hotel and the unique Villa Yumigahama which are situated on the beachfront of the wonderful Yumigahama Beach.

MINSHUKU & GUESTHOUSES

Being a rural area there are several minshuku and guesthouses located in Minami Izu.

Minami Izu is one of the best areas in the Izu Peninsula to stay in this type of accommodation and there are a wide range to choose from around Yumigahama Beach and in smaller towns such as Koura.

CAMPGROUNDS & CAMPING CAR OPTIONS

There are four camping options within the Minami Izu area including Irozaki Auto Campground which is close to Hirizo Beach and Irozaki Cape and Wonder Forest which is a little more inland.