Food & Drink
Introduction to Food & drink in Izu
Izu produces some of the freshest seafood, locally grown vegetables, black rice, wasabi, shiitake mushrooms, and citrus fruit in Japan.
Izu also produces delicious craft beer throughout the Peninsula and in Izu City, there is sake brewed with fresh, thawed spring water from Mt Amagi and wine produced at a stunning Napa Valley-Esque winery.
SOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS Food & Drink
Izu is famous for growing fresh stream wasabi and a highlight for any foodie has to be a visit to the Wasabi Fields in Izu City where farmers have been working for centuries.
The selection of fresh fish along both coasts of the Peninsula, including Minami Izu Spiny Lobster, makes its way directly to the local ryokan, minshuku, and restaurants.
The temperate weather of Izu is perfect for growing a wide range of delicious fruit including strawberries, melon, and a variety of citrus fruits.
Related Destinations
Numazu
Located at the foot of Mt Fuji, Numazu is the gateway to Izu’s stunning West Coast.
Atami
Atami is a seaside hot spring resort town less than 45 minutes from Tokyo.
Things to do & See
Onsen
Izu Peninsula prides itself on some of the best geothermal hot springs in all of Japan.
History & Culture
Izu has played an important role in Japan’s history the remnants of which still remain today.
ISE EBI (SPINY LOBSTER)
Izu Peninsula is famous for its Spiny Lobster during the winter months which is particularly popular as a staple for celebrations to welcome in the new year.
If you travel to Izu and stay at a Ryokan, especially during the winter months, you will more than likely be presented with exquisitely prepared Ise Ebi as part of your evening meal.
WASABI
One of Japan’s most iconic foods is a speciality of Shizuoka with some of the biggest stream-grown wasabi fields in the Izu mountains between Izu City and Kawazu.
Take a moment to stop at the Wasabi Museum in Kannami or visit the vast Ikadaba wasabi fields in Izu City to gain a better appreciation for this oft-misunderstood plant.
CRAFT BEER
Shizuoka is secretly one of the best Prefectures in Japan for craft beer with Shizuoka City growing in reputation for the quality of craft beers available.
Some of Shizuoka’s best craft beers are brewed in Izu where brewers such as Baird Brewery take advantage of the clear water and ideal growing conditions to produce craft beer that is recognized around the World.
Some other great craft beers include Izunokuni’s Hansharo Brewery and Kannami’s Wind Valley Brewery.
SAKURA LEAF
Many people know Izu for the early blossoming Cherry Blossoms but not many would be aware that the small coastal town of Matsuzaki is responsible for a domestic share of 70% of edible Sakura Leaf production.
Traditionally used to wrap rice cakes and red bean paste as a Japanese ‘Wagashi’ or Japanese Sweet the salted cherry leaves are painstakingly picked and pickled for 5 to 6 months before they are ready to be eaten.
The salted cherry leaves are paired with sweet bean paste and sticky rice results in a complex taste sensation that most visitors will be unaccustomed to.
ISE EBI
OUTDOOR JAPAN – MINAMI IZU LOBSTER
RYOKAN WANDERINGS – MINAMI IZU ISE EBI & CRAB
WASABI
SHUN GATE – HISTORY OF IZU WASABI
LIVE JAPAN – WONDERFUL WORLD OF SHIZUOKA WASABI
SHIZUOKA GOURMET – IZU WASABI FARM VISIT
CRAFT BEER
VOYAPON – WINDY VALLEY BEER (KANNAMI)
BEER TENGOKU – HANSHARO BEER (IZUNOKUNI)
SAKURA LEAVES
SAKURABA MADE IN IZU-MATSUZAKI
Shizuoka Wasabi
Many sushi lovers will be shocked to learn that their beloved green paste may not be what it seems.
Check Mount Fuji Travel to find and book activities in Izu.
Nature Hopping & Wasabi Tour
Visit wasabi fields designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System with an explanation of wasabi farming by a wasabi producer.
