Izu itinerary advice

Hi, i am planning to make a day trip from tokyo to visit kawazu blosdom festival at izu penisula in mid febuary '15.

Would anyone be so kind to advise if (1) its worth the visit?, (2) any good onsen around & also, any private hourly charged onsen?, (3) any suggestions on what places to visit?

Thank you!!!

I visited Izu in May 2011 and thus was too late for the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms. Still, I had an enjoyable time strolling around the Kawazu Nanadaru (7 waterfalls) along which the Odoriko statues stand. I stayed at a ryokan named Oodaru Spa Amagisou which was interesting as their outdoor hot spring (swimsuits required as they springs were all mixed gender pools) was closest to the largest of the 7 waterfalls.

It was a relaxing trip with plenty of nature surrounding the area. Hope you make the trip and enjoy your time there too.

Kawazu is definitely worth the visit - but I personally prefer the cherry blossom festival at Minami Izu which is a bit more annoying to get to (train to Shimoda and then bus to Minami Izu).

Do note that lots of people make a day trip to Kawazu from Tokyo each day which means the trains are normally sold out very much in advance.

Another option is to take a train to Odawara and then take the local train on the Ito/Shimoda line to Kawazu. Do note that you may have to change trains at Ito or Izu-Kogen, but this is easy as you just follow the other passengers.

Do note that I doubt that you will be able to find accommodation in Kawazu unless you book now! I prefer to stay in Ito or another station a little while away and then catch a train from there.

Do note that there are a couple of onsen places in Kawazu - but I don't know their cost or addresses. Finding the Kawazu tourism website will probably have this info

If you have a JR Pass, take the Shinkansen to Atami, then change to an express toward Shimoda, or take the Odoriko express at Tokyo and you don't need to change, but it may take longer.

thanks all. appreciate your time.

mfedley, whats the difference between the cherry blossom festival at kawazu station vs minami izu that you mentioned?

I will be using the JR Kanto pass... what is the best way to get there by train?

Hi Lynn,

My old posts below show the difference...

Minami Izu: http://www.japan-guide.com/community/mfedley/report-947

Kawazu: http://www.japan-guide.com/community/mfedley/report-949

I also took friends to both festivals on the same day - with both preferring the former.

Do note that most Odoriko trains will be fully booked during Feb-March due to the million people visiting Kawazu over the month.

I normally don't say this - but the best option is to stay on the Izu peninsula overnight and the catch a local train down to Kawazu or Shimoda on the day. This will allow you to beat the crowds and allow you to actually get there!

Some people may disagree with the above - but the Izu Peninsula is one of the places that I know like the back of my hand....

thanks mdfredley!

any idea if Minami Izu has also food/souvenir stalls like kawazu?

thanks a mil for your great advice! Minami Izu do look way better

There are food stalls and the like at Minami Izu - just not as many and they tend to be clumped in one main area.

At Kawazu - the food stalls are kind of like the people meaning they are everywhere!!

If you are interested in you, you will be seen tsurushibina(hanging hina dolls)
in Izuinatori station next to the Kawazu.
http://www.kshouse.jp/blog/e1161.html
http://www.inatorionsen.or.jp/hina_sp/index.html
Izukyu One Day pass for foreigners also seems to have become the sale.
http://www.izukyu.co.jp/global_site/