Local Guide
Experience the thrills of nature in Izu and Ito! 7 recommended activities in the mountains and the sea

In the sea, you can interact with dolphins and try fishing, diving, and surfing. In the highlands, you can immerse yourself in the world of pottery and crafts and experience the joy of handmade items. The Izu area offers many such exciting Experience in the great outdoors. Here are some recommended Activity that are unique to Izu and will leave you with vivid memories of your trip.

A 10-minute walk from JR Ajiro Station will take you to Ajiro Fishing Port. Taikobo Fishing Pond is located on the sea near the fishing port. You can cross by boat and enjoy sea fishing in a fish tank. The fishing pond is surrounded by the sea, making it the perfect location for beginners to experience the fun of sea fishing.

For beginners, there are fish tanks with horse mackerel and sea bream, while for more advanced anglers, there are fish tanks with more large fish such as Japanese amberjack, amberjack, and stonefish. For families and first-timers, there is a course that includes a fishing rod and bait so you can go out empty-handed. Staff/staff member will kindly give you advice on how to attach bait and tips on how to fish, so you can rest assured. If the fish are not coming in fast, they will scatter bait to attract more fish, so you will be treated with the utmost care. You can take home the fish you catch in the provided styrofoam with ice, or send it by courier. You can also have the fish you catch cooked in the restaurant on the premises if you make a reservation in advance.

Comments Local Guide
Children's life jackets are also available to rent.
The fried horse mackerel is deep-fried until crispy so you can eat it all the way down to the bone, and is highly recommended!
Offshore Fishing Pond Taikobo
  • URLhttp://ajiro-taikoubou.com/
  • 住所100-7 Ajiro, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • アクセス10 minutes walk from JR Ajiro Station
  • 定休日Irregular holidays (Maniac course is closed on Wednesdays)
  • 入場料Family course: 5,000 yen (includes 1 fishing rod and bait, up to 2 hours)
    Maniac Course: 13,500 yen (fishing rods and bait can be brought in. Unlimited fishing for 4 hours)
  • TEL0557-67-8030
  • 駐車場free

It's about a 25-minute walk from JR Ito Station along the sea. Just the right distance for a stroll along the beach, this is a relaxing spot where you can play with cute dolphins. The "Dolphin Interaction Course" where you can feed the dolphins, shake hands, and give them the signal to jump is popular for its casualness, as you can interact with them without having to swim.

Swimming with dolphins

Dolphin swimming with bottlenose dolphins
Dolphin swimming with bottlenose dolphins

"Dolphin Swimming" allows you to swim at eye level with dolphins in an underwater enclosure, spending a relaxing time with friendly dolphins.

For those who have a diving license, we recommend "dolphin diving." By diving long distances underwater, you can encounter dolphins and touch them as they lie on the bottom net. There is also an "observation Experience" where you can take photos and videos of the dolphins' adorable expressions and movements, so you can fully enjoy the charm of dolphins even just by visiting.

Comments Local Guide
This is a spot where everyone, from small children to adults, can play with dolphins. You can have a rare Experience of interacting with dolphins and feeling like a dolphin trainer.
Dolphin Fantasy Ito
  • URLhttp://www.dolphin-fantasy.com/
  • 住所2-4-14 Arai, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスFrom JR Ito Station, take the Tokai Bus bound for "Arai" for about 20 minutes, then get off at the last stop, 2 minutes away
  • 営業時間9:00~17:00
  • 定休日none
  • 入場料Interactive course (all year round) 5,500 yen
    Swimming course: Summer (April to November) 13,500 yen, Winter (December to March) 10,500 yen
    Swim Pair Course (April to November only) 22,600 yen
    Observation course (all year round) 605 yen
    Dolphin Diving Course (December to March) 13,500 yen
  • TEL0557-38-9133(自然体験予約センター)
  • 駐車場free

Ito Diving Service is located near Ito Port. You can Experience boat diving in the waters off Ito, which is dotted with some of the best diving spots on the Izu Peninsula. Guided diving takes you through a fantastic underwater world, with different diving spots depending on your level and the season.

Encountering large migratory fish and schools of dolphins in the sea off Ito

You may even encounter ocean sunfish swimming leisurely.
You may even encounter ocean sunfish swimming leisurely.

Nutrient-rich currents flow into the complex topography of the sea around Ito. The area is characterized by a rich variety of fish and a dense population of fish. Schools of large migratory fish, sunfish, and sea turtles appear almost every year, and you can sometimes encounter large pods of dolphins. Experience diving and snorkeling classes are also held so that even beginners can experience the charm of diving. The fees for Experience and classes include equipment and lectures, so even those who do not have their own equipment can easily enjoy exploring the sea.

Comments Local Guide
Because the diving spot is offshore, you can see a spectacular school of fish. The colorful coral is also very beautiful.
Ito Diving Service
  • URLhttp://www.ito-ds.com/
  • 住所2-4-14 Arai, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Ito Station, take the Tokai Bus bound for "Arai" for about 20 minutes and get off at the last stop
  • 営業時間9:00~、10:30~、12:00~、13:30~
  • 定休日Open daily
  • 入場料Experience diving: 7,700 yen (11,000 yen from mid-July to the end of August)
  • TEL0557-38-5146
  • 駐車場free
  • 年齢制限Age 10+
Glassblowing Experience where you can make any shape you like
Glassblowing Experience where you can make any shape you like

Izu Kogen is dotted with workshops where you can Experience making various things. One of the most popular workshops among women is Izu Craft House, a workshop Experience in glass crafts. The most popular experience is the "glassblowing" Experience, where you can make glass and other items.
With the support of a craftsman who can manipulate glass with ease, you will blow the molten glass and create a one-of-a-kind piece. The joy of completing a colorful and cute glass is indescribable. You will be able to keep a tangible memory of your trip.

Comments Local Guide
There are a wide variety of things you can make in the glassblowing Experience, such as a sake cup, a vase, a plate, etc. Whatever you choose, the glassblowing Experience itself takes about 15 minutes, so you can enjoy it casually.

Create memories through four craft Experience

Colorful and cute style beads
Colorful and cute style beads

In addition to the "glassblowing" Experience, there are four other craft experiences on offer: "sandblasting," where you Experience patterns into glassware; "style beads," where you can choose your favorite beads from over 100 varieties to make bracelets and necklaces; and "glass beads." Here too, you can create colorful works under the guidance of a craftsman. The attached shop also sells glass, ceramics, and accessories made by the artists on the premises.

Izu Craft House
  • URLhttp://www.izu-crafthouse.org/
  • 住所8-531 Omuro Kogen, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • バスアクセスFrom Izukyu Izu-Kogen Station, take the Izu Tokai Bus bound for "Izu Marine Park/Shaboten Park" for about 9 minutes and get off at "Omuro Kogen 9-chome"
  • 営業時間9:30~17:00
  • 定休日Wednesday
    *Open during Golden Week, summer, and New Year holidays
  • 入場料Admission is free
    Glass bead Experience from 2,500 yen, sandblasting Experience from 2,200 yen
  • TEL0557-51-5355
  • 駐車場free

This pottery Experience studio is located in the forest along Prefectural Route 111 at the foot of Mount Omuroyama, the symbol of Izu Kogen. The studio building and Parking were self-built by Staff/staff member. You can Experience pottery in a space that has a handmade feel.

Hand-formed pottery is a course where you can make up to two pieces of tableware, such as teacups or plates, using a hand-wheel. With the electric potter's wheel, you can make things without time or clay restrictions and fire whatever you want. In addition to developing the right clay mixture and glaze, the unique firing technique of "extreme reduction oxidation removal" using binchotan charcoal has been certified as an "Izu pottery Experience" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Management Innovation Program, and you can choose your own unique fired product inspired by the scenery and specialties of Izu, such as "Izu Shirahama-yaki" and "Kawazu Sakura-yaki."
The pieces will be delivered (for a fee) approximately three months after they are fired in the workshop. The finished pottery has such a rich texture that it's hard to believe it was made by a beginner, and you'll look forward to receiving the finished product.

Comments Local Guide
The distinctive feature of this studio is that you can Experience pottery that values the natural texture. It is also a luxury to be able to choose the original Hokekyoan finished product.
Hokekyoan
  • URLhttp://izukogen-hokekyo.com/
  • 住所675-62 Ike, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 10 minutes by car from Izu-Kogen Station on the Izu Kyuko Line
  • バスアクセスFrom the Yamamo Exit of Izu Kyuko Line Izukogen Station, take the Izu Tokai Bus bound for "Izukogen - Shaboten Park/Shaboten Park" for about 20 minutes, then get off at "Shaboten Park" and walk for about 13 minutes
    Shuttle bus available from Izu Kogen Station (reservation required)
  • 営業時間Weekdays 10:00-16:00 (last entry 14:30)
    Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays - 17:00 (last entry 15:30)
  • 定休日Please check the official website
  • 入場料Electric potter's wheel: from 2,750 yen, hand-formed: 1,980 yen
  • TEL0557-54-0770
  • 駐車場free

iZoo is an experiential zoo located on the coast, about a 5-minute drive from Izukyu Kawazu Station. It is one of the largest zoos for reptiles and amphibians in Japan, and has a collection of turtles, crocodiles, lizards, chameleons, and more from all over the world, with a number of animals in captivity that is unparalleled in the world. It is characterized by the fact that you can see and interact with animals that you rarely have the chance to encounter, and you can enjoy feeding Experience, taking commemorative photos with Aldabra giant tortoises, and taking commemorative photos holding various reptiles.

Plenty to see both indoors and outdoors

The red-eyed tree frog has distinctive red eyes
The red-eyed tree frog has distinctive red eyes

Some reptiles are kept outdoors, including the "Giant Tortoise Farm" where you can interact with giant tortoises relaxing outside. You can observe the lively reptiles, such as chameleons, that show off their natural wild colors. In addition, a huge pond built to protect the red-eared slider turtle, which is a target for invasive species control, is scheduled to be unveiled this year. About 90% of Property is indoors, so you can comfortably visit even on rainy days.

Comments Local Guide
As the name suggests, this is an interactive experience, where you can actually touch the turtles and see them up close. The turtle races, which are held several times a day, are quite entertaining, including the live commentary. (The turtle races are suspended in the winter.)
iZoo: An interactive zoo
  • URLhttp://www.izoo.co.jp/
  • 住所406-2 Hama, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • バスアクセスTake the Tokai Bus from Kawazu Station on the Izu Kyuko Line for about 4 minutes, then get off at "Shobudazawa" and walk for 1 minute.
  • 営業時間9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
  • 定休日none
  • 入場料Adults: 2,500 yen, elementary school students: 1,500 yen, infants (preschoolers): free
  • TEL0558-34-0003
  • 駐車場free

The sightseeing boat dock is about a 5-minute walk from Dogashima hot spring. From here, sightseeing boats depart, allowing you to see the natural beauty of Nishiizu's landscapes, such as the indented coastline and steep, oddly shaped rocks. At Dogashima Marine, you can enjoy three types of sightseeing and cruise tours: the "Cave Tour" sightseeing boat course, and the "Premium Cruise" and "Geosite Cruise" on high-speed cruise boats.

Tensado Cave, which you will visit on the "Cave Tour," is an eroded cave made of tuff and is a designated national natural monument. The sunlight pours into the central area where the ceiling has fallen off, creating a truly mystical atmosphere. The color of the water changes depending on the season, time, and weather, so no matter how many times you visit, you will be impressed by something new. Also, on the "Premium Cruise" to the blue cave "Tensado Cave," you can enjoy the magnificent view while experiencing an exhilarating speed. If the weather is good, you can even see Mount Fuji across the sea of Nishiizu.

Comments Local Guide
The moment you enter the cave by boat, it tickles your sense of adventure and excites even adults. You will be impressed by the transparency of the water seen from inside the cave!
Dogashima Marine
  • URLhttp://www.izudougasima-yuransen.com/
  • 住所2060 Nishina, Nishiizu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • バスアクセスFrom Shuzenji Station on the Izu Hakone Railway, take the Tokai Bus bound for "Matsuzaki" for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, then get off at "Dogashima"
  • 営業時間Cave tour 10:00-16:00 (departs every 10-15 minutes)
    Premium Cruise Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 11:00-14:00
    Geosite Cruise Every Sunday 13:00
    *Subject to change depending on the season
  • 定休日Cancelled in case of bad weather
  • 入場料Cave tour: 1,500 yen for adults, 750 yen for children
    Premium Cruise: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,000 yen
    Geosite Cruise: Adults 2,200 yen, Children 1,100 yen
  • TEL0558-52-0013
  • 駐車場free
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