Romance Izu in the Air: 5 Romantic Spots in the Izu Peninsula
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With Valentine’s Day in February and White Day in March, the season of love is just around the corner! If you’re planning a romantic getaway with your special someone, how about a trip to the Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島)? Located about a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, the peninsula is home to endless sapphire-blue sea views, stunning sunsets, beautiful flowers, rejuvenating hot springs, scrumptious seafood, and so much more.
With so many captivating attractions, you can spend days exploring the Izu Peninsula, but where to start? Here are our top five picks for romantic dating spots in the area:
① Take a Stroll Under the Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossoms
Fancy a romantic day frolicking amongst spring flowers? Then head on over to the Kawazu River where kawazuzakura (河津桜) flowers line a 4km stretch along the river. Kawazuzakura have a gorgeous deep pink colour, and are usually in bloom together with bright yellow nanohana (菜の花 canola or rapeseed blossoms), making for plenty of dreamy photo opportunities.
Strolling under a tunnel of cherry blossoms is definitely something to check off your couple travel bucket list, and it’ll be even more special in the month of February. Unlike regular someiyoshino cherry blossoms which bloom for only about a week in late March, kawazazakura are in bloom for up to a month, from early February to early March. It’s like these flowers were meant for lovers looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day enjoying the blossoms!
The sun sets in the west, so there’s no better place to enjoy magical and romantic sunset views than on the west coast of the Izu Peninsula. Home to some of Japan’s most beautiful sunsets, the Nishi-Izu area (西伊豆)—especially around Dogashima (堂ヶ島)—is renowned for its deep golden-orange sunsets.
The area offers many options of stunning vantage points from which you and your partner can leisurely gaze at the enchanting sunsets, when the setting sun dyes the sky and the sea a magnificent shade of orange as it sinks into the horizon. Some of the area’s best viewpoints include:
If you plan to spend a night at the Izu Peninsula, how about a stay at one of Dogashima’s seaside hot spring resorts? Many of them have outdoor hot springs from which you can enjoy the sunset while relaxing in the warm waters. Take romance to another level by feasting on a delectable seafood kaiseki (懐石 traditional multi-course Japanese meal) dinner.
Whether you’re still in the early stages of your relationship or contemplating popping the big question, another picturesque spot along the western coast of the Izu Peninsula is Koibito Misaki (恋人岬), which translates to “Lover’s Cape”. A popular dating spot among young people, it is said that ringing the bell three times while shouting the name of your beloved will make your love come true.
Be prepared to put in some work though, as you will need to take a walk to get to the tip of the cape where the bell is located. Your hard work will be rewarded with amazing and expansive views of the sea, and on clear days, you can even bask in a beautiful view of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji in the distance.
If your date of choice is spending a relaxing afternoon café hopping and taking couple photos, then head on over to Perry Road (ペリーロード) in Shimoda City (下田市). Perry Road is a picturesque road that runs parallel to a canal, and is lined with willow trees that sway with the breeze.
With a retro atmosphere comprising a mix of Western-style buildings and Japanese-style folk houses that have been converted into cafés or boutiques, this quaint and quiet road is the perfect place to take a romantic stroll or just chill and grab a coffee.
What’s a trip to the Izu Peninsula without enjoying views of the sea? Next up, if you enjoy eating, shopping, and seaside scenery, then take a stop at the Roadside Station Ito Marine Town (道の駅 伊東マリンタウン) in Ito City (伊東市).This roadside station is characterised by its vibrant and eye-catching colourful buildings, which come in pinks, yellows, blues and more.
Here you and your special someone can enjoy Izu’s tasty seafood―such as seafood bowls overflowing with fresh fish and grilled seafood―as well as other popular local dishes and noodles. Take a sightseeing pleasure cruise along the coast, soak your feet in a 43m-long footbath (足湯), stroll along the seaside promenade, and end the day by being spoilt for gift choices at the souvenir shops.
Want to impress your significant other before getting to Izu? Consider checking out JR East’s luxurious resort train SAPHIR ODORIKO (サフィール踊り子), which debuted in March 2020. Running daily between Tokyo and Izukyu-Shimoda, the SAPHIR ODORIKO is a luxury sightseeing train that brings passengers from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula in 2.5 hours, passing by dazzling views of the sapphire sea.
All seats are Green Car and Premium Green Car seats, so you’ll need to top up the Green Car/Premium Green Car seat fee of ¥5,150–¥7,470 if you want to ride this train with any JR East Pass.
Want some extra space and privacy for a romantic trip? Book a luxe and comfortable Green Car Private Compartment, which offers more intimate spaces, and are perfect special moments.
Access to the Izu Peninsula
From JR Tо̄kyо̄ Station (東京駅), take the Limited Express Odoriko to Izukyū-Shimoda Station (伊豆急下田駅) (2.5–3-hour train ride). Regular express and local trains on the Izukyuko Line are free for JR TOKYO Wide Pass holders to ride. At ¥15,000, the JR TOKYO Wide Pass makes for a great companion for those travelling to the Izu Peninsula by train.
A Sweet Escape to Izu with JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s Snack Box
Enjoy “Sweet Escapes” around the Izu Peninsula area this Valentine’s month with JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s Omiyage Snack Box!
If you’re seeking another reason to explore these romantic spots in Izu but haven’t made any travel plans yet, here’s an exclusive way to enjoy Izu from the comforts of your home: gift your loved one a Valentine-themed snack box from JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
Similar to last year’s collaboration with JR East Yokohama Branch Office, the “Sweet Escapes” Omiyage Snack Box features not only chocolatey treats from all over Japan like Strawberry Choco Marshmallows and Petit Chocolate Rusk, but also yummy souvenirs from the area of Izu, such as the Dried Bonito Potato Chips (Wasabi Flavour) and Izu Sankai Rice Crackers that make use of the region’s local ingredients!
Embark on your subscription journey with JAPAN RAIL CLUB by 28 February and enjoy 14% off when you subscribe to a quarterly (3-month) or bi-annually (6-month) plan with us—use promo code “VALENTINE14“. Izu’nt this exciting?!
Carissa Loh
An avid traveller fond of solo adventures, Carissa (@ciramissa) has ventured to Japan 50+ times and explored all its 47 prefectures, yet she never runs out of reasons to return. An engineering major, her decade of experience in the tourism industry was inspired by volunteering for the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. While the nature-rich Eastern Japan has become her most-visited destination, she also delights in discovering charming, lesser-known towns across the country.
A railway enthusiast and hiking aficionado, Carissa dreams of riding all of Japan’s sightseeing train and climbing all its 100 Famous Mountains. Sounds like a lofty goal? Check back in 50 years.
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