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Idyllic Izu Peninsula - Sakura, Onsen & Fuji
Discover the splendors of early Spring in the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture with the early blooming cherry blossoms, intoxicating hot springs of Shuzenji, exciting cuisines and the magnificent landscapes of Mount Fuji in a less-documented sojourn designed to capture imaginations.
HIGHLIGHTS
Visit some of the most revered food producers in Japan
Stay in boutique lodges and ryokans
Witness the Spring splendors of Izu Peninsula in February!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: TOKYO / ATAMI / SHUZENJI ONSEN
Be met in Tokyo and then transfer on a pleasant 1.5hrs drive to the Izu Peninsula where we arrive in the pretty seaside resort town of Atami, renowned for its fishing industry, hot springs and home to the MOA Museum of Art. We make a visit to the site of Atami Castle via ropeway to the summit of Hachimanyama where you will enjoy spectacular panorama of the coastline, surrounding mountains, and on a clear day, views of Mount Fuji as well as being a prime cherry blossom site in Spring. Next, we enjoy a stroll and visit to the Atami Baien "Plum Garden", renowned for its early blooming plum blossoms where you can enjoy a kaleidoscope of white and pink. Thereafter, we continue on a scenic drive past rustic hot spring towns and villages to arrive into Shuzenji Onsen, one of the most beautiful hot spring towns with some of the most high quality ryokans anywhere in Japan. Enjoy an orientation of the town and thereafter, arrive and check into the Asaba Ryokan, a stunning Relais & Chateaux property that was first built in 1675 surrounded by a bamboo forest in a tranquil setting design to allow for a therapeutic stay.
Overnight: Asaba Ryokan, Shuzenji Onsen
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: SHUZENJI (IKADABA, KAWAZU & ITO)
An extraordinary day begins with an easy drive and visit to the Ikadaba wasabi fields, situated on the northern side of Mount Amagi and the upper reaches of the crystalline Omi River. With a total area of 14.7 hectares over 1,500 individual fields, it is one of the largest groups of fields in all of Izu City. During February, enjoy the jaw-dropping dazzling greens of the wasabi plantations where you will learn about the cultivation process of the revered real wasabi and a chance for you to enjoy a calming walk through the fields. Thereafter, continue to the spectacular cherry blossom town of Kawazu where the cherry blossom festivities are in full display in February alongside the river of the same name. Enjoy time to appreciate one of the most incredible cherry blossom sightings, visit its festival stalls and enjoy some time for spring bentos. Our discovery then takes us to the coastline of the Sagami-nada Sea with one of the most visually-mesmerizing coastal drives in the world decorated with cherry blossoms of all varieties to arrive at the Jogasaki Coast, where you will witness astonishing views of the jagged cliffs and stone formations that hug the coast. The most popular section of the hiking trail is located around the 23m long and 48m high Kadowakizaki Suspension Bridge. Not far from the bridge stands also a lighthouse with a freely accessible observation deck from where visitors can view the beautiful coastline and Oshima Island. Not far away, we move inland before returning to Shuzenji Onsen where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure to unwind.
Overnight: Asaba Ryokan, Shuzenji Onsen
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: SHUZENJI / OBUCHI SASABA / LAKE KAWAGUCHI
We leave Shuzenji Onsen today heading north. A short drive arrives us at our first stop today at spiritual Mishima Taisha Shrine, the first shrine in the Izu Peninsula, said to be the grandest shrine in Izu, because it enshrines Oyamazumi-no-mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto. The shrine received strong support from the Asano Family. It is also famous for a story that Minamoto-no-Yorimoto visited here for 100 days and rose up in arms to re-establish the Genji clan. A prime cherry blossom spot, enjoy the sights of more than 200 cherry blossom trees of different varieties which blooms in full in the middle of February. Next, we then continue to Obuchi Sasaba, one of the most spectacular spots in Japan for its endless fields of green tea leaves plantations set against the majestic views of Mount Fuji. Enjoy the stunning views while learning about the cultivation of different styles of tea and participate and learn the art of tea presentation. Finally, we will drive across the western face of Mount Fuji to arrive into the shimmering Lake Kawaguchi, checking into the Hoshinoya Fuji, a jaw-dropping design glamping resort, hidden in the woods with million dollar views of Mount Fuji.
Overnight: Hoshinoya Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4: LAKE KAWAGUCHI
Spend the day at leisure to soak in the majestic beauty of Mount Fuji, life in the woods. A slew of activities that are recommended include horseback-riding, canoeing on Lake Kawaguchi, luxuriating in the beautiful environment of stunning early-blooming cherry blossoms.
Overnight: Hoshinoya Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 5: LAKE KAWAGUCHI / DEPART SHIZUOKA
Today, transfer to the city of Shizuoka for your onward journey home or continue your adventure in Japan.
HOTELS
Founded in 1489 and generation after generation will be inherited by Asaba family. Since then it has been a guesthouse kept by a Shuzenji temple which built by the great teacher of Japanese Buddhism, Kobo Daishi. Leave your kimono behind and enjoy the pleasures of an open-air bath filled with hot spring water. The restaurant serves traditional dishes with delightful combinations of sweet and savoury flavours.
HOSHINOYA Fuji is nearly hidden by the surrounding woods, located 100 meters up the slope of a mountain with luxury cabin rooms overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji offering a redefined experience of staying in the Fuji area with enviable views while tucking into sensational and meticulously-prepared cuisine.
