Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島)

The Izu Peninsula extends south from western Kanagawa into eastern Shizuoka Prefecture. It forms a mountainous volcanic landmass bordered by Sagami Bay to the east and Suruga Bay to the west. The peninsula narrows as it moves south, with coastal roads tracing cliffs, fishing towns, and small harbor basins along the Pacific coastline.

Izu sits along the coastal corridor connecting Tokyo, Hakone, and the Pacific coast of Shizuoka. The northern gateway begins near Odawara and transitions through Atami, where rail lines from Tokyo first reach the peninsula.

Geography of the Izu Peninsula

Unlike the flatter Kanto plain to the north, the Izu Peninsula is shaped by volcanic terrain and coastal curvature. Interior ridgelines form a central spine that separates the eastern and western shores. As a result, travel usually follows the coastline rather than crossing the peninsula directly.

This geography creates distinct coastal zones rather than a single continuous corridor.

Major Areas of the Peninsula

Northern Izu centers on Atami and Ito, where rail access from Tokyo remains strong. Cities in this area include coastal destinations and attractions such as Kinomiya Shrine and Atami Castle.

Further south, the peninsula transitions into the Amagi mountain highlands and the western coast near Dogashima and Toi. These areas feature rugged cliffs and open views across Suruga Bay. The southern end of the peninsula centers on Shimoda, where the coastline widens and beaches become more common.

Movement Through Izu

Rail service runs primarily down the eastern side of the peninsula through Atami, Ito, and Shimoda. The western coastline becomes increasingly car-advantaged because the central mountain spine limits direct cross-peninsula routes.

Within Shizuoka Prefecture, the Izu Peninsula forms the eastern coastal corridor connecting Hakone with the Pacific towns of Shizuoka.