The Nishi-Izu area does not have a train service, so buses are the primary mode of transportation. Within the towns, buses run about once every hour. Although the transportation is not as convenient as in urban areas, the region is rich in nature with mountains, rivers, and the sea, offering a relaxing environment.
The area can be divided into three sections: Toi (the northern part of Nishi-Izu), Nishi-Izu Town (the central part of Nishi-Izu), and Matsuzaki Town (the southern part of Nishi-Izu).
Location and How to get there
Location
Nishi-Izu is located on the western side of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. First, Shizuoka Prefecture is slightly to the west of Tokyo.
And, Nishi-Izu refers to the western side of the Izu Peninsula within Shizuoka Prefecture.
How to get there
There are about three main routes. All three routes involve bus travel. If you plan to use the bus frequently during your stay, it might be a good idea to purchase the Tokai Bus free pass.
Tokai Bus
https://www.tokaibus.jp/rosen/zensenfree.html
Route 1：A route that takes the Tokai Bus express from Mishima Station.
Mishima Station is a stop for the Shinkansen (bullet train). It takes about 50 to 60 minutes from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station by Shinkansen. From Shin-Osaka Station to Mishima Station, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by Shinkansen. Please note that as of April 2024, there are only two express buses per day (10:15 AM and 2:15 PM).
In addition to the Shinkansen, Mishima Station is also served by regular trains such as the Tokaido Main Line and the Izu Hakone Railway, so you can choose between the Shinkansen or regular trains depending on your budget and time.
From Mishima Station, it takes about two hours by express bus to reach Matsuzaki, the final stop. No reservation is needed for the express bus.
After exiting the South Exit of Mishima Station, you will find several bus stops right in front of you, with a digital bus guide available.
In Nishi-Izu, please board the Matsuzaki-bound bus at Bus Stop No. 4. Although it is an express bus, reservations are not required. As of April 2024, there are only two buses per day (10:15 AM and 2:15 PM).
At Mishima Station, there is a Tokai Bus ticket sales office where you can purchase the free pass tickets mentioned earlier. It is located about 50 meters to the right after exiting the South Exit, approximately 30 meters past Bus Stop No. 4.
Tokai Bus
https://www.tokaibus.jp/rosen/zensenfree.html
Route 2：A route that takes the Tokai Bus from Shuzenji Station.
Shuzenji Station is served by the Izu Hakone Railway and does not have Shinkansen service. It is on the line connecting Mishima Station to Shuzenji Station, which takes about 40 minutes by Izu Hakone Railway.
From Shuzenji Station, it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus to reach Matsuzaki, the final stop. Buses depart at a frequency of once per hour.
There is a bus information board on the wall of the South Exit of Shuzenji Station.
Exit the South Exit and head to the left. Follow the signs to the bus stop.
50メートルぐらい進むとバス乗り場案内看板があります。
西伊豆方面は4番のバス停になります。
The bus stop is directly behind the information board. Please board the bus that arrives at Bus Stop No. 4. Buses depart once per hour.
Route 3：A route that takes the Tokai Bus from Izukyu-Shimoda Station.
Izukyu-Shimoda Station is served by the Izu Kyuko Line, which connects Ito Station to Izukyu-Shimoda Station. The journey from Ito Station to Izukyu-Shimoda Station takes about 65 minutes. From Tokyo Station to Ito Station takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, so traveling by local train from Tokyo Station to Izukyu-Shimoda Station, including waiting times, takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.
Additionally, Izukyu-Shimoda Station is the terminus for the limited express train “Odoriko.” Although it requires an extra fare, the journey from Tokyo Station to Izukyu-Shimoda Station takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
An alternative route is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Atami Station, then transfer to the Odoriko Limited Express, which takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. However, considering the timing and transfers, the earlier mentioned routes might be more convenient.
From Izukyu-Shimoda Station, it takes about 50 minutes to reach Matsuzaki by bus. Buses depart at a frequency of once to twice per hour.
Izukyu-Shimoda Station has two exits, which are almost at the same location. Regardless of which exit you use, you will find the bus stop right in front of you.
Near the bus stop, there is a bus information board. For buses heading to the Nishi-Izu area, use Bus Stop No. 5.
The bus stops are numbered and lined up as shown in the photo.
When a bus arrives at Bus Stop No. 5, you can board it. Buses depart once to twice per hour.
For Toi Onsen, if you are traveling from Izukyu-Shimoda Station, you need to board Bus No. 5 and transfer at the “Matsuzaki” bus stop. If you prefer not to transfer buses, it is recommended to take a route from Mishima Station or Shuzenji Station to reach Toi Onsen.
Transportation Within the Nishi-Izu Area
The Nishi-Izu area does not have train service. Therefore, travel within the area is primarily by bus. If you wish to rent a car, note that rental cars are not available within the Nishi-Izu area itself. Instead, you can rent a car from Mishima Station, Shuzenji Station, or Izukyu-Shimoda Station, where car rental shops are located in front of each station.
Characteristics of Nishi-Izu
Nishi-Izu is known for its beautiful natural scenery and numerous hot springs. There are many day-use hot springs available, which will be introduced in another section.
Located on the western side of the Izu Peninsula, Nishi-Izu offers stunning sunsets. The evening sunsets in the Toi area, Nishi-Izu Town area, and Matsuzaki Town area are particularly spectacular.
With its combination of sea, mountains, and rivers, the area provides an opportunity to relax while enjoying Japan’s traditional landscapes.
There are also walking trails where you can fully enjoy nature. Some trails are longer, but there are also shorter ones that take about an hour round trip, making them ideal for those who want to take a leisurely walk in nature.
Nishi-Izu offers a variety of accommodation options in Toi, Nishi-Izu Town, and Matsuzaki, so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind. While there are not many convenience stores and restaurants, each area has some, so you will not have difficulty finding accommodations.
Street Scenery in the Nishi-Izu Area
Toi Area
The Toi area may be the most famous within the Nishi-Izu region. It is known for Toi Onsen, a popular hot spring town and tourist destination. Its proximity to Tokyo may also contribute to its popularity as it is the closest part of Nishi-Izu to the city.
Bus Stop: The Toi-Kinzan bus stop is located roughly in the center of the Toi area.
The streets are lined with hot spring ryokan (inns).
The sea is close by. Since it is not a beach resort, it is not crowded, allowing for a relaxing experience.
There is a supermarket called “Max Valu.” It is located right in front of the Toi-K1inzan bus stop.
Nishi-Izu Town
Nishi-Izu Town is renowned for its breathtaking viewpoints and beautiful coastlines. The highlight of the area is the scenic coastline and cave tours at “Dogashima.” The presence of Dogashima makes Nishi-Izu Town well-known among tourists. It is also popular as a renowned sunset viewing spot.
Dogashima
Dogashima is a famous tourist destination in Nishi-Izu Town, known for its scenic beauty. Sightseeing boats operate in the area.
The bus stop is called “Dogashima.” When you get off at the Dogashima bus stop, it will be right in front of you.
Dogashima Marine
https://dogashima.jp/
Nearby, you will find a cluster of restaurants and convenience stores, making it convenient for sightseeing. Additionally, the phenomenon known as “tombolo” occurs here, where a natural pathway emerges during low tide.
Dogashima is a spot that can be explored in about an hour, excluding the sightseeing boat tours.
Near the sightseeing boat boarding area, there is also a ticket center.
There is also a 20-minute walking course available.
Nearby, there is a cluster of convenience stores and restaurants.
In tourist areas, Seven-Eleven stores often have brown signage. This is a unique characteristic of tourist spots, and it is said that the brown signs are used to preserve the aesthetic of the surroundings.
The tombolo phenomenon looks like this at high tide.
At low tide, a natural pathway appears.
This phenomenon is not visible every day, so for more details, please refer to the following link:
https://www.town.nishiizu.shizuoka.jp/kakuka/sangyou/kankou/tombolo.html
Street Scenery in Nishi-Izu Town
If you get off at the “Oohama” bus stop, you will find restaurants and supermarkets in Nishi-Izu Town within walking distance. The sea is also less than a 5-minute walk from the “Oohama” bus stop.
Supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores are clustered together. This street serves as the main street in the area. Restaurants are located either along this street or a short side alley.
Next to the supermarket is the sea.
The scenery visible from the bus traveling from Toi to Nishi-Izu Town.
As you move away from the center of Nishi-Izu Town, mountains and rivers begin to appear.
At a place called Hanbata Market, you can find local vegetables, fish, prepared side dishes, and souvenirs for sale. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh fish dishes.
The restaurant is located in the front, while the vegetable and fish sales area is in the back.
- Hanbata Market
https://hanbata.com/ - Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pbXui7J13tUjxCKX6
The bus stop is “Nishina.” It is about a 1-minute walk from there.
Matsuzaki Town
Matsuzaki Town is located adjacent to Nishi-Izu Town. If you are traveling to this area, I recommend visiting both Nishi-Izu Town and Matsuzaki Town since they are next to each other and only about a 5-minute bus ride from the Oohama bus stop.
Within Matsuzaki Town, there is an area called “Kumomi.” However, Kumomi is a bit farther away, so be aware of this. Kumomi is famous for its beautiful view of Mount Fuji on clear days.
The sea viewed from Matsuzaki Town is also beautiful.
Matsuzaki Town Center.The main street in Matsuzaki Town is the same as in Nishi-Izu Town. This area features various restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
The center of Matsuzaki Town is the “Matsuzaki” bus stop. This area has various restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores. The Matsuzaki bus stop serves as a bus terminal, and if you are heading to the Kumomi area, you will depart from this Matsuzaki bus terminal.
In front of the Matsuzaki bus stop, there are also convenience stores and restaurants.
If you are going to Kumomi, head to platform 6 at the Matsuzaki bus terminal.
It takes about 20 minutes by bus to reach Kumomi.
Get off at the “Kumomi-Norihama” bus stop, and you will see Mount Fuji from Kumomi Beach. On clear days, the view is spectacular. While seeing Mount Fuji up close is impressive, the distant view from Kumomi is also quite breathtaking.
Returning to the center of Matsuzaki Town, there is a natural spring with free water. It offers a taste that you can’t experience in the city. Even in summer, the water is refreshingly cold and delicious. The filming crew even filled tanks with the water to take it back with them.
The location is within the grounds of Inashita Shrine, which is a small shrine. You should be able to find the spring water easily as it is nearby.
It is about a 15-minute walk from the Matsuzaki bus terminal.
Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gGDPJfRyf7PGmqYX9
Day-Use Hot Springs
Here are some day-use hot springs in the Nishi-Izu area:
There are many other day-use hot springs available as well, so be sure to check Google Maps or similar resources to find more options.
Additionally, many of these day-use hot springs only accept cash payments, so be sure to bring Japanese yen with you.
Sawada Park Open-Air Bath (Nishi-Izu Town)
Located right next to the sea, the outdoor bath offers a spectacular view of the ocean. This hot spring consists of only an outdoor bath. Please note that the use of shampoo and body soap is prohibited. There is a shower available, so be sure to rinse your hair and body before entering the hot spring.
Tattoos: No restrictions. You can enter even with tattoos.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2NnWnwR9JF7Z8AW9
Sawada Park Outdoor Bath: https://www.nishiizu-kankou.com/spa/sawadapark
Tickets are sold at a small kiosk in the parking lot.
Climb the stairs in the parking lot, and you will find the outdoor bath. The facilities for men and women are, of course, separate.
The sea is nearby.
Even if you don’t use the outdoor bath, just enjoying the view of the sea is worthwhile.
It may be a bit unclear, but proceed down this narrow path.
If you go up this narrow path, you will reach the Sawada Park Open-Air Bath.
Nagisa no Yu (Nishi-Izu Town)
Located along the coast, Nagisa no Yu offers both indoor and outdoor baths. While shampoo and soap are provided, they might occasionally run out, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
The outdoor bath has privacy screens, so you cannot view the sea while soaking, but you can enjoy the sound of the ocean. The screens are about 130 cm high, so you can see the sea if you stand up.
Tattoos: No restrictions. You can enter even with tattoos.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UsL8YVUpMzrmc9jp7
Nagisa no Yu: https://www.nishiizu-kankou.com/spa/nagisa
The hot spring is just one road away from the sea. You can enjoy the sound of the ocean while soaking in the bath. After you get out of the hot spring and leave the entrance, you will again hear the sound of the waves. This moment offers an indescribable sense of happiness!
Yodano-sho (Matsuzaki Town)
Yodano-sho is located near a river and is surrounded by nature. It features relatively new interior design. The hot springs alternate between men’s and women’s baths every Sunday, with either Pattern A or Pattern B available. The choice will be a surprise when you visit!
Pattern A:
- Two indoor baths.
- No outdoor bath, but the space is relatively large.
Pattern B:
- One indoor bath and one outdoor bath.
- The indoor space is smaller compared to Pattern A due to the addition of the outdoor bath.
Originally, this location was operated as a hotel by the prominent Yoda family and has been renovated. In addition to the hot springs, there are relaxation areas open to guests, and part of the Yoda family’s residence (both on the same premises) is open for free.
Tattoos: No restrictions. You can enter even with tattoos.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/scynTTpS7wW2DxGN6
Yodano-sho: https://www.izu-matsuzaki.com/pages/111/
Yamano-Ie(Matsuzaki Town)
Located about a 10-minute walk from Yodano-sho, Yama no Ie is well-known in Matsuzaki Town for its excellent hot spring water. Situated amidst mountains and rivers, it features only an outdoor bath. This hot spring is quite rustic, directly using water sourced from underground springs.
There are no shampoo or body soap provided in the hot spring, so it’s recommended to bring your own.
Tattoos: No restrictions. You can enter even with tattoos.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/va3cM9o4xFceErr3A
Yama no Ie: https://notenburo.jp/
Inside this small cabin is the reception area. After passing through the cabin, you will find the outdoor hot spring.
Cross this bridge to reach the hot spring. If you arrive before operating hours, a “Closed （準備中）” sign will be hanging on the left pillar. During operating hours, the sign will read “Open （営業中）”