I was there for the Kawazu cherry blossom festival last year and only spent an afternoon/evening. It was very laid back and relaxing. I could not imagine seeing all the sights on Izu peninsula in fewer than three days, so those three-day passes make sense.
I love bamboo forests! There's also one in Kamakura (between Izu and Tokyo), which is quieter than the famous one in Kyoto - it was so peaceful and one of my favourite places I've been in Japan: ua-cam.com/video/Iws8J1KbSDM/v-deo.html
We actually did Izu peninsula as a day trip! It required a lot of specific planning, but I love researching details, so it turned out pretty well. We saw Jogasaki coast, the seven waterfalls and Shuzenji onsen. Would definitely love to explore around even more.
Yeah, mixture of Shinkansen, local trains and the bus. The journey took us the entire day, as in we left Tokyo around 8AM and arrived back before 11PM. The biggest challenge was to try and find something to eat near the seven waterfalls, as everything closed around 4PM.
One thing I like about Izu is the presence of vintage video game machines, old school pachinko, etc., that have been long since retired in the rest of Japan. It's like a living museum of Showa.
I really enjoyed this upload! When I was a kid, we used to go to Atami for onsen and other things ( I am a Japanese expat who lives in Toronto, Canada). I am always so impressed that you know amazing (yet lesser known) places in Japan. Hope that 2021 is a much better year than the previous one and that we can travel freely. P.S. Love your soft-spoken voice. So soothing!
Aww thank you!! They must be happy memories from your childhood! I follow a lot of Japan blogs/Twitter accounts/videos and keep a list of all the interesting-looking places. I wish more people knew about them, then everyone wouldn't all go to the same places making them so over-crowded! :-) There are so many beautiful places beyond the famous destinations.
Wow, this vid is so gorgeous and so very informative! I keep a running list of places to check out when I finally make it to Japan, and the Izu peninsula just got a long entry. It seems like it would be an ideal place to stop off for a day or two when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, especially when you can take that ferry across the bay to catch the bullet train in Shizuoka. Oh, you've got me daydreaming so hard!
Hehe there are so many possibilities! I keep a (never-ending!) list of places to go too, I have a Google Doc for my next trip and a big (messy!) list on Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/cakeswithfaces/japlanning-things-to-do-in-japan/
Izu peninsula? Cool place, really great views. I would really recommend a car or motorbike rental as it gets you to places like Izu Skyline, really pretty in hanami season (and probably autumn but I was only there in the springtime).
@3:56 The statues are inspired by the novel The Izu Dancer by Kawabata. If you like you can take a ferry from Numazu to Dogashima (for some reason there is also an orchid garden and research center there), I think it's easier than a bus ... hahaha! Shimoda is where the heroic American Black Ships anchored in 1858 so " Perry Road " is named for Matthew C. Perry (^_^).
Izu looks really cool, I've been to Hakone a couple of times, so I'd like to visit a different hot spring area on my next trip, and the Izu Peninsula looks like it has some great spots. (Also I never new you could get fresh wasabi in the UK, I kind of fancy getting some)
Hopefully Izu would be a little less touristy as it's less well known outside Japan. Highly recommend The Wasabi Company - their wasabi powder's really good too for non-special occasions! :-)
Wow amazing content Amy, your videos are always so informative. I think it would be awesome to drive on the loop bridge. Which leads me to my question, if I plan on renting a car to get around the peninsula, do I need an International Drivers Liscense before entering Japan?
Haha it'd definitely be an experience driving on that loop bridge!! I've never rented a car in Japan but I believe you do need an International Drivers Licence or if that's not available, a translation of your licence.
@@cakeswithfaces It certainly would be, especially in a Suzuki Cappuccino!! But hey thanks for the input, I think I might look into applying for the International Drivers Liscense. I figured it would be better to have it and not need it, then need it and and not have it.
@@cyberdynemodel1032 Yes, good idea! Note that one thing you need to watch out for in Japan is toll roads - there are quite a few of them. I believe you can get passes that cover them, which might make it easier. In most places, trains are so good that you don't need a car (and the bullet train's very comfortable and fast for travelling long distance), but in certain cases like on the Izu Peninsula where the network's not as comprehensive, it would be useful.
@@cakeswithfaces I was kind of thinking there might be some toll roads or bridges along the way. In addition to the pass, I was reading about an electronic card reader that is intalled inside the vehicle that you can just load it with however much money you want and it gets deducted out everytime you pass through a toll booth.
@@cyberdynemodel1032 That sounds a lot easier than having to deal with tolls each time, especially when there might be a language barrier! Sounds worthwhile!
Really nice video. Just to note that the Tokyo Wide Pass does no cover the Tokaido Shinkansen, so it might be more difficult to make it worth compared to other options.
The reason is actually "simple", JR is actually 6 companies. The Tokyo wide pass is issued by JR East and cover their shinkansen lines only, and the Tokaido shinkansen, belong to JR central. However, it's confusing because the Tokyo Wide Pass include some non-JR trains. The fact that JR is not just a single company does actually make things more complicated on what is included or not in some regional pass and even where you can exchange them, like Hakata station have a JR West and a JR Kyushu ticket office and you can only exchange your JR West pass at the JR West office.
@@gdore15 Yes, it's complex in Japan with so many different train operators, and then the fact that even JR isn't a single company! I've had that experience too, being directed to a different office for JR within Tokyo Station, with a different colour logo.
Amy, this is a great video! This has given me much food for thought? I had never heard of the Izu Peninsula but may make a great alternative to Kyoto (although i would love to go to Kyoto!!) but if Tokyo and Kyoto worked out too expensive, then Tokyo and the Izu Peninsula might be a slightly cheaper option, especially as Izu seems to be right up my street for things to see! I can see why it is called the smaller Kyoto? I have your guide book, so will look if there is anything in there about Izu and also check out that website, the Japan-guide , you mention!! I am hoping to go to Japan some time with my Son, and our plan was to spend 5/6 days in Tokyo and then 2/3 days in Kyoto, but maybe we could change that and do the Izu peninsula for the 2/3 days instead of Kyoto? Worth thinking about i think? Thanks for sharing this Amy, really helpful video!!!! Take care, and #staysafe
Thanks! There are still a lot of amazing places in Kyoto - although it can get very crowded because everyone wants to go there! I think there's more atmosphere in less busy places. You might also like Kamakura (p149 in my book!) which is another "little Kyoto" with lots of temples - and a bamboo forest that I enjoyed a lot more than the one in Kyoto. It's between Tokyo and Izu, and do-able as a day trip from Tokyo. :-)
@@cakeswithfaces Thanks for the reply!!!! More really useful information!! It is great to receive all this information, it really helps, particularly from a resident of the Midlands, like my self!! Thanks once again Best Regards!
u are so awesome!!! thank u for ur videos and all the information.. i hope to get ur book soon!! it will be amazing for when i finally get to go to japan. and i love the pink n purple hair ♡´･ᴗ･`♡ i have two questions for you.. have you ever gone to an onsen or plan to? and do you want to live in japan one day? thanks !! 💖
@@cakeswithfaces i would love to stay in a traditional hotel as well!!! it seems so fun... and i totally understand what u mean! thats a very good way to look at it 💓 thank u so much!!
Sorry!! It takes so long to plan, film and edit these types of videos that if I made one every week I wouldn't be able to keep Cakes with Faces going too! (Plus I think you guys would get bored of me just talking...!) :-)
@@cakeswithfaces also. I love your videos & your travel book. Lots of time to research & take notes. My 17day trip to Japan is due because of your tips & info. The last time I did a international trip it was a last minute thing and I didn’t know what I was doing. This time I’m ready plus some. Your videos are the best online. Keep it up & be safe
@@litawolf1684 Thank you!! I always enjoy places more when I've done some research to know what to look out for. I always worry I'll miss something really good if I don't check what's there! :-) Although it is fun to come across things by surprise too. :-)
@@IKEMENOsakaman Mystery does have meanings that are related to religion and to the difficulty of understanding things like ritual and theology. Why does the Izu Peninsula have a mystery?
This was a video I made during the pandemic when I couldn't travel. It's been difficult having a Japan travel channel when I couldn't go to Japan! My newer (and older) videos are travel vlogs with my footage from Japan.
❤️🇯🇵 Izu Peninsula amazing place beautiful my favorite in Shizuoka State 👍🏻👋 big like 🎬🌹😉
Hope I can make it there one day!
This is very useful and informative video. Thank you.
Thanks so much, glad it's helpful! :-)
Great video as always. Lots of new places to visit. Can't wait to go back to Japan.
Thanks! Still not completely decided on plans for my rescheduled trip! :-)
I’m looking at to travel to this area soon. Thanks so much for the great transport info and for introducing some places I hadn’t considered
Have a wonderful trip! 🎶
Thanks Amy, you've completely sold it to me and I've added Izu to my to-do list as well... :-)
The never-ending to do list...! :-)
I love me a bamboo forest too. But the ferry ride looks like a must, as do the lighthouses.
Ah yes, you'd take so many pictures!! :-)
I was there for the Kawazu cherry blossom festival last year and only spent an afternoon/evening. It was very laid back and relaxing. I could not imagine seeing all the sights on Izu peninsula in fewer than three days, so those three-day passes make sense.
Good to know! The cherry blossom festival looks beautiful. It must be nice to experience the sakura somewhere more chilled than the busy places.
I'd love to head there as well.
Next up on my list is Matsue in Shimane prefecture. :)
What puts Matsue at the top of your list? :-)
I adore the Rar- man t-shirt so buying that.
Yay, thank you so much!! :-)
The bamboo forest looks lovely. There was a similar one in Arashiyama
I love bamboo forests! There's also one in Kamakura (between Izu and Tokyo), which is quieter than the famous one in Kyoto - it was so peaceful and one of my favourite places I've been in Japan: ua-cam.com/video/Iws8J1KbSDM/v-deo.html
I love the way you say peninsula it cute.
Hehe thank you!! :-)
Can't wait, wish we can travel again soon.
Me too!! Fingers crossed!
We actually did Izu peninsula as a day trip! It required a lot of specific planning, but I love researching details, so it turned out pretty well. We saw Jogasaki coast, the seven waterfalls and Shuzenji onsen. Would definitely love to explore around even more.
Ah it's great to know it's possible and you made it to all those places! Was that on the train?
Yeah, mixture of Shinkansen, local trains and the bus. The journey took us the entire day, as in we left Tokyo around 8AM and arrived back before 11PM. The biggest challenge was to try and find something to eat near the seven waterfalls, as everything closed around 4PM.
@@Linduzki Agh some places in Japan are like that with early bedtimes!! *Makes note: take snacks!*
Excellent information for Izu and aroud Izu ! I am so impressed . I live in Shizuoka prefecture. But I can not do it like you.
Thank you! I'd love to visit Shizuoka too! :-)
@@cakeswithfaces You are welcome ,near future.
Got my lovely scarf from you recently. Gorgeous (Hedgehog one!)
Yay, thank you so much! So happy you like it :-) I was wearing mine today too!!
One thing I like about Izu is the presence of vintage video game machines, old school pachinko, etc., that have been long since retired in the rest of Japan. It's like a living museum of Showa.
Ooh interesting! Liking the sound of that!
I really enjoyed this upload! When I was a kid, we used to go to Atami for onsen and other things ( I am a Japanese expat who lives in Toronto, Canada). I am always so impressed that you know amazing (yet lesser known) places in Japan. Hope that 2021 is a much better year than the previous one and that we can travel freely. P.S. Love your soft-spoken voice. So soothing!
Aww thank you!! They must be happy memories from your childhood! I follow a lot of Japan blogs/Twitter accounts/videos and keep a list of all the interesting-looking places. I wish more people knew about them, then everyone wouldn't all go to the same places making them so over-crowded! :-) There are so many beautiful places beyond the famous destinations.
@@cakeswithfaces using this for my trip next week. Thanks
@@kev16 Enjoy! Very jealous!! 🙂
@@cakeswithfaces followed you on IG thanks again for the tips
Wow, this vid is so gorgeous and so very informative! I keep a running list of places to check out when I finally make it to Japan, and the Izu peninsula just got a long entry. It seems like it would be an ideal place to stop off for a day or two when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto, especially when you can take that ferry across the bay to catch the bullet train in Shizuoka. Oh, you've got me daydreaming so hard!
Hehe there are so many possibilities! I keep a (never-ending!) list of places to go too, I have a Google Doc for my next trip and a big (messy!) list on Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/cakeswithfaces/japlanning-things-to-do-in-japan/
Thank you for all the info. I somehow feel that it should be obligatory to mention "Arigatou San" (1936) which is set in Izu.
I've also seen a lot of references to "The Izu Dancer", a story set in Izu that the local Odoriko trains are named after.
@@cakeswithfaces I think I've seen that also, but I had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder.
SAPHIR ODORIKO would be a nice train to take! :P
Oh yes I'd love to go on that one! One day...!
Izu peninsula? Cool place, really great views. I would really recommend a car or motorbike rental as it gets you to places like Izu Skyline, really pretty in hanami season (and probably autumn but I was only there in the springtime).
I heard that Izu gets hanami slightly earlier than than Tokyo - good if you miss out on the rest of the cherry blossoms!
@@cakeswithfaces Think so, when I went it was just before GW so kinda caught the tail end of hanami up on the Skyline
@3:56 The statues are inspired by the novel The Izu Dancer by Kawabata. If you like you can take a ferry from Numazu to Dogashima (for some reason there is also an orchid garden and research center there), I think it's easier than a bus ... hahaha! Shimoda is where the heroic American Black Ships anchored in 1858 so " Perry Road " is named for Matthew C. Perry (^_^).
Izu looks really cool, I've been to Hakone a couple of times, so I'd like to visit a different hot spring area on my next trip, and the Izu Peninsula looks like it has some great spots. (Also I never new you could get fresh wasabi in the UK, I kind of fancy getting some)
Hopefully Izu would be a little less touristy as it's less well known outside Japan. Highly recommend The Wasabi Company - their wasabi powder's really good too for non-special occasions! :-)
Awesome job Amy .
Thank you!!
Your welcome
here because watching yuru camp saw izu peninsula
Such a relaxing anime!
Wow amazing content Amy, your videos are always so informative. I think it would be awesome to drive on the loop bridge. Which leads me to my question, if I plan on renting a car to get around the peninsula, do I need an International Drivers Liscense before entering Japan?
Haha it'd definitely be an experience driving on that loop bridge!! I've never rented a car in Japan but I believe you do need an International Drivers Licence or if that's not available, a translation of your licence.
@@cakeswithfaces It certainly would be, especially in a Suzuki Cappuccino!! But hey thanks for the input, I think I might look into applying for the International Drivers Liscense. I figured it would be better to have it and not need it, then need it and and not have it.
@@cyberdynemodel1032 Yes, good idea! Note that one thing you need to watch out for in Japan is toll roads - there are quite a few of them. I believe you can get passes that cover them, which might make it easier.
In most places, trains are so good that you don't need a car (and the bullet train's very comfortable and fast for travelling long distance), but in certain cases like on the Izu Peninsula where the network's not as comprehensive, it would be useful.
@@cakeswithfaces I was kind of thinking there might be some toll roads or bridges along the way. In addition to the pass, I was reading about an electronic card reader that is intalled inside the vehicle that you can just load it with however much money you want and it gets deducted out everytime you pass through a toll booth.
@@cyberdynemodel1032 That sounds a lot easier than having to deal with tolls each time, especially when there might be a language barrier! Sounds worthwhile!
Really nice video. Just to note that the Tokyo Wide Pass does no cover the Tokaido Shinkansen, so it might be more difficult to make it worth compared to other options.
Yes, good point! I noticed it covers some of the other shinkansen lined but not the Tokaido, so you'd have to go on the regular train.
The reason is actually "simple", JR is actually 6 companies. The Tokyo wide pass is issued by JR East and cover their shinkansen lines only, and the Tokaido shinkansen, belong to JR central. However, it's confusing because the Tokyo Wide Pass include some non-JR trains.
The fact that JR is not just a single company does actually make things more complicated on what is included or not in some regional pass and even where you can exchange them, like Hakata station have a JR West and a JR Kyushu ticket office and you can only exchange your JR West pass at the JR West office.
@@gdore15 Yes, it's complex in Japan with so many different train operators, and then the fact that even JR isn't a single company! I've had that experience too, being directed to a different office for JR within Tokyo Station, with a different colour logo.
Amy, this is a great video! This has given me much food for thought? I had never heard of the Izu Peninsula but may make a great alternative to Kyoto (although i would love to go to Kyoto!!) but if Tokyo and Kyoto worked out too expensive, then Tokyo and the Izu Peninsula might be a slightly cheaper option, especially as Izu seems to be right up my street for things to see! I can see why it is called the smaller Kyoto? I have your guide book, so will look if there is anything in there about Izu and also check out that website, the Japan-guide , you mention!! I am hoping to go to Japan some time with my Son, and our plan was to spend 5/6 days in Tokyo and then 2/3 days in Kyoto, but maybe we could change that and do the Izu peninsula for the 2/3 days instead of Kyoto? Worth thinking about i think? Thanks for sharing this Amy, really helpful video!!!! Take care, and #staysafe
Thanks! There are still a lot of amazing places in Kyoto - although it can get very crowded because everyone wants to go there! I think there's more atmosphere in less busy places. You might also like Kamakura (p149 in my book!) which is another "little Kyoto" with lots of temples - and a bamboo forest that I enjoyed a lot more than the one in Kyoto. It's between Tokyo and Izu, and do-able as a day trip from Tokyo. :-)
@@cakeswithfaces Thanks for the reply!!!! More really useful information!! It is great to receive all this information, it really helps, particularly from a resident of the Midlands, like my self!! Thanks once again Best Regards!
@@indyartmusic1142 Enjoy planning your trip!! :-)
u are so awesome!!! thank u for ur videos and all the information.. i hope to get ur book soon!! it will be amazing for when i finally get to go to japan. and i love the pink n purple hair ♡´･ᴗ･`♡ i have two questions for you..
have you ever gone to an onsen or plan to? and do you want to live in japan one day? thanks !! 💖
Aww thank you so much, that's really kind of you!
@@cakeswithfaces i would love to stay in a traditional hotel as well!!! it seems so fun... and i totally understand what u mean! thats a very good way to look at it 💓 thank u so much!!
In case there are any anime watchers here, Izu Peninsula is where Grand Blue takes place.
Now for some Oolong Tea kanpai.
Always fun visiting anime locations in real life! 🎶
I miss watching your videos every Thursday.
Sorry!! It takes so long to plan, film and edit these types of videos that if I made one every week I wouldn't be able to keep Cakes with Faces going too! (Plus I think you guys would get bored of me just talking...!) :-)
@@cakeswithfaces lol
I can understand I have my own life to. We both must do what we must.
@@cakeswithfaces also. I love your videos & your travel book.
Lots of time to research & take notes.
My 17day trip to Japan is due because of your tips & info.
The last time I did a international trip it was a last minute thing and I didn’t know what I was doing. This time I’m ready plus some. Your videos are the best online. Keep it up & be safe
@@litawolf1684 Thank you!! I always enjoy places more when I've done some research to know what to look out for. I always worry I'll miss something really good if I don't check what's there! :-) Although it is fun to come across things by surprise too. :-)
@@cakeswithfaces I believe a surprise is always a good thing.
Laid back camp season 2.
Such a relaxing anime! 💜
Izu Peninsula is 神秘的！Sorry, there's no word in English to describe 神秘的…
Google translate says "mysterious". Would you say that's accurate?
@@quintrankid8045 Hmm not really. It's more like godly-misterious... but there isn't any word in English...
@@IKEMENOsakaman Mystery does have meanings that are related to religion and to the difficulty of understanding things like ritual and theology. Why does the Izu Peninsula have a mystery?
Interesting! When you say godly-mysterious, is it a spiritual/unearthly type of mystery?
6:55 thats the bridge from the massacre in the 2009 film Occult ....yeah I'm not going there to be killed and then transported to a hell dimension
I can see how you might not be so keen to visit if you'd seen it in a horror film...!
@@cakeswithfaces nah haha, it’s actually a pretty good film. It’s on UA-cam if you get the chance
No videos at all. Blablabla and third part bad quality photos
This was a video I made during the pandemic when I couldn't travel. It's been difficult having a Japan travel channel when I couldn't go to Japan! My newer (and older) videos are travel vlogs with my footage from Japan.