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Three Days of Nature & Small-Town Charm in Western Izu

Journey from the clear spring waters of Kakita River, fed by underground water from Mt. Fuji, to the rich natural landscapes of Western Izu. Stay in a renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house and explore Matsuzaki’s distinctive namako-kabe streets with a guide. Enjoy activities surrounded by nature and discover local flavors along the way. From the terraced rice fields of Ishibu to wasabi fields, this three-day journey reveals a quieter side of Izu beyond the usual sightseeing spots.

Tour Overview

This three-day, two-night journey explores the natural landscapes and small-town charm of Western Izu. Stay for two nights in a renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house in Matsuzaki, choose from a range of activities in nature, and explore the town with a guide. Designed for small private groups, the journey offers a flexible way to discover a quieter side of Izu.

Tour Location

By Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station

  • Tokyo → Mishima: approx. 45–60 min.
  • Kyoto → Mishima: approx. 2 hrs.
  • Osaka → Mishima: approx. 3 hrs.

From Mishima to Western Izu

The tour starts and ends at Mishima Station.
Transportation during the tour is by private vehicle.

Who Is This For?

  • Travelers looking to explore Japan beyond the usual sightseeing spots
  • Travelers who enjoy spending time in nature
  • Travelers who prefer a personalized journey in a small private group

Tour Facts

  • Length of Trip: 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Meeting Point: Mishima Station (around 10:00 AM on Day 1)
  • End Point: Mishima Station (around 2:30 PM on Day 3)
  • Physical Activity: High
    Activity level varies depending on the selected experience.
  • Style: Private Tour
  • Guide: English-speaking guide
  • Capacity: 2–6 guests
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle
  • Accommodation: 2 nights in Matsuzaki
  • Stay: Renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house, reserved exclusively for your group
  • Best Season: Year-round

Inquire About This Tour

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1 | From Izu’s Clear Waters and History to Matsuzaki

Depart from Mishima Station and visit Mishima Taisha, a historic shrine that has long served as the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the former Izu Province. Continue to Kakita River, where clear underground water from Mt. Fuji rises to the surface, creating a beautiful natural landscape.

After lunch, travel to Matsuzaki in Western Izu and check in to a renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house reserved exclusively for your group. This will be your home for the next two nights. For dinner, a local sushi chef comes to the house to prepare and serve sushi right in front of you.

Kakita River “Blue Hole”
Photo: Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association

Clear underground water from Mt. Fuji rises to the surface at Kakita River, creating a beautiful, crystal-clear landscape.

Sushi Dinner at the Traditional House (Image)

A local sushi chef comes to the house to prepare sushi right in front of you for a special dinner experience.

DAY 2 | Enjoy Nature & Small-Town Charm in Matsuzaki

AM
Explore the natural surroundings of Matsuzaki with English-speaking local staff. Choose from activities such as an e-bike tour, forest walk, or kayaking, depending on your interests and the season.

PM
After lunch, explore Matsuzaki with a guide. Walk through streets lined with distinctive black-and-white namako-kabe walls while discovering the scenery and history of this small town in Western Izu. In the evening, enjoy the sunset followed by dinner at a wood-fired restaurant.

Kayak Fishing Tour

Enjoy kayak fishing in Suruga Bay, then enjoy your catch for dinner that evening at a wood-fired restaurant.

Namako-kabe Streets of Matsuzaki
Photo: Matsuzaki Town

Walk through Matsuzaki with a guide and discover its distinctive namako-kabe walls, local history, and traditional craftsmanship.

DAY 3 | Discover Western Izu’s Landscapes & Wasabi Culture

Depart from Matsuzaki and visit the Ishibu Rice Terraces, nestled among the mountains. Enjoy a landscape shaped by both the natural environment of Western Izu and generations of local farming.

Continue to a wasabi farm and discover how Izu’s abundant clear water and natural environment support the cultivation of wasabi.

After lunch, return to Mishima Station, where the three-day journey comes to an end.

Ishibu Rice Terraces

Terraced rice fields spread across the mountainside, creating a beautiful rural landscape unique to Western Izu.

Izu Wasabi

Discover how Izu’s abundant clear water and natural environment support the cultivation of wasabi.

Your Stay in Matsuzaki

Stay for two nights at Gingyotei, a renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese house reserved exclusively for your group.

Carefully renovated for a comfortable stay while preserving the character of the historic building, Gingyotei offers a private base for exploring Matsuzaki. Enjoy nature-based activities and guided walks during the day, then return to relax in your own private space.