Summer in Izu is simply the pinnacle of travel in Japan!

As expected, the most beautiful places in Japan are all in the countryside… When you come to Japan, be sure to save a day for Izu!!! Experience the ocean so blue it’s breathtaking, completely different from Tokyo’s vibe 🌊 You can see Mount Fuji in the distance ⛰️ and feed capybaras at the volcanic crater zoo 🎆 Join a fireworks festival, soak in hot springs while watching the sea… Plus, the matcha mountain ⛰️ from "Your Name" is super healing! Listen to the heartbeat of the Pacific at the edge of the sea… it’s incredibly romantic 🚗 Charter a car from Tokyo ▶️ 3 hours straight to Izu I’ve checked many transportation guides for Izu, and they all push the limits of timing Because of inconvenient transport + few departures, waiting in the heat can be really frustrating From personal experience, the best way is to charter a car, so you don’t have to worry about long distances between spots Easily explore all of Izu! Super hassle-free! I booked directly on 🐬, with a local driver-guide providing full pick-up and drop-off service, plus acting as photographer and translator 🥰 Recommended route Tokyo → Inatori Ginmizu-so stay → Omuroyama Ropeway → Cactus Zoo → Kinosaki Coast → Return to Tokyo 🔵 Ginmizu-so (a healing paradise!) A long-awaited seaside Japanese-style hotel, open your eyes to the deep blue sea Instantly relax~ The hot spring pools are both indoor and outdoor, and you can see the sea directly So comfortable soaking in the hot springs I almost fell asleep 💤 ps: You must try the local seafood in Izu 🐟 The sashimi of kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) in kaiseki cuisine is highly recommended by locals 🔵 Omuroyama (filming location of "Your Name"!) The guide told me to go early 😅 to avoid queues (listen to advice and eat well beforehand 🤣 Going early really meant fewer people, and I got on the ropeway quickly) At the top, I was shocked by the full screen of matcha green 🟢… Turns out the anime scene really exists! (UV rays are strong ⚠️ so be sure to wear sunscreen) 🔵 Cactus Zoo 🌵 The world’s only zoo built on a volcanic "crater" This place is a “cutie paradise” — capybaras soaking in hot springs! 🐒 Monkeys fighting! Peacocks spreading their tails chasing people! 🔵 Kinosaki Coast 🌊 Cliffs formed by volcanic lava 🌊 towering high on the Pacific coast Under the suspension bridge is a stunning sea of blue glass! ⚠️ Travel Tips 🩵 Taxis in Japan are really, really expensive! Rail transport can be complicated For first-timers in Japan who want to visit multiple places, I highly recommend trying a chartered car tour! It’s really cost-effective for groups! This time, six of us chartered a car for four days and three nights, and it was cheaper than taking public transport. Plus, no worries about sudden rain during the rainy season! Having a driver-guide familiar with Japan is super convenient and hassle-free! You can plan your trip flexibly if you want to stay longer 🩵 Bring plenty of cash, as some places like Omuroyama 🎫 only accept cash 🩵 The Omuroyama ropeway stops running at 4 PM, so it’s best to go in the morning! In the afternoon, long queues might mean you can’t get on 🩵 The wind at Kinosaki Coast is very strong, so be sure to wear a jacket. Also, if you wear a hat, make sure to secure it 👒 🩵 Chartering a car really saves time and effort! You’ll have a blast the whole way! Not tiring at all and very free, it’s truly a lifesaver for lazy travelers like us 😭