The area encircling Mt. Fuji has at all times stood as considered one of Japan’s premier vacationer locations, drawing numerous guests yearly desirous to seize its gorgeous, world-famous magnificence. But simply to the south, the Shizuoka Prefecture and its Izu Peninsula stay a hidden gem—providing each an idyllic sub-tropical retreat and a much less crowded basecamp for Mt. Fuji.

Following my very own trans-Pacific journey to the realm, I conquered jet lag with an in a single day keep in Tokyo on the Shangri-La—then, in preparation for the biking forward in Shizuoka, took full benefit of the complimentary e-bikes to weave by means of town’s vibrant streets. Subsequent was a swift one-hour bullet practice trip to Mishima, the place my information Shannon Walker from Kodo Journey greeted me. (At that time, I additionally waved goodbye to my e-bike, and ready to proceed my journey on wheels powered by personal two legs.)

Shizuoka has swiftly risen to prominence as considered one of Japan’s high biking hotspots—even serving because the proud venue for the street biking occasions of the latest Summer time Olympic Video games. The area’s various terrain caters to all biking disciplines, from exhilarating downhill and cross-country trails to scenic street routes, with the rising recognition of e-bikes making these adventures extra accessible for riders of various ability ranges. “Many first-time guests come for the highlights of tradition, meals, and historical past and shortly notice that Japan is blessed with so many stunning pure property,” defined Walker as we cycled by means of verdant fields of rice enveloped by lush mountains. “Gradual journey by means of biking and mountaineering are undoubtedly the most effective methods to study in regards to the historical past and join with native communities round these routes.”

However Shizuoka is brimming with loads of different points of interest too, together with rejuvenating onsen, beautiful culinary experiences, scenic mountaineering trails, wealthy historic websites, vibrant cultural choices, and Mt. Fuji. Whether or not you’re a motorcycle fiend or not, right here’s why you must take day out to go to the area’s pure wonders in your subsequent journey to Tokyo—or just make a trip of Shizuoka in its personal proper. 

What to Do

The Izu Peninsula was as soon as an island till bridged with the mainland after an eruption. Just like different areas in Japan, the dramatic geological options and landscapes we witness right this moment have been sculpted by an extended historical past of volcanic exercise. Being a UNESCO Geopark is a testomony to this, showcasing a mesmerizing geography meticulously carved over 20 million years of turbulent pure forces. Expertise the formidable landscapes on the Izu’s highest peak, Mt. Amagi, and its Kawazu Nanadaru hike. A community of seven waterfalls is woven by trails and bridges by means of its terrain following a number of cascades, some draping over spectacular pillar-like lava formations which can be a pure monument to the area’s volcanic heritage. Referred to as “columnar joints,” they’re sculpted by the cooling of historic lava flows, and are a geological marvel. (After the Kawazu Nanadaru hike, seven close by onsen await your drained muscle mass.)