Imaihama Beach, Izu Peninsula
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Cliffside Wonders: Exploring Imaihama Beach on the Izu Peninsula
Location: Imaihama Beach, Kawazu, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamp: 06:31 on February 14, 2024
I set out from home at 3:30 a.m., driving directly to the Kawazuhama Parking Lot—a mere 10-minute stroll from the southern tip of Imaihama Beach in the town of Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula. Kawazu Town boasts numerous parking lots, typically charging a one-time fee of about ¥1,000. However, the Kawazuhama Parking Lot offers the advantage of being free of charge.
To access this parking lot, plan for an approximately 3-hour and 30-minute drive from central Tokyo via expressways. Given the limited parking spaces, especially if you aim to secure a spot for sunrise viewing, it's crucial to depart early and endeavor to arrive before dusk, as the lot tends to fill up rapidly.
After arriving, my border collie and I took the trail from the parking lot to a scenic path along the cliff's top edge, offering breathtaking views of waves crashing below. Approximately halfway through, a concrete staircase protrudes from the cliffs, guiding you down to the coastline. Here, you'll witness sea stacks rising from the sandy beach, providing some nice subjects for seascape photography.
For those opting for train travel, catch the bullet train to Atami Station. Transfer to the Ito Line and make another transfer at Ito Station to the Izu Kyuko Line. Disembark at Imaihama-Kaigan Station and head south, where Imaihama Beach awaits just a 4-minute walk from the station.
While train travel is faster and relatively cost-effective, considering the absence of fuel and toll road expenses, driving remains the optimal choice for sunrise enthusiasts who prefer not to book a hotel or have a large dog as your travel companion.
Should you visit during the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, a mere 10-minute walk from the parking lot will lead you to the Kawazu River. There, you can enjoy a 3.4 km (2.11 mi) stretch of Kawazu cherry blossoms adorning both sides of the riverbank.
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