Imaihama Beach, Izu Peninsula


View of outcrop and sea stack basking in early morning light on Imaihama Beach on eastern coast of Izu Peninsula, Japan.

Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

58 mm ISO 100 for 1/50 sec. at ƒ/5.6

Order a Print: pix4japan.smugmug.com

Download a licensed digital file: pix4japan.picfair.com

Imai-So and Yukio Mishima: A Literary Retreat on Imaihama's Beachfront

Location: Imaihama Beach, Kawazu, Shizuoka, Japan

Timestamp: 07:03 on February 14, 2024

As depicted in the photo, the coastline surrounding the Imaihama beachfront is adorned with numerous small buildings, including charming Japanese-style bed and breakfast lodgings known as minshuku and a selection of small Japanese-style inns, or ryokan. Completing the picturesque scene is a quaint fishing port.

For tourists seeking accommodations in this tranquil resort area of Kawazu Town, the Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel and the historic ryokan Imai-So stand out as preferred choices. Both options provide guests with stunning, unobstructed views of the white sandy beach below and the expansive Pacific Ocean.

Established in 1934, Imai-So holds a rich history of hosting distinguished guests, including Emperor Showa, members of the imperial family, political and business dignitaries, as well as Japanese celebrities. Notably, Yukio Mishima (三島 由紀夫・14 January 1925 – 25 November 1970), an infamous Japanese author, poet, playwright, actor, model, and Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, frequently sought refuge from Tokyo's summer heat at Imai-So. It was at this historic location that he penned his 1951 novel, "Forbidden Colors" (禁色・Kinjiki).

After I finished exploring the southern tip of Imaihama Beach (今井浜海岸), I retraced my steps back up the side of the cliffs toward the parking lot, gearing up for a venture further south to enjoy the cherry blossoms lining the Kawazu River for the Kawazu-zakura Cherry Blossom Festival.

A visit to Imaihama Beach in February offers a unique experience, especially if you make your way to the southern tip of Imaihama beach. Follow the trail leading to a set of stairs that ascend towards the top of nearby cliffs. At the summit, a breathtaking view of the coastline, beach, and sea stacks unfolds, and a welcoming display of kawazu-zakura cherry blossom trees awaits you, providing a tranquil and picturesque scene.

References:




Copyright Notice for All Images:
© 2011-2025 Pix4Japan. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.
Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.



Daisei Iketani

Discover Japan’s hidden gems within a day’s drive from Tokyo. From city nightscapes to serene shrines, I capture their beauty and stories—often with my loyal border collie by my side. Explore Japan beyond the guidebooks!

Previous
Previous

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms

Next
Next

Sea Stack, Izu Peninsula