Izu Skyline, Shizuoka Pref.
Timestamps: 15:05 on February 14, 2024
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
105 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/8.0
A Scenic Drive through Izu: Exploring the Izu Skyline
Location: Izu Skyline, Shizuoka, Japan
Leaving the lovely Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, my journey continued northward on Route 135, a picturesque two-lane highway that closely hugs the eastern coastline of the Izu Peninsula.
After covering about 48 km in just over an hour, I arrived in the coastal resort town of Atami. There, I turned off Route 135, heading west on Prefectural Road 80 for a brief 10-minute drive (6 km) to reach the Yamabushi Pass Interchange, my gateway to the breathtaking Izu Skyline.
The Izu Skyline is a well-known toll road that extends over 40 km along the eastern Izu ridgeline connecting Atami Pass to the Amagi Plateau. This meticulously maintained route is a favorite among driving enthusiasts and touring riders residing in the southern Kanto and Tokai regions.
Constructed in three phases, the first 20.3-km stretch of the skyline was completed in 1962, followed by an 11.7-km extension in the spring of 1964 and the final 9.5 km in the autumn of the same year. To this day, the toll road continues to be a popular filming location for TV programs introducing newly released models of both Japanese and imported models of sports cars.
Toll charges vary based on the chosen interchange, ranging from 220 yen to 1,000 yen. It's important to note that the Izu Skyline only accepts cash payments; ETC or credit card transactions are not available.
An interesting tidbit for night drivers, the toll gates are unmanned during nighttime hours, allowing toll-free access to the winding mountain ridge roads—a nostalgic activity enjoyed by myself and my 走り屋 (street racing) mates back in the ‘90s.
The Izu Skyline boasts multiple rest stops where drivers can safely pull over and take a break and stretch their legs, give their dogs some exercise, and capture stunning photos of the windswept landscape and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji.
This shot shows a hint of the city of Susono, nestled near the southwestern base of Mt. Fuji. Despite the overcast skies, the slow-moving clouds delicately hovered high enough above the peak of Mt. Fuji, offering a clear and iconic view of one of Japan’s most revered symbols.
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