Springs in Izu
The springs in Izu are one of the most popular resort areas: it is a favorite holiday destination for the Japanese and tourists arriving in the country. The Izu Peninsula is located on the coast of the island of Honshu, about 100 kilometers from Tokyo in a southwestern direction. Izu is attractive for its thermal springs, mild climate, picturesque coastline and magnificent views of Mount Fuji.
History of Izu Springs
There is a legend according to which in ancient times the sea washing the peninsula became hot. For this reason, marine animals swam into the ocean, and fishermen could not get anything and died of hunger. Thanks to the prayers of a traveling monk named Mangan addressed to the sea god Susanoo, the hot springs moved from the sea to the shore. Marine life returned, fishermen were saved, and geysers with warm mineral water appeared on the coast. It is believed that the springs in Izu appeared in the 8th century. The surviving ancient documents say that since the 1250s, the Japanese nobility have already vacationed in these places.
The activity of Mount Fuji contributed to the emergence of many healing mineral hot springs enriched with hydrogen sulfide, salts and iron. The Japanese call them "onsen". Initially, people bathed in them in open spaces. Now special baths with running mineral water are installed under the canopies. While taking wellness treatments, there is an excellent opportunity to admire the picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Features of the springs in Izu
In the resort towns of Shimoda, Ito, Atami, and Atagawa, guests are offered various types of spa treatments and therapeutic baths. Furako, a Japanese bathhouse, which is a huge cedar barrel filled with hot water from springs, is in great demand. Traditionally, both men and women bathe naked together in onsen. Modern hotels and hotels offer separate baths and swimming pools. There is a rule - before diving into the springs in Izu, you must wash with soap. Silence is maintained near the sources to achieve complete relaxation.
From the city of Atami you can take a ferry to the island of Hatsushima - a comfortable resort surrounded by unique subtropical flora. In the park near the station in Atami, a geyser erupts from the ground, recognized as a city symbol. In the city, the museum of erotica (persons under 18 years of age are not allowed) and the wonderful private art museum MOA are of great interest to tourists. South of Atami is the city of Ito, famous for its thermal springs. Nearby is the city of Izu Kogen with many hot springs and the picturesque coastline of Jogasaki.
Information for tourists
Ito has an inactive Omuro volcano, on the slopes of which the beautiful Komuroyama Park is located. Volcanic Lake Ippeki and the crocodile park are of great interest to travelers. The Ikeda Museum has a magnificent collection of paintings, numbering more than 1,000 canvases. Among them are works by world famous masters such as Dali, Chagall, Picasso, Matisse. In the center of the peninsula is Shuzenji, a hot spring resort. Named after the ancient temple located here, the history of which began more than a thousand years ago. Shuzenji has several ryokans, traditional Japanese-style hotels.
In the southeast of the peninsula is the city of Kawazu. Above it is Kawazu Nanandaru, a place in the mountains where there are 7 waterfalls. Next to the largest one there are thermal springs, the flow force of which exceeds 600 liters per minute, and the temperature ranges from 40 to 50 degrees. In spring, the city is transformed by many cherry blossoms. During the flowering season, the popular Kawazuzakura festival takes place. There are several diving sports bases on the peninsula. Izu is the main producer of the world famous wasabi horseradish. Local restaurants widely use it to prepare national dishes. The springs in Izu do not lose popularity from year to year. The Japanese say that if someone has been here once, they will want to come back.
