08/06/2023 / Last updated : 18/06/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Oomuroyama and Shimoda Walk　大室山、下田

April 2nd. 2023 Gyokuro no sato, as the name apparently suggests, is concerned with high class green tea. There are tea terraces visible from the car park and the merchandise in the shop is generally tea related. From a shachuhaku perspective, it is a very pleasant place for an overnight. It is small, quiet, nowhere near a busy main road and with excellent facilities. Though they are a little far from the parking, so a concern on a wet night. Oomuroyama Cherry Blossom Park It is mainly a driving day, but we want to visit Oomuroyama to stretch our legs. Planning to avoid the cherry blossom park, as it is […]
Kunozan Toshogu
30/05/2023 / Last updated : 18/06/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu　日本平、久能山

April 1st. 2023 Akabane Loko Park When we went to sleep at Akabane Loko Park we were far from the michi no eki, out along the sea front. We were also alone. In the morning there are 20 or 30 vehicles stretched out along the beach. These are surfers who have arrived during a Friday night. Before breakfast, we move to the michi no eki Akabane Loko Station itself for the facilities and availability of coffee. Our eventual departure sets us up for a day of driving as we head for Nihondaira.  First, along a lengthy stretch of Route 42 following the beach to Hamanako. This an inlet from the […]
Izu Matsuzaki
30/04/2020 / Last updated : 31/01/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Nishi-Izu, Matsuzaki and Dogashima　西伊豆

July 2019, Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana is not a bad place to stay but it is low lying, backs on to a river and is surrounded by foliage. In the rainy season it is hot and full of mosquitoes. Our night was not as bad as I make this sound and we both slept well. The dismal weather is a problem. This area is famous for views of Mt. Fuji and that is out of the question. As we drive the coast road R.136, the glimpses of the cliffs and coastline urge us to stop and admire the scenery. However, as in many areas like this, where the land drops abruptly […]