Minamiizu: A City of Hot Springs and Cherry Blossoms
Minamiizu, Japan is located at the southernmost part of the Izu Peninsula in the Shizuoka Prefecture facing the Philippine peninsula of the Pacific Ocean. It is a combination of six villages merged in 1955. A relatively small city, Minamiizu is usually visited by tourists because of the Kawazu-Zakura cherry blossoms and is known for its warm climate due to the Kuroshio current.
Best Time to Visit
It is advisable to visit Minamiizu from April to July because of its mild and warm temperature while its hottest season ranges from July to September. The busiest month of this city is from February to March due to the Nanohana Festival where rows of cherry blossoms are illuminated along the banks of Aono River. This city is a three-hour drive from Tokyo and a bus-ride away from Shimoda station.
What to Do & Area Attractions
If you are planning to visit this city, you can enjoy the Yumigahama Beach Resort and relax at Ryokan Tokiichiyu, which also offers a big bath or open-air bath in their hot springs. Another place to book for your accommodations is at Kagiya Onsen Ryokan, which provides a romantic place to stay and is a short distance away from the Nakagi Port and South Izu Folk Museum. It is near food places serving grilled meat like Niko No Usui and Keuma. There is also a family-friendly hotel located near the Aono River and Shimogamo Tropical Garden named Kyukamura, Minami-Izu. Do not forget to drop by at the Lighthouse of Cape Irozaki and enjoy the ocean waves.