I visited Atami City’s power spot, Kinomiya Shrine, for the first time in a long while. When I drew a fortune by the more-than-2,100-year-old natural monument "Ookusu", a cute little leaf was tucked inside.🌿

The 81st issue of Atami de Asobo, the magazine that introduces restaurants, souvenir shops, and other businesses in Atami City, has been published. This free paper is packed with ways to enjoy Atami. It features 74 recommended spots, including trending eateries and shops offering special deals, Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants, safe nightlife venues, day-use hot springs, and specialty stores. This issue also includes a special feature titled "Retro Atami Time: Savoring the Past at a Historic Western-Style Restaurant." Copies of Atami de Asobo are available from the Atami City Tourism Association, the Atami Tourist Information Center (Lusca Atami station building, 1st floor), the Atami Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other local shops, so please pick one up.

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and Please enjoy the exquisite gourmet of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Kappo Ishida". ・ Feel free to enjoy the taste of a long-established inn We will prepare a Japanese course meal that makes the most of the season. The dining place is a completely private room, so you can spend a relaxing time. If you wish, we will also accept meals in a separate room with an open-air bath. Our stores will serve meals using the facilities of a long-established inn. ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot name】Kappo Ishida 【Address】Yatsu, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 226, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-32-1001 【Business hours】Inquiries due to reservation system 【Regular holiday】Reservation required 【Parking lot】Yes Other By reservation only required.

Spend a blissful time in the beautiful town, Kawazu Town When you visit surrounded by the nature of the sea and mountains, and the Accommodations in the town! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Japanese-style pension Ginsen". ・ The beach is also nearby, and the Fee is the same all year round except for the year-end and New Year holidays and Obon. 3 minutes walk from Kawazu Station. Two baths are natural hot springs and can be reserved. Dinner is a Japanese set centered on fresh local fish. ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot name】Japanese-style pension Ginsen 【Address】Kawazu-cho Hama, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture 183-2 Phone number: 0558-32-0955 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m. [Total number of rooms] 8 【Pick-up/drop-off】No pick-up/drop-off 【Parking lot】3 cars

A gourmet guidebook collecting genuinely delicious local-favorite restaurants, "Jimoto Gourmet: Atami & Yugawara," will be published! When the Izusan debris flow disaster struck in 2021, the publisher, Izukyu Cable Network Co., set out to return the support it had received from industry peers to the communities hit by that disaster and by the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidebook was produced as a token of gratitude and encouragement for those communities. Under the principle of "no advertising fees whatsoever," the book is filled with crowd-sourced restaurant tips, interviews spotlighting local contributors, profiles of athletes from the area, and information on anime and manga set in Atami—offering a wealth of hometown knowledge. If you’re interested or a fan of Atami, please pick up a copy♪ Jimoto Gourmet: Atami & Yugawara Publisher: Izukyu Cable Network Co., Ltd. On sale from April 1, 2024, at the following locations - Bushu Yamakichi, Lusca Atami store (2nd floor, Lusca Atami building at atami station) - Ishigaki Bookstore (1st floor, Atami Ekimae Daiichi Building) - Iwakami Bookstore (1189-20 Yawatano, Ito City, along National Route 135) Price: 500 yen (tax included)

Kawazu cherry blossoms and newlyweds 🌸💍 Pre-shot on the best day!!

Fukinoyama rises to 550 meters near the border between Matsuzaki and Nishi-Izu towns, northeast of Matsuzaki town center and alongside Mount Chokuro of the Amagi range. At the summit stands Hozoin, a Soto Zen temple founded as a sacred esoteric site by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in the 3rd year of the Dado era; it was originally called Fukino Jizo Mikkyoin. In the Muromachi period it flourished as a great sacred site with 88 branch temples, but it later fell into decline and was revived by the monk Iwanaka. During the Bunki years (1501–1504), Seian, the fourth head priest of Fumon-in in Kawazu, converted from Shingon to Soto Buddhism, and the temple gained the name Hozoin from that time. The temple grounds are densely wooded, featuring the largest cedar in Minami-Izu, estimated at about 400 years old (6.5 m in circumference, 34 m tall), and a 150-year-old Oshima cherry tree. Along the approach, more than 180 stone statues known as "field Buddhas" line up in a rare sight. The moss-covered stone figures of Dainichi Nyorai, Yakushi Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, Jizo, Kannon, Kobo Daishi and others have a quietly desolate air, as if chanting the impermanence of human life. The site is also the 7th sacred stop on the Izu Yokomichi 33 Kannon pilgrimage.

In the western and southern parts of the Izu Peninsula, widespread deposits from ancient submarine volcanic eruptions are found. After a long era of submarine volcanism, the whole of Izu uplifted and emerged onto land, and subsequent erosion sculpted the landscape we see today, allowing us to view beautiful internal structures that would originally have remained buried underground. Among the submarine volcanic deposits, volcanic ash and pumice that settled on the seafloor preserved features such as bedding and, over long periods, lithified into rock. These stones became valued as a soft, easily worked, and heat-resistant building material known as Izu stone, and until around the early Showa period they were quarried and shipped from various parts of Izu. Muroiwa Cave was a quarry that operated from the Edo period until 1954 (Showa 29), and it remains one of the few places where visitors can see the site largely as it was in those days.

Along about six kilometers from the mouth of the Nakagawa River, which runs through the center of Matsuzakicho, to Osawa Onsen, roughly 1,200 Somei-yoshino cherry trees are planted, creating a famous cherry-blossom spot that reaches full bloom from late March to early April. You can also enjoy it together with the concurrently held flower fields in rice paddies. During the blooming season, the evening cherry blossoms are lit up, and the reflection of the trees in the Nakagawa River creates a magical scene.

On about 30,000 square meters of fallow rice paddies, seeds of six flowers—African marigold, borage, baby snapdragon, daisy, poppy, and cornflower—are sown. From mid-February each year they bloom in sequence, turning the whole area into a vast flower field that delights every visitor and has come to represent Matsuzakicho. Within the flower fields, lifelike scarecrows resembling people and animals, a Flower Field Shrine (a torii made of flowers), and a foot bath are installed. From May 1 to May 5 during Golden Week, visitors may pick flowers free of charge. From late March to early April, you can also enjoy the cherry tree-lined Nakagawa River—about 6 kilometers and roughly 1,200 trees—making the site a lively attraction each year.

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Robata". ・ A cup of fresh seafood as a snack Not only the snacks, but also the sashimi is fresh and delicious! ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Robata 【Address】322-5 Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Kawazu Town Sasahara Phone number: 0558-32-2220 【Business hours】18:00~24:00LO23:00 【Regular holiday】Closed on Sundays 【Parking lot】Yes

Spring in Full Bloom! Experience the Moving 400-meter "Sakura Corridor" in Higashiizu! The "Sakura Corridor" is a 400-meter row of cherry trees lining the Higashiizu Town cross-country course (Inatori Highlands). We provide updates on peak viewing conditions starting in late March. ⏰ Best time to visit: Late March to early April 2024 🅿 Parking: Free (10–15 spaces) 🚌 Access: About a 10-minute bus ride from Izu-Inatori Station Feel the fresh breath of spring and enjoy a beautiful, memorable time that will stay with you. Along with cherry blossom viewing, come and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Sakura Corridor event with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you. This year also features the 1st "Higashiizu SPRINGFESTA." The Regional Revitalization Team leads efforts to celebrate the cherry blossom season. "Kids Festa" Free participation event: "Let’s Make a Cherry Tree in Full Bloom!" Write your wishes and thanks on cherry blossom petals to help complete the tree! Children who write a message will receive a gift. Dates: Saturday, March 30, 2024; Saturday, April 6, 2024; Sunday, April 7, 2024 (canceled in case of rain) Time: 10:00–15:00 Prizes and participation gifts available Stalls will offer ring toss, fishing games, and more! "Hanami Beer Terrace" Food and drink stalls will be available How about enjoying tasty food and drinks under the cherry trees? ☺️ You may consume items purchased at the stalls at the terrace seats. Dates: March 30 (Sat), April 6 (Sat), April 7 (Sun) (canceled in case of rain) Time: 10:00–15:00 #Sakura #Izu #Hanami #Izu Sightseeing #Izu Spots #Izu Travel #Izu Drive #Izu Inatori #Higashiizu Town

Spend a blissful time in a beautiful town surrounded by sea and mountain nature, Kawazu Town When you visit, and lodging nights in the town! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Minshuku Fukumaru". ・ We will provide sincere dishes centered on Ise shrimp 10 ~ May and seafood caught at home in June ~ September. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Minshuku Fukumaru 【Address】Yatsu, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, Kamo-gun, Yatsu, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture 533-5 Phone number: 0558-34-1650 Check-in/Check-out is 2:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m.　 [Total number of rooms] 4 【Pick up and drop off】Consultation required 【Parking lot】2 cars

Greenhouse 🌵 in Izu Cactus Park It was cold on this day, so the greenhouse was comfortable┌|∵|┘

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Nanadaru Ikkyu Chaya". ・ Proud soba noodles and Udon noodles, boar hot pot using Amagi boar, Udon noodles stewed boar ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Nanadaru Ikkyu Tea House 【Address】Nashimoto, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 380-6 Nashimoto, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-36-8928 【Business hours】11:00~16:00 【Regular holiday】Not opens 【Parking lot】Yes

Atami Station, operated by JR East and opened in 1925 (Taishō 14), celebrated its 99th anniversary yesterday on Monday, March 25. On the previous day, Sunday, March 24, a high-grade train not normally in regular service—the E655 series “Nagomi” (all seats are Green Car specification)—made a round trip between Shinagawa Station and Atami Station, carrying 105 passengers to Atami. Tickets sold out within five minutes of sales opening, a phenomenal response. Many rail fans gathered and photographed the special train as it arrived on the platform. A welcome ceremony took place on the Atami Station platform, featuring a performance by the Atami High School Eisa Club and greetings from Mamekko, the official character of the Atami Geigi Okiya Union, and Atsuo, the official character of the Atami Onsen Hotel and Ryokan Cooperative.

Spend a blissful time in a beautiful town surrounded by sea and mountain nature, Kawazu Town When you visit, and lodging nights in the town! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Reset". ・Doggie and family lodging　 Relaxing forest bathing dogs with delicious air and water in nature can run around to their heart's content and spend a fulfilling time. It is a lodging for one group or only one group per day. Even if you are not used to traveling with dogs, you can rest assured. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot Name】浬世人 reset 【Address】196-4 Sawada, Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-34-1690 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m., Check-out 11:00 a.m.　 [Total number of rooms] 5 【Pick up and drop off】Consultation required 【Parking lot】3 cars

Spend a blissful time in a beautiful town surrounded by sea and mountain nature, Kawazu Town When you visit, and lodging nights in the town! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Tabishi no Yado Yakata". ・ "Traveler" means a professional traveler or a person who is familiar with traveling. I named it because I wanted to make it an lodging where connoisseurs would also growl. Eat plenty, Take a generous bath and sleep a lot! These three things are important. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Traveler's lodging Yakata 【Address】Yatsu, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 333, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-32-1291 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m.　 [Total number of rooms] 8 【Pick-up/drop-off】No pick-up/drop-off 【Parking lot】20 cars

Spend a blissful time in a beautiful town surrounded by sea and mountain nature, Kawazu Town When you visit, and lodging nights in the town! The lodging we will introduce this time is "Kawazu no Sato". ・Kawazu no Sato is a small pension-style inn with only two rooms. We are proud of the owner's handmade dishes that use plenty of fresh seafood unique to Izu. Please spend a relaxing time while enjoying delicious seafood caught in Izu, such as Kinmedai, Ise shrimp, and abalone. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Kawazu no Sato 【Address】Mine, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture 520-1 Phone number: 0558-32-0888 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m.　 【Total number of rooms】2 rooms Pick up and drop off requires reservation 【Parking lot】3 cars

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Cafe Airana". ・A relaxing café where you can enjoy home-roasted coffee A surprising iced coffee that can only be tasted at our shop. The most popular since the store opened! You can also try the Nadeshiko blend! ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Cafe Airana 【Address】Shizuoka, Kamo-gun, Kawazu Town Sasahara 64-1 Phone number: 0558-36-3717 【Business hours】10:00~18:00 【Regular holiday】Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 【Parking lot】Yes

As part of Minami-Izu Town’s Nature Festival program, you can enjoy a free led-horse riding experience at Izu Shimoda Riding Club. Take this chance to interact with horses! A gentle horse is waiting for you!^^! Date: Monday, April 29th, 2024 (National Holiday) Riding schedule First session 10:00–12:00 Second session 13:00–15:00 Contact: Izu Shimoda Riding Club Address: 563 Kamigamo, Minami-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka 415-0302 TEL: 0558-62-2919

When the Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom each year, we Japanese are reminded just how much we truly love cherry blossoms, and our hearts dance as we look forward to the mountain-dyeing yamazakura and the cherry-lined banks of the Aono River. Please enjoy a relaxed, countryside-style hanami in Minami-Izu from a kayak, a very different experience from the urban cherry-viewing in central Tokyo. For lunch we provide the annual chirashi sushi—let’s eat beneath the cherry trees. After lunch we will, of course, head out for strawberry picking. This year we welcome participants from elementary school age. ◆Event period: Saturday, March 23, 2024 to Sunday, April 7, 2024 ※The schedule may change depending on cherry blossom conditions. ※There is no cancellation fee for date changes or cancellations due to flowering conditions. ◆Meeting time and place ・Meeting place: SURFACE office ・Meeting time: 10:00 ◆Schedule 10:00 Meet and travel to Yumigahama (start from Aono River depending on weather) 10:30 On-land briefing on paddling and safety, then launch from Yumigahama toward the Aono River 12:00 Land at Deai Bridge (near the rape blossom field) for chirashi sushi lunch 13:00 Drive from the landing site to strawberry picking 13:30 Return to the kayaks and head back to Yumigahama 15:00 Finish ◆Fees (tax included) ・Rental participation: ¥12,100 ・Elementary school students: ¥7,700 ・Bring-your-own-kayak participation: ¥8,800 ※Included in the price: kayak rental, kayak guide, instruction, lunch, and strawberry picking fees, etc. ※Boot rental: ¥500 (Please tell us your size in advance. We may not be able to accommodate same-day requests.) ◆Who it’s for ・Beginners welcome ・Junior high school students and older (single-person kayak) ・Elementary school students (two-person sit-on-top kayak) ・Families with elementary school children will use two-person sit-on-top kayaks. ※If an adult feels anxious, we can provide a two-person sit-on-top kayak—please let us know. ◆What to bring Clothing suitable for sea kayaking: clothes that can get wet, a lightweight fleece, rain jacket, rain pants, and boots. ※If you plan to shop during the landing, bring money. ※Because the two-person sit-on-top kayak in particular will get your seat wet, please be sure to bring rain pants. Address: 961-1 Minato, Minami-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka 415-0152 Phone: 0558-62-2114

<Strawberry Picking> Baby Barry Farm They raise their adorable strawberries as carefully as if they were babies. Nestled in Minami-Izu Town’s great outdoors, they want everyone to enjoy fully ripe, deep-red Benihoppe strawberries. The high-bench cultivation lets visitors pick strawberries while standing, so anyone can enjoy the experience without strain. They pay close attention to fertilizers, growing strawberries that are gentle for people and kind to the environment. ◆ Strawberry picking period: December 31, 2023 to May 6, 2024 *The above period is tentative and may end once berries run out. ◆ Opening hours: Last admission 10:00–15:00 *Closed on Tuesdays (open during the New Year holidays, public holidays, and the cherry blossom festival). ◆ Experience time: 60 minutes ※All-you-can-eat ◆ Pricing information ○ Period 1: December 31–April 15 ¥2,500 (adult), ¥1,800 (ages 2–elementary school; ages 65 and over) ○ Period 2: April 16–May 6 ¥1,800 (adult), ¥1,800 (ages 2–elementary school; ages 65 and over) *Children ages 3 through elementary school are charged the child rate. *Children under 3 are free. *Group discount: 10% off for groups of 20 adults or more. *Furusato gratitude vouchers can be used. ◆ Notes ・The site is barrier-free, so strollers and wheelchairs can enter without difficulty. ・The restrooms are not barrier-free. ・When the weather is warm, the greenhouse can become very hot; wear layers that are easy to remove and consider bringing a hat. ・Condensed milk and similar items are not provided, but you may bring your own. ・The experience may end depending on crop conditions or when strawberries run out, so please inquire in advance. Address: 96 Ishii, Minami-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka 415-0306 Phone: 090-7300-1115

In 2024, “Takenoko Picking” and the “Takenoko Eatery” will start from Saturday, March 30! Challenge yourself to forage spring mountain treasures and dig fresh bamboo shoots in a vast bamboo grove! Savor freshly dug bamboo shoots you can only taste here! If you miss the season, they’ll turn into bamboo. Admission: Adults 650 yen, Children 300 yen * You must purchase any bamboo shoots you harvest. * Rubber boot rental (50 yen) and work gloves (50 yen) are available for purchase. * Depending on bamboo shoot growth, the picking experience or the eatery may close or have a shortened season. * The Takenoko Eatery operates daily from April 1 to May 5 (around 10:30–14:30), though service may end when supplies run out. * Takenoko dishes are also available for takeout. * “Kusamochi making by reservation” is offered only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. * Bamboo craft workshops (reservation required). * The takenoko picking experience may be canceled once bamboo shoots run out. Address: 717 Ichijo, Minami-Izu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka 415-0301 Phone: 0558-62-1583

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce the tea lounge "Flora". ・ A skilled pastry chef prepares hotel maid sweets with just the right amount of sweetness ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Tea Lounge "Flora" 【Address】Mitaka, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 35-1 Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-32-0109 【Business hours】10:00~17:00 【Parking lot】Yes 【Other】A moment at the tea lounge with a view of the sea! Please come and visit us as an Instagrammable spot.

Spend a blissful time in a beautiful town surrounded by sea and mountain nature, Kawazu Town When you visit, and lodging nights in the town! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Pension Rally". ・Tennis courts are available. 18 minutes walk from Kawazu Station. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Pension Rally 【Address】Mine, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture 616-1 Phone number: 090-9841-9703 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m.　 [Total number of rooms] 4 【Pick-up/drop-off】No pick-up/drop-off 【Parking lot】6~7 cars

※There is a possibility of cancellation due to wind conditions, so please inquire in advance. A fireworks cruise will operate for the first 150 guests on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to coincide with the Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival. With no obstructions and from the extraordinary setting of a ship, why not watch 3,000 fireworks light up Atami’s night sky? It’s a perfect addition to your spring break memories. We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Date and time / Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Depart 19:50 – Fireworks viewing (20:20–20:40) – Return to port around 20:50 Boarding location / Atami Port (ticket booth for Hatsushima departures) ※Ticket sales begin at 19:10 (limited to the first 150 guests on the day) Fare / Adults ¥2,800, Children ¥1,400 ※Preschool children free How to purchase tickets / Tickets will be sold at the waiting area ticket window on the day. Please visit the window between 19:10 and 19:40. Vessel in service / Ild Vacances Premier ※The event may be canceled due to weather or other circumstances on the day. Thank you for your understanding. Inquiries / Fujikyuu Marine Resort Tel 0557-81-0541

On Saturday, March 16, we released firefly larvae into Hatsukawa within Atami Plum Garden. As an annual tradition, children from Umeenomachi helped us again! Japan is said to be home to around 50 species of fireflies. The species released in Atami is Japan’s representative firefly, the genji-botaru. We hatch the larvae, feed them kawanina (freshwater snails) about once a month while raising them, and release the final-instar larvae when they reach 2–3 centimeters. These larvae leave the river on humid nights from mid to late April, burrow into the soil, and form oval “soil cocoons.” Inside those soil cocoons they pupate and emerge as adults from late May to early June. This year we will hold “Evenings for Firefly Viewing” from Saturday, June 1 through Sunday, June 9. Please come and see the pale glow of the fireflies that can be seen only during this season.

Notice of Appreciation and Report for the 26th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival. The 26th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival, held from February 1 to March 10, 2024, drew approximately 255,000 visitors. We extend our deep gratitude to all visitors and everyone involved whose support allowed the festival to conclude safely and successfully. The environmental conservation contributions collected at roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, totaling ¥4,013,768, will be used for cherry tree pruning, disinfection, and other costs, as well as environmental maintenance related to the Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed. We will continue working to ensure this event lets visitors enjoy the early-blooming cherry blossoms and nanohana flowers in their full beauty, and we appreciate your ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming you again next year. March, 2024 Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Executive Committee Photographed in February 2024 📷 taken by Tokiya Otsuka.

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Cafe Kirinkan". ・ Handmade jam and butter fragrant Fun TeeTime with homemade cakes. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Cafe Kirinkan 【Address】Kawazu-cho Hama, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture 160-3 Phone number: 0558-32-0007 【Business hours】9:30~17:00 【Regular holiday】Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays 【Parking lot】None