Ishirouzaki Lighthouse (interior) will be open to the public. This is a rare chance that happens only a few times a year, if at all! Various special perks will be available on the day. A food truck will also make a special appearance at Irozaki Ocean Park! Event date: Changed from Saturday, November 2, 2024 to Sunday, November 24, 2024 due to rain. Event time: 10:00–15:00 Participation perks ・Free distribution of goods ・Exhibition booths ・Greeting with the Japan Coast Guard character Umimaru ・Uniform try-on (photos allowed) ・Japan Coast Guard aircraft (helicopter) flight overhead — planned Parking: Irozaki Ocean Park (paid)

◆Ise Lobster Festival Period: Saturday, October 5, 2024–Saturday, November 30, 2024 ※Checkout until Sunday, December 1, 2024 ※Reservation applications start: Saturday, September 14–Friday, November 22, 2024 (phone reception 9:00–17:00) ※Applicable to stays for two or more people (one night) ※The lottery is not first-come, first-served for reservations, reception, or applications ※No accommodation discounts are available ◆Overview ◉Accommodation reservations are accepted through Friday, November 22, 2024. ◉Stays on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 may be difficult to reserve due to a local town event. ◉Ise lobster is offered to adults (junior high school students and older) and children (ages 6 through elementary school). ◉Each guest may choose one lobster cooking method. ※Choose one of three lobster cooking methods: sashimi, boiled, or oni-gara yaki (roasted in the shell). ※The available cooking methods and their details may vary by accommodation. ◉The lottery tickets are limited to the first 500 people who draw at the venue. ※The order is not based on reservation, reception, or application sequence but on the order in which lottery tickets are actually drawn at the venue (Tourism Association). ◉Lottery eligibility covers adults and children (ages 6 through elementary school). ※Infants (ages 0–1) and toddlers (ages 2–5) are not eligible. ◉The lottery ends once the 500-ticket limit is reached. ◉After the lottery ends, accommodation reservations will continue to be accepted without special benefits. ◉Only guests who made accommodation reservations through our Tourism Association are eligible for the lottery. ※However, lottery tickets are awarded on a first-come basis to those who actually come to the Tourism Association in person. ◉When you pay the reservation deposit, you will receive a “Reservation Deposit Receipt,” which you must present to draw a lottery ticket. ◉Lottery tickets can be drawn at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (Tourist Information Center). ◉Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana is open from 9:00 to 17:00. Accommodation Procedure ◉Apply for accommodation via the application form, email, or phone. ◉Once our Tourism Association arranges your accommodation, we will mail you an accommodation information letter. ◉After you receive the accommodation information letter, please transfer the stated accommodation fee to the designated bank account. ◉After confirming your transfer, we will mail you the Reservation Deposit Receipt. ◉Once you receive the Reservation Deposit Receipt, please come to Minami-Izu Town. ◉Present the Reservation Deposit Receipt at the Tourism Association reception to draw a lottery ticket. ◆Steps to the Lottery Ticket ① Apply (via form, etc.) ② Accommodation arrangement (rooms may be unavailable) ③ Accommodation information letter mailed ④ Guest transfers accommodation fee ⑤ Reservation Deposit Receipt mailed ⑥ Lottery ticket drawn at the Tourism Association ◆Accommodation Benefits (Prize Redemption) With numbered tickets ・Five winners: accommodation subsidy voucher worth 15,000 yen each ・Ten winners: accommodation subsidy voucher worth 5,000 yen each ・Twenty winners: live Ise lobster (one box, approximately 1 kg, 2–7 lobsters) ・Seventy-five winners: frozen Ise lobster (150 g–300 g) ・Ten winners: Irozaki Ocean Park shopping voucher worth 3,000 yen ・Thirty winners: Irozaki Ocean Park shopping voucher worth 2,000 yen ・Fifty winners: Irozaki Ocean Park shopping voucher worth 1,000 yen Without numbered tickets ・100 yen discount on purchases at Irozaki Ocean Park ※Present the non-numbered lottery ticket plus a parking ticket at the register ※Lottery participants will receive a free parking voucher for Irozaki Ocean Park ※If the lottery ends, accommodations will be offered as regular Ise-lobster-inclusive stays without the lottery benefits.

Why do divers flock to Minami-Izu... The waters around Mikomoto Island, eight kilometers from Yumigahama, lie under the influence of the Kuroshio Current and brim with marine life. Schools of migratory fish such as yellowtail, greater amberjack, and Japanese amberjack share the seas with various sharks like the shortfin mako, resident large reef fish such as malabar grouper and Asian sheepshead wrasse, and reptiles and rays including green sea turtles, red stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. From these famed “big game” species to seasonal visitors like striped jack, grunt, bluefish, pomfret, numerous butterflyfish, and triggerfish, the variety and density of fish make this area exceptional. Among its attractions, the chance to see large schools of hammerhead sharks makes this dive site extraordinarily rare even by international standards. It is no exaggeration to call this place a sea that every diver dreams of visiting.

A new event called “Evening Cool Gathering,” organized by the Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division, will take place at Yumigahama Coast. The event details are as follows. Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024 (Reiwa 6) Program ◆1:00 PM–6:00 PM Sea Kayak and SUP Experience ・50-minute sessions ・Adults ¥1,000, students ¥500 ※Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian ◆3:00 PM–5:00 PM Obstacle Race Saburo ・Capacity: 30 teams, 60 people ・Open to participants from 4th grade elementary school and up ◆6:30 PM–8:00 PM Hoshi★Sora Cinema IZU ・Free admission ・Screening of the Minions movie ・300 seats available ※Please bring your own mats or blankets ◆Food and vendor stalls ・MOKI ・Hungryʼs ・BLUE La IZU

Irozaki Original Sticker Is Here🎉 The Irozaki Ocean Park original sticker is now available!! Get one as a souvenir of your visit to Minami-Izu Town or to show your love for Minami-Izu Town and Irozaki. It's waterproof, so it’s durable! By the way... we also have magnets🤫 They are sold at Irozaki Ocean Park, and we look forward to welcoming you.

A new package featuring Irozaki Lighthouse-kun debuts on the hugely popular Irozaki Ocean Park souvenir, the Salt Rusk❣ It's been on limited sale since August 2nd 😆

'Summer in Minami-Izu' Information for summer 2024. *Please note that the dates and details below are tentative and may change.* ○ Yumigahama Swimming Beach Beach season: Saturday, July 20 – Sunday, August 25 ○ Ko-ura Swimming Beach Beach season: Saturday, July 27 – Friday, August 16 ○ Hirizo-hama Boat Service June 29 (Saturday) – September 30 (Monday) Departure point: from Nakagi area, Minami-Izu Town A natural aquarium?! Snorkeling is the best way to enjoy it! ○ Hirizo-hama Swimming Tour Weekends in July and busy weekends in August A day trip tour to the popular Hirizo-hama ○ Tanigawahama Boat Service July 13 (Saturday) – September 1 (Sunday) Departure point: from the right side of the bay at Mera Mera Coast, Minami-Izu Town A second hidden paradise!? Ideal for snorkeling. ○ Yumigahama Splash Water Park July 13 (Saturday) – September 8 (Sunday) Location: Yumigahama Swimming Beach (right side) The hugely popular inflatable water park celebrates its 10th anniversary this year! ○ Mera Offshore Athletic Course July 6 (Saturday) – August 31 (Saturday) Location: Mera district, Minami-Izu Town Returning after a four-year renewal! ○ Yumigahama Fireworks Festival Thursday, August 8, from 8:00 p.m. Location: Yumigahama Swimming Beach *The sunflower field in Hino will be left fallow in 2024.* *Schedules and contents may change due to weather or other conditions.*

◆Yumigahama Beach This literally bow-shaped shoreline curves for about 1.2 km, with a gently sloping seabed and calm waves. It is especially popular with families. At Yumigahama, the sea conditions suit snorkeling as well as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), so you can enjoy the water year-round. The Tara-i Cape, which juts out to the east, is an excellent lookout offering sweeping coastal views. To the south you can see the Izu Seven Islands, to the east Mt. Tsumekizaki, and to the west the coastline continuing to Cape Irozaki, all of which are points of pride. ◆Aigahama (Rockpool Play) A must-see for those who want to enjoy snorkeling with small children! A short distance east of Yumigahama is a rocky shore. Playing among the rockpools with a mask opens up endless fun, so it comes highly recommended! 〇Hours 8:00–16:00 ※Hours when lifeguards are on duty ※There are no lifeguards at Aigahama 〇Closed Irregular closures for beach huts ※The beach huts may close suddenly due to typhoons or other conditions 〇Toilets Three locations (including accessible facilities) 〇Parking Parking available (summer paid parking ¥2,000 from July 13 to August 25, 2024) Prohibitions and Notices for Yumigahama and Aigahama Marine sports are allowed only within the designated marine sports area ※The area applies to the right-hand side when facing Yumigahama. ※Jet skis and similar vessels are prohibited year-round.

'Here we go! Summer in Minami-Izu!' The brochure for Minami-Izu Town's summer 2024 is ready. Summer IZU coming. Spend this summer having fun in Minami-Izu Town. Look forward to enjoying summer in Minami-Izu Town too!!

We created the poster "Here We Go! Summer in Minami-Izu". It comes in two sizes: B1 728×1030 mm and B2 515×728 mm. Please use it for this summer’s promotions. *The B2 size can be used double-sided.*

Fifty years have passed since the Izu Peninsula Offshore Earthquake that struck at 8:33 a.m. on May 9, 1974. Some black-and-white photos, with a few in color, that were held by the Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association at the time still remain; their condition is poor, but we are publishing them in the hope they will help future earthquake preparedness. At that time, tourism had been growing in Minami-Izu Town—sparked by the opening of the Izu Kyuko Line in 1961 and the opening of the Margaret Line in 1972 (which was made free in 1983)—and the local economy was becoming increasingly dependent on tourism when tragedy struck again. A series of disasters followed: the Aono River flood caused by heavy rains in July 1976, the Kawazu Earthquake in August of the same year, and the offshore Izu Oshima earthquake in 1978. Infrastructure development could not keep up, and visitor numbers plummeted. Nevertheless, the town gradually overcame those immense hardships and slowly rebuilt. Today, summer draws large numbers of visitors to the area. From a global perspective, earthquakes are natural events like typhoons, so it is extremely important to prepare for disasters based on past lessons and to pass those lessons on to future generations. What was the Izu Peninsula Offshore Earthquake? It was a shallow earthquake with its epicenter off Cape Irozaki that occurred at 8:33 a.m. on May 9, 1974, with a magnitude of 6.9. The quake caused tremendous damage: 38 people were killed or went missing, and approximately 370 buildings were completely or partially destroyed. Date and time: May 9, 1974, 8:33 a.m. Magnitude: 6.9 Fatalities and missing: 38 people Damage (complete and partial collapse): about 370 buildings

“Takenoko Village,” nestled in the center of Minami-Izu Town in the national park, is overflowing with seasonal flavors. Let your children experience the nostalgic tastes of the past—this will surely become a memorable day. Experience bamboo shoot picking across an expansive 490,000-square-meter bamboo grove. Enjoy local specialties sold on site and meals centered on bamboo shoots. The mountains offer seasonal tastes throughout the year: bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, wild mountain vegetables, amanatsu citrus, chestnuts, and shihotake (square bamboo). Take home memories of bamboo craftwork, too—every activity promises fun and a peaceful break from the city bustle. October 10–October 31 Shihotake Picking It’s shihotake season—pick the shoots of this square-shaped bamboo. Although this rare species originates from China, it tastes excellent. Depending on the weather, the season can extend into early November. May Amanatsu Citrus Picking Fully ripened and naturally grown, these fruits offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that fills your mouth with delightful flavor. September Chestnut Gathering The season is planned from early September to early October (subject to change depending on summer weather). For details, please call us. November, December, and March Shiitake Picking Yields depend on rainfall, but you can enjoy the thick, natural shiitake flavor that defines true shiitake mushrooms.”

The beach forms a literal bow-shaped curve about 1.2 km long, with a gently sloping shoreline and calm waves, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for couples and families. To the east, the projecting Tarai Cape offers a superb observation point with sweeping coastal views; to the south you can see the Izu Islands, and to the east and west the coastline stretches toward Tsumekizaki and Ishirōzaki respectively—one of the site’s proud features. ● Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Swimming Beaches ● Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Shores (Japan’s Top 100 Forests, Waterfalls, and Shores) ● Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 White Sand and Green Pine Beaches ● One of the Three Great Beaches of Izu (Yumigahama, Shirahama Ōhama, Imai-hama)

Irozaki Ocean Park 5th Anniversary Program ・Free parking (9:00–16:00) ※You will not be able to exit after 16:00. Saturday, April 6 ・Free fruit punch made with Taiwanese fruits (limited to 100 servings) ※From 10:00 until sold out ・Grilled spiny lobster sale on the beach (limited to 100 servings) ※From 10:00 until sold out ・Local food trucks scheduled to appear ・Collaboration clear file sale: The Light Keepers × Shimoda High School Minamiizu Branch Sunday, April 7 ・Grilled spiny lobster sale (limited to 100) ※From 10:00 until sold out ・Local food trucks scheduled to appear ・Collaboration clear file sale: The Light Keepers × Shimoda High School Minamiizu Branch ・13:00 – Appearance by Minami-Izu Town–authorized ambassador Melon Sheet Journey ・Commemorative photo session ・Original T-shirt sale

In Minami-Izu Town, 800 Kawazu cherry trees and 200 Somei-Yoshino together are called the Thousand Cherry Trees. After the Kawazu cherry season (around mid-February) passes, the Somei-Yoshino season follows (they usually peak in early April). We have prepared the following guide map for the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees; please use it as a reference. *They are expected to be at their best from April 6th to 9th.* The weather tends to be perfect for strolling at that time, so why not take a leisurely walk?

Margaret Picking at Ihama in Minami-Izu Town Starts March 27 You can start picking the town’s official flower, the margaret (marguerite). Stop by during your spring break trip or drive by. ❁ From Wednesday, March 27, 2024 — until supplies last ❁ 9:00–15:00; canceled in case of rain ❁ Free; up to 10 stems per person ❁ Near Ihama Fishing Port; look for the banners 🚘 About a 1-hour drive from Shimoda Station 🚌 Local buses to Ihama take about 1 hour 5 minutes; service is very limited, so we recommend coming by car. Scissors available for loan Event may end early if the margarets run out. Contact Ihama Flower Association Tel: 090-3384-6701 (Contact: Saito) Please call during daytime hours. 🌼 Request To help ensure the event continues in future years, a donation box is provided. We appreciate your cooperation.

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

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.

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival, running until March 10th, now has only five days left. ・Until March 10th: Minami Night Cherry Blossoms and Bamboo Lanterns (18:00–21:00) ・Until March 10th: Night Cherry Blossom Lighting (18:00–21:00) ・Until March 10th: Rapeseed Flower Door and Rapeseed Flower Maze (photo contest also underway) ※From March 4th, the parking lot will be open free of charge. Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana accepts contributions, but no staff will be on duty, so please feel free to park. As of March 5th, the Hina no Hana Batake Flower Field is still at its best. The Minami cherry trees (Kawazu cherry blossoms) have already turned into leaf cherry trees.

The 26th Minami Cherry and Canola Flower Festival Bloom update for Wednesday, February 21 Overall, the blossoms have passed their peak and leaves are starting to show more prominently. Also, the canola fields are still in their peak viewing period.

Cycle through the hustle and bustle of the city, cross Amagi Koshi and head to Minami-Izu. Unfortunately, the weather was bad, but by the time we ran along the Kawazu cherry blossom trees in Shimokamo, the blue sky began to appear, and the spring breeze was pleasant. In the clear air, a wonderful space expanded. I want to leave such a refreshing landscape for the future.

The day I visited Izu to welcome spring. The contrast between the artificial arc of the Kawazu Nanadaki Loop Bridge and the beautiful natural beauty of the Kawazu cherry blossoms was wonderful. I would like to leave such wonderful buildings and natural beauty for the future.

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Rape Blossom Festival February 17 Evening Cherry Blossom Lighting and Bamboo Lantern Night Photo by Tokiya Otsuka

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom Report for Sunday, February 18 Overall, the flowers are still in full bloom *In areas that bloomed earlier, petals are drifting on the wind*

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Period: February 1 to March 10 (now ongoing) Photo: Otsuka Tokiya

The 26th Minami Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom update for February 16 Overall, the flowers are in full bloom. * In areas that bloomed earlier, the petals are fluttering down. * The parking lot at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana is very crowded.

Kawazu cherry blossoms 🌸 in full bloom This is the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival held in Minami-Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It blooms the earliest in Honshu and is a sight to behold! It is very crowded, so I recommend 😆 going early in the morning