Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2026 is now accepting entries! "Visit again, Minami-Izu!!" We invite submissions capturing moments that made you feel like you want to visit again, such as memorable landscapes, experiences, and interactions. There are no restrictions on genres, whether it's nature, the sea, gourmet food, culture, or connecting with people. Please express the charm of Minami-Izu Town through your photographs. ◇ Application Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Eligible Works: Works taken between Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 ◇ Prizes - Excellence Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 70,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Mayor's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Chamber of Commerce President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association President's Award - 1 winner… Prize money of 30,000 yen Additional prize: Accommodation voucher worth 10,000 yen for a member facility of the local tourism association - Honorable Mentions - 10 winners… Local specialty products worth 5,000 yen 【Notes】 ※ Works taken in other cities and towns (e.g., Ryugong Grotto, Cape Tsumeki's daffodils) are not eligible, so please understand in advance. ※ The number of prize winners may change depending on the judging criteria. ※ For more details on applications, please refer to the "Application Guidelines." ※ During the application period, please proceed from the "New Registration" button displayed (after the second time, it will be "Login"). ※ If your photos contain credits such as text or names, please remove them before submitting. Apply here → https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=226...

The beach season in Minami-Izu Town ended on August 30th. However, there are still places where summer isn't over! One such hidden gem is Hirizo Beach, which is more well-known than its geographical name. It's a spot where you can see numerous fish and corals, and the long-awaited period for snorkeling enthusiasts has begun. If you missed seeing the fish you wanted, please consider purchasing the 2027 Hirizo Beach illustrated calendar. *In case the boat to Hirizo Beach is canceled, please check our tourism association BASE (https://minamiizukan.base.shop/)... or purchase it at our counter. Another spot is Koiji Coast. It is gradually becoming popular. This spot is a hidden gem known to those in the know, offering excellent visibility and opportunities for activities like SUP in addition to snorkeling. Please come visit "not-too-hot Minami-Izu Town," where the highest temperature in August (31.4°C) is lower than in July (32.9°C), this September.

【Late Summer!】 This summer, head to the not-too-hot Minami-Izu 🌊☀️ ● About beach activities https://x.gd/Yiubz... ● Minami-Izu Town continues to have zero extreme heat days (as of August 17)! https://x.gd/WewOB... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏖️ Beach ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A stunning beach with white sands and blue pines, selected as one of Japan's top 100 beaches and top 100 bathing spots! Yumigahama Beach 📅 July 18 - August 30 This year, Yumigahama Splash Water Park is back 🛟 Enjoy water activities and swimming together. Yumigahama Splash Water Park 📅 Until August 23 (Sunday) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🤿 Activities ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A hidden beach accessible only by boat 🚤 Thanks to the Kuroshio Current, it boasts excellent visibility and is a snorkeling paradise with abundant fish 🐠 📅 Until September 30 (Wednesday) 🚢 Hirizo Beach swimming tour now accepting applications! Departure dates: September 19 - 21 Adults 6,500 yen / Children 5,500 yen Tour application here https://x.gd/ZH3a4... Yagawahama and Tawara-hama ferry (Mera) July 18 - August 31 * Starts July 25! IZU THE SOUTH 34°N: https://www.izu34n.jp// * Summer posters are also on sale! B1 (Iro Shrine) 500 yen, B2 (Hammerhead Shark, two types of fireflies from Ihama) 300 yen (Free distribution for Minami-Izu residents) 📷 Photo contest is also underway! Winning entries will receive luxurious prizes. Application here https://x.gd/LRM7Q...

This summer, head to Minami-Izu, where it's not too hot! 🌊☀️ ● About swimming and activities https://x.gd/Yiubz... ● Minami-Izu Town continues to have zero days of extreme heat (as of July 17)! https://x.gd/WewOB... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏖️ Yumigahama Beach ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A stunning beach with white sand and green pines, selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Beaches" and "Top 100 Swimming Spots"! This year, Yumigahama Splash Water Park is back! 🛟 Enjoy water activities and swimming together. 📅 From July 18 (Saturday) to August 23 (Sunday) * Yumigahama Splash Water Park will be open until August 23. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🤿 Hirizo Beach (Nakagi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A hidden beach accessible only by boat! 🚤 Thanks to the Kuroshio current, it boasts excellent visibility and is a paradise for snorkeling with abundant fish. 🐠 📅 From July 1 (Saturday) to September 30 (Wednesday) 🚢 Hirizo Beach swimming tour now accepting reservations! Departure dates: August 8-16, September 19-22 Adults 6,500 yen / Children 5,500 yen Sign up for the tour here: https://x.gd/ZH3a4... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎆 49th Yumigahama Fireworks Festival ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The water fireworks viewed from the sandy beach are breathtaking! ✨ 📅 August 8 (Saturday) from 8 PM ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏝️ List of summer swimming spots ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 1️⃣ Yumigahama Beach July 18 - August 30 2️⃣ Koura Beach July 27 - August 16 3️⃣ Yagawahama and Tawarahama Ferry Crossing (Mera) July 18 - August 31 * Starting July 25! Izu the South 34°N: https://www.izu34n.jp// * Summer posters are also on sale! B1 (Ishimuro Shrine) 500 yen, B2 (Hammerhead Shark, two types of fireflies from Ihama) 300 yen (Free distribution to Minami-Izu residents) 📷 A photo contest is also underway! Winners will receive luxurious prizes. Apply here: https://x.gd/LRM7Q...

This summer, head to the not-too-hot Minami-Izu! 🌊☀️ Minami-Izu Town is currently observing "zero days of extreme heat"! For more details, click here → https://x.gd/6kMLK... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏖️ Yumigahama Beach ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A stunning beach with white sands and green pines, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Beaches and Top 100 Swimming Areas! This year, Yumigahama Splash Water Park is back! 🛟 Enjoy water activities and swimming together. 📅 From Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, August 23 *Yumigahama Splash Water Park will be open until August 23. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🤿 Hirizo Beach (Nakagi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A hidden beach accessible only by boat! 🚤 Thanks to the Kuroshio Current, it boasts exceptional clarity, making it a snorkeling paradise with abundant fish! 🐠 📅 From Saturday, July 1 to Wednesday, September 30 🚢【Avoid Crowds】 Hirizo Beach Swimming Tour is now accepting applications! Departure dates: July 18, 19, August 8-16, September 19-22 Adults: 6,500 yen / Children: 5,500 yen Apply for the tour here: https://x.gd/ZH3a4... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎆 49th Yumigahama Fireworks Festival ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The fireworks viewed from the sandy beach are breathtaking! ✨ 📅 August 8 (Saturday) from 8 PM ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏝️ List of Summer Swimming Spots ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 1️⃣ Yumigahama Beach: July 18 - August 30 2️⃣ Koura Beach: July 27 - August 16 3️⃣ Tawara-hama Watashi & Mera: July 11 - August 31 Activities such as snorkeling, SUP, diving, and sea kayaking are also available! 🏄 Summer posters are also on sale! B1 (Iro Shrine) 500 yen, B2 (Hammerhead Shark, two types of fireflies from Ihama) 300 yen *Free distribution for Minami-Izu residents 📷 A photo contest is also underway! Winners will receive luxurious prizes. Apply here: https://x.gd/LRM7Q... For more information on tourism in Minami-Izu, visit → https://www.minami-izu.jp//

Information about ongoing events! From Sunday, May 3, 2026, to Sunday, July 12, 2026 "Izutsu and Creators." https://www.instagram.com/irozaki_oceanpark/... Location: Irozaki Ocean Park Until May 10, 2026 Strawberry Picking https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/... Location: Baby Berryf Farm From Sunday, May 3, 2026, to July 12, 2026 Summer is approaching! Tide Pool Observation Experience [Beginner Level] https://www.eco-surf.com/reservation/... Location: Oogahama next to Yuigahama.

Ongoing events through Golden Week‼ ① Ongoing until supplies last Ihama margaret picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=91181&cat=18736&type=event... ② Ongoing until around May 5 Strawberry picking https://www.instagram.com/babyberry_farm/... ③ March 28–April 5 Yuigahama cherry blossom tour http://www.the-surface.com/event.html#sakura... ④ April 1–May 5 Bamboo shoot picking and the takeno‑ko eatery opens http://takenokomura.com// ⑤ April 3 Irozaki Gongen Festival https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=3725&cat=18736&type=event... ⑥ April 18 and 19 Va'a Japan 4th Japan Cup in Minami‑Izu https://www.vaajapan.com/2026-japan-nationals... ⑦ April 29 Lead-horse riding experience day https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=7746&cat=18736&type=event... Spring in Minami‑Izu features both Somei-yoshino and mountain cherry blossoms, and it also offers abundant sea- and mountain-based nature experiences, so it’s surprisingly hot (exciting) just for that‼ Events across Minami-Izu Town! https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-eventlist&eventlist=18736...

Ihama Margaret Flower Picking Garden https://x.gd/kljYT... Period: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – until supplies last Hours: 9:00–15:00 Fee: Free (up to 10 stems per person) Scissors available for loan Venue: Ihama Coast Ichijo Takenoko Village https://x.gd/1iKvL... - Bamboo Shoot Picking Experience April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday) Admission: Adults ¥650, Children ¥300 May end early when supplies run out Harvested bamboo shoots must be purchased Rubber boot rental ¥50, work gloves ¥50 available for purchase Bamboo shoot picking or the dining area may close or have reduced hours depending on shoot growth - Bamboo Shoot Cafeteria (limited season) April 1 (Wednesday) – May 5 (Tuesday) Open daily (about 10:30–14:30) Takeout of bamboo shoot dishes available Kusamochi making (reservation required) is offered only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays Bamboo craft workshops (reservation required) Bamboo shoot picking may be suspended once shoots run out

The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Finale Town’s 70th Anniversary Commemoration “Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars” Period: Friday, February 27, 2026; Saturday, February 28, 2026; Sunday, March 1, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM–7:30 PM Release section: a 400 m stretch from Harumachi Bridge to around Kinomiya Bridge ※The event may be canceled due to rain or other conditions. ※The Inoriboshi® will be released a little upstream from the Roadside Station. ※This event is expected to be very crowded. ↓If you want to avoid crowds, please join the tour below.↓ ・Tour organized by Minamiizu Town Tourism Association: Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars Tour (until 2/28) Reserve/Apply here → https://x.gd/EGMCM... ・Vendors will be located behind the Tourist Information Center and Yunohana Chokubaijo (Yunohana Farm Stand). There will be special vendor stalls during the Night Cherry Blossoms ☆ Shooting Stars event from 2/27 to 3/1. ※The posted images are from 2015. ※The Milky Way Project🄬 is a registered trademark, so unauthorized use is prohibited. Commercial use by entities other than individuals is also prohibited. 【The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival】 Held from February 1 to March 10 🌸About “The 28th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival” https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸Bloom status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸Parking status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸Live camera https://x.gd/smGtI...

Updated: Thursday, February 19, 2026 The 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Held February 1 – March 10 🌸 About the 28th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival https://x.gd/8BXol... 🌸 Bloom Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/iyca6... 🌸 Parking Status (updated regularly) https://x.gd/zbToA... 🌸 Live Camera https://x.gd/smGtI... 〈If arriving by public transportation〉 Get off at Izukyu Shimoda Station and take the Tokai Bus bound for Shimogamo (Platform 3). Get off at Kujo Bridge and walk about 2 minutes to the roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, where the general information center is located. (The cherry tree avenue is behind it.) The nanohana fields are right by the Hino stop. Tokai Bus tel: 0558-22-2514 Note: Minamiizu Town has no train service and parking is limited, so please use public transportation. Services run about once per hour. Tokai Bus link https://www.tokaibus.jp// 〈If arriving by car〉 Please head for roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana. There are dedicated parking lots nearby; please use them. ⚠ When visiting or photographing the nanohana fields and the nanohana along the cherry tree avenue, please do not step on the flowers! ⚠ Some people step on the nanohana growing on river slopes near roadside station shimogamo onsen yunohana, but there are lighting cables and other hazards, so please do not enter these areas for your safety. Please use the festival’s designated parking lots. Do not park at shops or on private property.

Minami-izu Town, located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, is dotted with a wealth of geosites that give a sense of the workings of the Earth, including a complex coastline and dynamic cliffs created by undersea volcanic activity. Additionally, Mikomoto Island in Minamiizu Town is a world-famous diving spot where you can see schools of hammerhead sharks. Due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current, the area is extremely dense with fish, and there is a high probability of encountering large schools of fish (hammer rivers) from summer to autumn, attracting many experienced divers from both Japan and abroad. Located in the open ocean, you can enjoy drift diving (diving while being carried away by the current) and it boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of fish. -- For more information about tourism in Minamiizu Town, Minamiizu Town Tourism Association【official】 WEB：https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=596705&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot...

Happy New Year This year is the Year of the Horse (Hinoe-Uma) and the auspicious eighth year of Reiwa, a year of expanding opportunities. Let us step forward toward the new era one step at a time. I humbly ask for your continued support this year as well. Photo: Irozaki Lighthouse

Held at Irozaki Ocean Park! Two-month event — Details 🌿 ◉ Open through January 5! ✴︎ Pop-up Shops ✴︎ Workshops ✴︎ Relaxation ✴︎ Food Trucks We invite artisans and creators from Izu to share the charms of the region with you🫧 ————— 🌳 POP UP SHOPS ◉ Local apparel / IZUBLUE @izublue_373izu ◉ Glass bead goods / Koubou Leaf ◉ Natural stone and European-bead accessories / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Café / Lemone Coffee @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ New Year decorations / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Saitama Fukaya green onion specialty products / kuu @kuu_minamiizu ◉ Japanese-style Ayurveda MOTHER products and ghee / mana @manan.life11 ◉ Accessory goods / .11 @dot.jyuichi ◉ Handmade knit hats for dogs / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Dyed textiles and small items / Shizu & Hiro ◉ Specialty coffee / Moksa Coffee @moksa.coffee ◉ Lighthouse tour — special limited-time price! / Minami‑Izu Geo Guide Association ◉ Izu honey and processed fruit products / The Honey Step @thehoneystep ◉ Mansa sandals / Official Mansa Sandal Instructor Minami Tsuchiya @minami_tsuchiya_run ◉ Aroma herb craft items / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm 💫 WORKSHOPS ◉ Brush calligraphy workshop / kasumi_so @kasumi_so24 ◉ Dyeing experience / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Shimenawa wreath making / Tsubutsubu-tei @tubutubuchi ◉ Healing ghee making / mana. @manan.life11 ◉ Make your own chopsticks using a wood plane (kanna) / Kurasu Dogu @kurasu_dogu ◉ Aroma spray making / Island Herb Izu Aroma @island.izu ◉ Hair accessory and bracelet making / Seki Accessory @seki_accessory_lemone_coffe ◉ Calendula balm making / Otentosun Farm @otentosunfarm ◉ Christmas wreath making / Romantic Spaces Achieve @rs.achieve 🌷 RELAXATION ◉ Dog yoga / BOTAYOGA @chle1207 ◉ Hand reflexology / mana @manan.life11 🍋 FOOD TRUCKS ◉ KaRin Bakery (food truck) — curry bread, curry, chai / KaRin Bakery @karin_bakery.rab ———— We will feature introductions of each vendor in separate posts, so please look for those too🌼 Please note the event may be canceled due to weather. Parking is free for WORKSHOP participants! Please show your parking ticket at the venue reception✴︎ We will post new event information as it becomes available, so please check Instagram. WORKSHOPs have limited capacity, so please reserve in advance☺ Some creators may accept same-day reservations for their WORKSHOPs! To reserve, contact via Instagram DM or call Ocean Park at 0558-65-1600✧

Japan’s most relaxed full marathon with a 9‑hour time limit! Enjoy Minami-Izu Town’s breathtaking views, 12 local michikusa (side‑trip) specialties, and delicious aid stations that make it feel like a journey! Take it slow, unwind, and pace yourself in this easygoing full marathon. Finishing within five hours disqualifies you! Perfect for first‑time challengers. ------------------------------- The 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon is here! Date: Saturday, November 15 Start & Finish: Aonogawa Furusato Park Event hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM *Note: Finishes within five hours (after 1:00 PM) are not accepted. Details for the 2nd Minami-Izu Town Michikusa Bochibochi Full Marathon https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=554274&cat=18736&type=event...

Saturday, November 1, 10:00–15:00 ◆Ishirouzaki Lighthouse Public Opening The interior of Ishirouzaki Lighthouse will be open to visitors. This is a rare opportunity that only happens a few times a year, if at all! There will be various special features on the day. The Japan Coast Guard’s character Umimaru and Minami Izu Town’s official mascot Irozaki Baron will also make appearances! Saturday, November 1–Sunday, November 2 ◆Minami Izu Taiko Festival In October, the month known as Kannazuki, the gods gather at Izumo Taisha from across the country for a matchmaking council, leaving only the local guardian deities behind. When the gods return in November, the month is called Kamikizuki or Kamikuduki, and although many communities scaled down celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic, grand festivals praying for a bountiful harvest are held throughout Minami Izu Town.

The “Town’s 70th Anniversary Ise-ebi Festival” reopened registrations from 9:00 on Saturday, October 11, but due to a large number of applications it was closed on October 12. Minamiizu Town 70th Anniversary “Ise-ebi Festival” To celebrate the town’s 70th anniversary this year, we are offering a 3,000 yen discount per stay on accommodation rates so you can enjoy Minamiizu Town’s Ise-ebi, the prefecture’s top catch, at a better value. Period From Saturday, October 4, 2025 to Sunday, November 30, 2025 ※Check-out by Monday, December 1, 2025 Reservation application: Saturday, September 20 – Monday, November 17 ※Apply via the dedicated form: https://ws.formzu.net/fgen/S84600026/... ※Applicable for stays of two or more people (per one night) ※Limited to the first 500 applicants ※Discount applies to adults (junior high school students and older) and children (6 years and older) at 3,000 yen per person ※One free parking voucher for Irozaki Ocean Park will be given to one eligible group of guests per stay ※Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts Overview ◉Accommodation reservations are accepted until Monday, November 17. ◉Rooms for stays on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15 may be unavailable due to overlap with town events. ◉Ise-ebi will be provided only to adults (junior high school students and older) and children (6 years old through elementary school). ◉Each guest may select one cooking method for their Ise-ebi. ※Choose one of three cooking methods for the Ise-ebi: sashimi, boiled, or grilled in the shell. ※Cooking methods and options may vary depending on the accommodation. ◉The discount is available for the first 500 people. ※If you cancel and reapply after the quota is reached, you will not be able to apply. ◉Discount applies to adults and children (6 years old through elementary school). ※Infants (2 years to under 6 years) and babies (0 to under 2 years) are not eligible. ◉Applications will close once the discount quota is reached. ◉Only those who book accommodation through the tourism association are eligible for the discount. ◉When you pay the reservation deposit, we will mail you a reservation deposit receipt. ◉Office hours are 9:00 to 17:00. Accommodation procedure ◉Submit your accommodation application via the reception form, email, or phone. ◉Once the tourism association arranges your accommodation, we will mail the accommodation information letter. ◉After you receive the accommodation information letter, please transfer the listed accommodation fee to the specified account. ◉After confirming your transfer, we will mail the reservation deposit receipt. ◉After you receive the reservation deposit receipt, please proceed directly to the accommodation. From reservation to stay 1. Apply (via form, etc.) 2. Accommodation arranged (rooms may be unavailable) 3. Accommodation information letter mailed (shows discounted amount) 4. Guest transfers the accommodation fee 5. Reservation deposit receipt mailed 6. After receiving the reservation deposit receipt, go to the accommodation Cancellation fees 〇 From 7 to 4 days before the scheduled stay: 20% of the accommodation fee 〇 From 3 days before to the day before the scheduled stay: 50% of the accommodation fee 〇 On the day of the scheduled stay: 100% of the accommodation fee 〇 If you cancel before the scheduled date after paying the accommodation fee, a 1,000 yen handling fee will be deducted from any refund How to apply Apply via the dedicated form: https://ws.formzu.net/fgen/S84600026/... Ise-ebi Festival page → https://x.gd/Y2SYw...

The terminus of Izu, the starting point of wonder. Minamiizu Town, the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula Summer has finally arrived in Minamiizu Town. Yumigahama Beach, a 1.2 km stretch of sand edged by white beaches and green pines Hirizo Beach, boasting some of the clearest waters in Japan The yuusuge (evening lily) that blooms with the sunset during summer Mikomoto Island, a diving sanctuary that divers across Japan dream of visiting A night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way The time and scenery of Minamiizu seep into you, making you want to return again soon. Because things don’t always go as planned, you notice the greatness of nature and create space to reflect on yourself. Why not spend your summer hours in Minamiizu Town this year? Minamiizu Town swimming beach information https://x.gd/31Y2E... For more on sightseeing in Minamiizu Town, Minamiizu Town Tourism Association (Official) WEB: https://www.minami-izu.jp// X: https://x.com/info_mizu... Instagram: https://x.com/info_mizu... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/info.mizu... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@minamiizu_tourism...

Summer at Minami-Izu is finally here!!! Starting today (June 28), the ferry service to Hirizo Beach is running! The ferry to Hirizo Beach, a hidden spot boasting some of the clearest waters in Japan, operates through September 28. For details on how to apply for the Hirizo Beach Swimming Tour hosted by our tourism association, please see the following. https://x.gd/ppFn9... For other summer information, please refer to the following. https://x.gd/Nf4RG... ■About the photos shown Hirizo Beach photo: SAYOKO SUZUKI https://www.instagram.com/izuphoto_345/... Credit is included because unauthorized use is prohibited. Yusuge Park: Entry from the Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2024 The Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2025 is now accepting entries https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=131...

Summer, here we come to Minami-Izu! Our summer pamphlet is ready! This year’s edition once again features beach and ocean information. Beach swimming periods are as follows. ◆Yumigahama Beach Period: Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Sunday, August 24, 2025 ◆Yumigahama Splash Water Park Period: Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Sunday, August 24, 2025 ◆48th Yumigahama Fireworks Festival Event date: Friday, August 8, 2025 ◆Koora Beach Period: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 – Saturday, August 16, 2025 ◆Hirizo Beach Operating period: Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Sunday, September 28, 2025 ◆Hirizo Beach Swimming Tour Scheduled dates: Saturday, July 19 – Monday, July 21; Saturday, August 9 – Sunday, August 17; Saturday, September 13 – Sunday, September 14 <Total: 14 days> Details here → https://x.gd/RrPZ6... Sign up here → https://x.gd/Egniv... ◆Mera Offshore Athletic Course Period: Saturday, July 12 – Sunday, September 7 For Minamiizu Town beach swimming updates (including current swim conditions), please refer to the link below. https://x.gd/DcYKF...

Applications are now open for the "Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2025." Please submit photos that capture the charm of Minami-Izu Town, such as seasonal landscapes, event scenes, and drone shots. This year we are also accepting high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for use on posters. ※This contest accepts online submissions of digital photos only. Online entries must be photos taken with a digital camera or similar device, in JPEG format only. Please keep each photo file size within 10MB. ※Only the category for photos promoting Minami-Izu accepts high-resolution images (over 10MB). ※The submitted photos are prize-winning works from the Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2024. <Submission Period> From Sunday, June 1, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. <Eligible Works> Only works photographed between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, are eligible. <Categories> 1) Seasons of Minami-Izu Category Photos taken within Minami-Izu Town (for example: spring marguerites, summer swimming beaches, autumn spiny lobster fishing, winter’s first sunrise). ※Photos taken at town tourist facilities that clearly show the seasons are also acceptable (for example: the jade vine at Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden or aloe at minami izu aloe center). 2) Events Category Photos that convey the appeal of town events, such as the Yuigahama Fireworks Festival or the Bochibochi Marathon. 3) Drone Category Photos of Minami-Izu Town taken by drone. 4) Photos Promoting Minami-Izu Category We seek high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for posters and similar uses. Each applicant may submit up to three entries per category (up to 12 entries across all four categories). <How to Apply> Apply from here https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=131... ※During the submission period, please proceed by clicking the “New Registration” or “Login” button displayed below. <Prizes> Grand Prize: One winner in each category…Cash prize of 70,000 yen. Runner-up: One winner in each category…Accommodation voucher worth 15,000 yen from the Shimogamo Onsen Ryokan Cooperative. ※The accommodation voucher is valid at the following four inns: - kochu no tenshuku marubun https://www.yadomarubun.com// - hotel kawachiya https://kawatiya.net// - kiichiyu https://www.tokiichiyu.com// - ishibana sea villa kagiya https://shimogamo-kagiya.jp//

2025 Summer Poster Complete! Summer is just getting started! You might dread another hot summer, but last year’s highest temperature was 33°C (recorded at the weather station in Irouzaki), and we had no extreme-heat days. In other words, Minamiizu Town is a cool retreat. Soak up summer at this seaside escape with its beautiful waters! * Posters are provided free to members of the Tourism Association. * Non-members can purchase the small size (B2) for 500 yen or the large size (B1) for 1,000 yen. * We do not ship posters. Beaches are listed here https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=183791&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot...

We present Minamiizu Town’s “May 3–May 6 Golden Week Outing Information.” ◆Saturday, May 3 ・Ishirouzaki Fashion Park 2025 10:00–16:00 Irozaki Ocean Park Dress up and gather at Ishirouzaki! Various stalls including Habashira Dog and more. ◆Saturday, May 3–Monday, May 5 ・Rock Pool Observation Experience 14:30–16:30 Reserve with Eco Surfer! https://www.eco-surf.com/shore/... A first step in playing at the sea. This will level up your summer beach fun this year! ◆Sunday, May 4–Monday, May 5 ・Minamiizu Delicious Food Festival 17:00–21:00 Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden A gathering of Minamiizu’s best eats, coloring the night HOT, SPICY, and SWEET. ◆Monday, May 5 (National Holiday)–Tuesday, May 6 (National Holiday) ・Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana GW Event 10:00–15:00 at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Various stalls including ring toss, super ball scooping, and yakitori. ◆Until May 5 ※Ongoing, inquiries required ・Mikan Picking ※All-you-can-eat included (Takenoko Shokudo until May 5) http://takenokomura.com// ◆Until May 6 ※Ongoing, inquiries required ・Strawberry Picking at Baby Berry Farm http://babyberryfarm.com//

We present outing information for Minamiizu Town during Golden Week. ◆Tuesday, April 29 (National Holiday) ・14th Charity Bazaar for the Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Event 10:00–15:00 Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden Food, crafts, local vegetables and more on sale, specialty products from Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and photo exhibits https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ・Bridle Experience Day 10:00–15:00 Izu Shimoda Riding Club Session 1: 10:00–12:00, Session 2: 13:00–15:00 https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Saturday, May 3 ・Irozaki Fashion Park 2025 10:00–16:00 at Irozaki Ocean Park Dress up and gather at Irozaki! Various stalls will be available ◆Monday, May 5 (National Holiday)–Tuesday, May 6 (National Holiday) ・Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Golden Week Event 10:00–15:00 at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana Ring toss, super ball scooping, and various stalls ◆Until April 30 — Ongoing ・Ihama Margaret Flower Picking https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 5 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Bamboo Shoot Harvesting (Takenoko Shokudo) Ichijo Bamboo Shoot Village https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry...... ◆Until May 6 — Ongoing, inquire for details ・Strawberry Picking at Baby Berry Farm https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry......

At Ichijo Takenoko Village, the “Takenoko Gathering” runs from April 1 through May 5. The bamboo shoots are growing later than usual this year. On weekends and public holidays during the period, kusa-mochi pounded with an usu will also be sold. http://takenokomura.com//

2024 Minamiizu Town Photo Contest Results Announced! We have selected six prize-winning works—Grand Prize and Runner-up—across three categories. Submission period: Saturday, June 1, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025. Eligible works: Photographs taken between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. Total submissions: 310 entries (two winners chosen from each category). Thank you very much for the many entries that expressed such deep affection for Minamiizu. The results page is as follows. https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/award.html?cn=52...

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status 🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom ※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom ❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom! 🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL 🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field. 🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom... 🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025 📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town #Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!! #Food truck locations are… ☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field ※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

The 27th Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival Period: Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 About the event ◆Saturday, February 1 Opening ritual ◎Location: Hinona rapeseed flower field ◎10:00 — A Shinto ritual praying for the festival’s success and safety ◆Sunday, February 16 & Sunday, February 23 Spiny lobster miso soup service ◎Location: Shimogamo shopping street “Miro” parking lot ◎A generous serving of the local Minamiizu specialty, spiny lobster miso soup! ※Served twice per day (about 200 bowls per serving) ※First serving: 11:00 — Second serving: 13:00 ※Ends when supplies run out ※May be canceled due to rain or other conditions ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Night cherry blossom illumination ◎Location: Around Maehara Bridge to Kujo Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ※This event runs daily even in rain ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 Minami night cherry blossoms and bamboo lanterns ◎Location: 1) Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 2) Near Gin-no-yu Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 daily! ◆Saturday, February 1 – Monday, February 24 Lottery gachapon draw ◎Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (in front of the tourist information center) ◎10:00–15:00 on weekends and holidays! ◎Participation: If a group completes one questionnaire, the group may draw once per group member. ※Prizes are currently being decided ※Prize contents may change ◆Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 28 Cherry blossom rickshaw rides ※May end earlier than scheduled depending on bloom conditions. Time: 9:30–16:00 Fee: 20-minute course 3,000 yen per person Notes ・The schedule may change due to weather or bloom conditions. ・Each rickshaw seats up to two people. ・The event may be canceled due to severe weather (rain, strong winds, etc.). ・Due to rickshaw operation, a single rider may be required to ride alone in one rickshaw. ・The above fee is per person for single use; there is no separate pricing for children. ◆Sunday, February 2 – Around Saturday, March 15 Rapeseed flower door and rapeseed flower maze ※Although the pamphlet lists February 1–March 10, the correct period is the one above Announcements & notes ・The pamphlet states February 1–March 10 for the Rapeseed Flower Door and Rapeseed Flower Maze, but the correct period is Sunday, February 2 – around Saturday, March 15. ・The Night Sakura Marathon will not be held. Thank you for your understanding. ・The Minamiizu Town Hall (3rd-floor observation deck) is open during the festival. You can access it via the outside stairs. ・Some visitors step on the rapeseed flowers blooming on the riverbank slopes around Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana. Because illumination wiring and other hazards are present, please refrain from entering these areas for safety. Parking — Please use public transportation where possible, as parking is limited. Hours: 8:30–15:30 ・Passenger cars (500 yen per vehicle) ※Please cooperate with the environmental conservation contribution at the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot. ※On weekends and holidays, including substitute holidays, the Minamiizu Town Hall parking lot is open free of charge. ・Buses (2,500 yen per vehicle) ※Includes medium-sized buses (including microbuses) and large buses ・Motorcycles (200 yen per vehicle) ※If staff are not present due to rain or other reasons, parking may be free. ※During the period February 1–March 10, the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot requests cooperation with an environmental conservation contribution. ※Total parking capacity across locations is approximately 200 vehicles. ※Because parking is limited, please use public transportation whenever possible.

Wednesday, February 19 — Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) blooming status 🌸The reference tree near the town hall (upper reaches of the Aono River) is in bud. 🌸The area near Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (middle reaches of the Aono River) is from bud to 20% bloom. ❁Rapeseed flowers are at their best. Overall, the trees are mostly in bud, but blossoms have begun and some trees have reached about 20% bloom!! ⁡ 🌸The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival 🗓️Held February 1, 2025 (Saturday) to March 10, 2025 (Monday) 📍Along the Aono River, Minamiizu Town O-hanami rickshaw rides available Food trucks will be on site. ※Operations may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

The 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival is now running through March 10th! February 9 (Sun) — Minami Sakura blooming status The buds are currently in a “bud” stage. However, today is warm, and the buds are swelling so that the petals look ready to open at any moment. Rain is forecast around February 12, with temperatures rising to 16–18°C, so there is a possibility the flowers will begin to bloom all at once. ※From February 1 onward every day from 18:00 to 21:00 We are holding evening cherry blossom illumination, bamboo lanterns, illuminations, and nanohana (rapeseed flower) lighting. ◇Please refer to the following for the “blooming status” https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-entry&spot=162849&cat=18711&pageno=3&type=spot... ◇For information about the 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival, see here https://www.minami-izu.jp/?p=we-page-event-entry&event=73493&cat=18736&type=event...

The 27th Minami Sakura and Nanohana Festival Period: Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 About the event ◆Opening ceremony on Saturday, February 1 ◎Location: Hinona nanohana flower field ◎10:00 – A Shinto ritual to pray for the festival’s success and safety ◆Lobster miso soup service on Sunday, February 16 and Sunday, February 23 ◎Location: Shimogamo shopping street “Miro” parking lot ◎A generous serving of miso soup made with Minami Izu Town’s specialty, spiny lobster (ise ebi) ※Served twice a day (about 200 bowls per service) ※First service: 11:00 – Second service: 13:00 ※Ends when supplies run out ※May be canceled due to rain or other conditions ◆Night hanami SUP on Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, February 16 ◎Details will be posted here once they are finalized ◆Nighttime cherry blossom illumination on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 ◎Location: Around Maebara Bridge to Kujo Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 every night ※The illumination runs every night, even in rain ◆Minami night cherry blossoms and bamboo lanterns on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, March 10 ◎Location: 1) Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 2) Around Gin no Yu Bridge ◎18:00–21:00 every night ◆Gachapon lottery on Saturday, February 1 – Monday, February 24 ◎Location: Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (in front of the tourist information desk) ◎10:00–15:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays ◎Participation: If one person in a group completes the questionnaire, the whole group may draw the number of times equal to the group size. ※Prizes are currently under consideration ※Prize contents may change ◆Hanami rickshaw service on Wednesday, February 5 – Friday, February 28 ※May end earlier than scheduled depending on blooming conditions Time: 9:30–16:00 Fee: 20-minute course 3,000 yen per person Notes ・The period may change due to weather or blooming conditions. ・Each boat/rickshaw (unit) accommodates up to two people. ・Events may be canceled due to bad weather (rain, strong wind, etc.). ・Due to rickshaw operation, you may be asked to ride alone in one unit. ・The above fee is for single-person use; there is no separate pricing for children. ◆Nanohana Door & Nanohana Maze from Tuesday, February 2 – around Saturday, March 15 ※The pamphlet lists February 1–March 10, but the correct period is the one above Announcements & notes ・Although the pamphlet states the Nanohana Door and Nanohana Maze run from Saturday, February 1 to Monday, March 10, the correct period is Sunday, February 2 to around Saturday, March 15. ・The night cherry blossom marathon will not be held. Thank you for your understanding. ・Minami Izu Town Hall (3rd floor observation deck) will be open during the cherry blossom festival. It can be accessed via the outside stairs. ・Some people step on the nanohana (rapeseed flowers) blooming on the riverbank slopes near Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana, but there are light-up cables and other hazards, so please refrain from entering those areas for safety. ◆Parking — Parking is limited, so please use public transportation where possible. Hours: 8:30–15:30 ・Standard car (500 yen per vehicle) ※Please cooperate with the environmental preservation fee (contribution) at the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot only. ※On weekends and holidays, including substitute holidays, the Minami Izu Town Hall parking lot is open free of charge. ・Bus (2,500 yen per vehicle) ※Includes medium-sized buses (including microbuses) and large buses ・Motorcycle (200 yen per vehicle) ※If staff are not present due to rain or other conditions, parking may be free. ※During February 1–March 10, the Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana parking lot requests cooperation with the environmental preservation fee (contribution). ※Total parking capacity, including all lots, is approximately 200 vehicles. ※Because the number of parking spaces is limited, please use public transportation whenever possible.