This is the Minami-Izu Town Tourism Association in Shizuoka Prefecture. Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, sits at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, a natural treasure where verdant mountains meet crystal-clear seas. In upcoming Cool Japan videos, we will fully introduce the charms of this small town of about 8,000 residents, leaving nothing out. Stay tuned! For this first post, we will briefly share recommended spots and travel information for Minami-Izu Town, and we plan to introduce as many places as possible. ■■■ Introducing sightseeing spots in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Minami-Izu Town offers many spots to enjoy the beauty of nature! You are sure to find a favorite place of your own. ◇ Irozaki Ocean Park Irouzaki Ocean Park opened in 2019 on a 100-meter cliff as a facility to better enjoy Irouzaki. Parking and rest facilities are available, and the Minami Izu Visitor Center inside the park provides geo-site explanations and tours. Irouzaki is also popular as a power spot for matchmaking. ◇ Yuigahama Beach This beach stretches 1.2 kilometers of pure white sand. It has a gently sloping seabed and calm waves, and it is busy with swimmers in summer. The stunning sunsets over the open sea make it a popular photo spot. ◇ Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana This roadside station at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula offers fresh local vegetables and specialty products. It’s a great place to find souvenirs and local gourmet food, so be sure to stop by when visiting Minami-Izu Town. The facility also features a footbath using Shimogamo Onsen water to soothe your travel fatigue. ◇ Hagachizaki Monkey Bay At Hagachizaki, a wild monkey park attracts about 300 monkeys that come to feed, allowing close observation of their behavior. It is one of the largest monkey parks in eastern Japan. ◇ Hirizo Beach Hidden between Irouzaki and Nakagi, this beach is accessible only by boat and boasts exceptional water clarity. The area is part of a national park, preserving vast, unchanging natural scenery. ■■■ Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Surrounded by the sea, Minami-Izu Town is blessed with seafood, letting you fully savor the ocean’s bounty. ◇ Spiny lobster (ise-ebi) Minami-Izu Town ranks first in Shizuoka Prefecture and ninth nationwide for spiny lobster catch volume. The spiny lobster caught here is known for its size and rich flavor. ◇ Turban shell (sazae) and abalone The coastal waters around Minami-Izu Town are rich in seaweed, producing nutritious, flavorful turban shells and abalone. Sazae-meshi, a dish that lavishly uses the meaty local turban shell, won the top prize at the 2012 Izu Specialty Market. ■■■ Events and festivals in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Minami-Izu Town hosts various events and festivals throughout the seasons. ◇ Minami no Sakura and Nanohana Festival About 800 cherry trees line the banks of the Aono River and reach full bloom a little earlier than elsewhere. Along the river by Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana, the festival features lotteries, food stalls, and nighttime cherry blossom illuminations timed with the blooms. The carpet of pink cherry blossoms and yellow rape blossoms together is a sight worth seeing. ◇ Yuigahama Fireworks Festival This fireworks festival takes place at Yuigahama, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Beaches, where powerful offshore fireworks can be enjoyed from the sand. ■■■ Hot springs and accommodations in Minami-Izu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ■■■ Shimogamo Onsen is a historic and beloved hot spring; soaking there lets you forget daily noise and refresh both body and mind. With the sea nearby, hotels, minshuku, and ryokan at Shimogamo Onsen serve exquisite dishes featuring abundant seafood and local ingredients. We will continue to share attractive information about recommended spots to inspire viewers of Cool Japan videos to visit Minami-Izu Town. We warmly await your visit! Please enjoy a wonderful trip to Minami-Izu Town!