Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos, nice to meet you.
We are the Higashiizu Town Tourism Association in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Higashiizucho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a town rich in nature on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula.
Along the coast, six hot spring areas—Okawa Onsen, Hokkawa Onsen, Atagawa Onsen, Katase Onsen, Shirata Onsen, and Inatori Onsen—have developed the town as a hot spring destination.

For this first post on Cool Japan Videos, we bring you a taste of what makes Higashiizucho in Shizuoka Prefecture special, including recommended sights and activities!

◎ Tourist information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture

◆ Izu Animal Kingdom (formerly Izu Biopark)
Perched on a hill above Izu Inatori Onsen, this is a full-scale leisure park.
Often called "Anikin," it is beloved by visitors.
At Izu Animal Kingdom you can see animals up close and even enjoy feeding experiences with giraffes and tigers (including a white tiger)!

The area around Restaurant Animal Kingdom is also part of the zoo, letting you dine while watching large predators.
The park also includes an amusement area, sports facilities, a plum garden called Umezono, and "Dinosaur Forest," featuring various dinosaur sculptures.
There are so many attractions that a full day of fun awaits.

◆ Atagawa Banana Crocodile Garden
This tropical botanical garden houses about 100 crocodiles across 16 species.
Beyond crocodiles, it is the only place in Japan to keep the white-handed gibbon and the Amazonian manatee.

The greenhouse uses Atagawa’s hot spring heat to grow roughly 5,000 tropical plants, including banana trees and tropical water lilies—an absolute must-see.
Bananas and papayas harvested on site are served at the attached fruit parlor.

◆ Kitagawa Onsen Moon Road
With its magical atmosphere, Kitagawa Onsen Moon Road was selected as one of the One Hundred Moon Views of Japan.
"Moon Road" refers to the path of moonlight reflected on the sea surface.

Kitagawa Onsen Moon Road ranked first in the "I want to visit" category of the Fujinokuni Angel Power Spot poll, voted on by Shizuoka residents.
Some say wishes made at the Moon Road come true.
The best time to see the Moon Road clearly is on and around the full moon.

◆ Lion Rock
Lion Rock is a large rock at the water’s edge on the coast of Okawa Onsen.
It is named Lion Rock because it looks like a lion lying down and roaring into the distance.
You can see it while driving down Japan National Route 135.
*Because you cannot park and view it, please avoid looking away from the road while driving.*

◎ Leisure and activity information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture

◆ Coastal town cycling
The Higashiizu Town Tourism Association offers an electric-assist bicycle rental service.
We provide full-day private plans and time-based plans.
Enjoy a relaxed cycling trip while feeling the sea breeze.

◎ Event information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture

◆ Inatori Onsen Hanging Hina Doll Festival
This traditional event at Inatori Onsen has been passed down since the Edo period.
"Hanging hina decorations" are ornaments hung beside the hina doll display.
These hanging decorations come in many shapes, including flowers, rabbits, peaches, purses, and the sanbanko (three-tiered pull).
It is a popular spring event.

◎ Furusato tax-deduction (hometown tax) information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture

Through Higashiizucho’s hometown tax program you can receive local specialties and more.
A popular return gift is a stay plan at a hot spring inn with an exceptional location.
We also recommend the regular delivery of luxurious seafood feasts and the branded dried Inatori Kinme red bream.
Please check the variety of Higashiizucho specialties on each hometown tax site.

Higashiizucho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, offers seasonal scenery, abundant hot springs, and delicious gourmet food—there is plenty to enjoy.
We will continue to share tourist and event information here, so please stay tuned!