Hirizo Beach: Izu's boat-only snorkelling cove
A rocky cove near Cape Irozaki reached only by a five-minute boat ride from Nakagi in summer, with some of the clearest water in Izu.
- Access
- boat from Nakagi port, about 5 min, summer only
- Facilities
- none on the beach
Hirizo Beach (Hirizo-hama) is a rocky cove on the coast of Minami-Izu that you cannot reach on foot. In summer, small boats shuttle from the harbour at Nakagi to the beach in about five minutes, and the water in the cove is so clear that you can see the seabed several metres down. It is the best-known snorkelling spot on the peninsula.
Season and boats
The boats run only in summer. One guide gives early July to late September, daily from 8:30 to 16:30 (16:00 in September); reported round-trip fares are around ¥1,500 for adults, with parking around ¥1,000 per car. Entry can be restricted at the peak of August, and people queue early for parking and boats. Check the Nakagi tourism site or Minami-Izu town before you go.
What to bring
- There are no facilities on the beach: no toilets, showers, food or drink. Bring water and everything you need.
- The beach is mostly rocks; bring a mat or a chair and water shoes (there are sea urchins).
- Snorkel gear and a life jacket; the cove is sheltered but the open sea is not far.
For easier family beaches, see our beginner's guide to south Izu beaches; for other rocky coves, the advanced guide.
