Getting to the Izu Peninsula from Tokyo: trains, buses and driving
The Odoriko and Saphir Odoriko limited expresses, the Shinkansen to Atami or Mishima, and how to get around once you arrive.
- Tokyo → Izukyu-Shimoda
- about 2 h 35–40 min by Odoriko / Saphir Odoriko
- Tokyo → Shuzenji
- about 2 h 8 min by Odoriko (Shuzenji branch)
- Mishima → Shuzenji
- Izuhakone Railway, about 35 min
The Izu Peninsula hangs off the Pacific coast of Shizuoka Prefecture, close enough to Tokyo for a long weekend and big enough that most visitors only see one corner of it. The trick is to choose your side first: the east coast (Atami, Ito, Izu-Kogen, Kawazu, Shimoda) is served by fast trains, while the west coast (Toi, Dogashima, Matsuzaki) and the centre (Shuzenji, Amagi) rely on buses or a car.
By train down the east coast
JR East's Odoriko limited express runs from Tokyo Station along the coast and, via the private Izukyu line, all the way to Izukyu-Shimoda. Current timetable listings put the journey at roughly 2 hours 35 to 40 minutes end to end. Some Odoriko trains have cars that run to Shuzenji instead (about 2 hours 8 minutes from Tokyo).
The Saphir Odoriko covers the same Tokyo–Shimoda route with Green Car and Premium Green Car seats only and large sea-facing windows. It runs only one or two round trips a day, so book ahead if you want it.
If speed matters more than scenery, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami (the gateway to the east coast) or Mishima (the gateway to Shuzenji and the west), then change to local lines.
Once you are there
- East coast: the JR Ito line and the Izukyu line stop at Ito, Izu-Kogen, Atagawa, Inatori, Kawazu and Shimoda. Coastal sights such as the Jogasaki coast are a short walk or bus ride from stations.
- Centre: the Izuhakone Railway Sundzu line runs from Mishima to Shuzenji in about 35 minutes.
- South and west: Tokai Bus routes link Shimoda with Cape Irozaki (about 45 minutes) and continue up the west coast to Matsuzaki and Dogashima. Services are infrequent outside the holidays, so check the timetable the day before.
- By car: the west coast, the Amagi highlands and the beaches of Minami-Izu are far easier with a car. Expect heavy traffic on the coastal Route 135 during Golden Week, Obon (mid-August) and the cherry blossom season in Kawazu.
Which side for which trip?
For a first visit by train, base yourself in Ito or Shimoda and combine the coast with a hot spring. For the classic onsen town, go to Shuzenji. For the quietest beaches and the best snorkelling, rent a car and head for Minami-Izu and the rocky coves of the south-west.
