Tag Archives: Izu Peninsula

Izu Hakone Railway Senzu Line, Izu Peninsula, Japan, Japan Tourism, Shizuoka Prefecture Railway Lines, Shizuoka prefecture Railway Stations, Tourism

Shizuoka Prefecture Railway Stations: Izu Hakone Railway Sunzu Line (Mishima City~Shuzenji/Izu Peninsula)

March 22, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

The Sunzu Line opened for operations on May 20, 1898, connecting Zuso-Mishima Station (present-day Mishima-Tamachi Station) with Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka Station). The terminus of the line was moved to Mishima Station (present day Shimo-Togari Station) on June 15, 1898, and the southern end of the line was extended to Ōhito Station on July 17, 1899.

The line became part of the Izu Railway (伊豆鉄道 Izu Tetsudō) on July 19, 1907, which in turn became the Sunzu Electric Railway (駿豆電気鉄道 Sunzu Denki Tetsudō) on April 1, 1912. This company merged with Fuji Hydroelectric (富士水電) in 1914, and was spun back out as the Sunzu Railway (駿豆鉄道 Sunzu Tetsudō?) on November 5, 1917. The line was electrified by June 1919, and the southern terminus extended to Shuzenji Station on August 1, 1924. In May 1933, regularly scheduled weekend services to Tokyo Station began operation, but were later suspended during World War II. With the opening of the Tanna Tunnel in 1934 and the re-routing of the Tōkaidō Main Line, the Sunzu ceased operations at Shimotogari Station and its northern terminus became the new Mishima Station. A rail yard and train factory was completed at Daiba Station on June 10, 1937.

In 1949, the Japan National Railways began semi-express and limited-express train operations from Tokyo. The Sunzu Railway Company was acquired by the Izuhakone Railway on June 1, 1957. The line was upgraded from 600 V to 1,500 V on September 7, 1959. All freight operations were discontinued as of June 16, 1972. An ATS system was installed in December 1972 and a CTC system in 1985 (upgraded in 2007). As of March 2007, all stations were equipped with automatic wickets compatible with the PASMO Smart card system.

MISHIMA STATION/三島駅

Location: 16-1 Ichiban-chō, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市一番町16-1）

Mishima Station (三島駅 Mishima-eki) is an interchange railway station in Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan on the Tōkaidō Main Line and the Tōkaidō Shinkansen of Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), and was a freight terminal of the Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight). It is also a union station with the Izuhakone Railway. The station is 120.7 rail kilometers from Tokyo Station.

Mishima Station shortly after completion in 1934.

The original Mishima Station was opened on June 15, 1896 in the town of Nagaizumi. However, with the completion of the Tanna Tunnel between Atami and Numazu, this station was renamed Shimo-Togari Station, and a new Mishima Station was opened at its present location on December 1, 1934. The terminus of the Izuhakone Railway was also relocated to Mishima Station at this time. On April 25, 1969, Tokaido Shinkansen services began serving Mishima Station. Regularly scheduled freight service was discontinued in 1974, however, private freight services to the Toray Industries Mishima plant continued on a spur line until 2007. In 2008, Mishima Station was extensively remodeled, and an ASTY shopping complex was opened at the station.

JR Mishima Station has two island platforms serving tracks 1 to 4. Track 2 and Track 3 are the primary tracks for the Tokaido Main Line, with Tracks 1 and 4 used for through passage of express trains. The Tokaido Shinkansen uses Tracks 5 and 6, which are served by a separate island platform. The adjacent Izuhakone Railway has one side platform and two bay platforms serving Tracks 7, 8 and 9. All platforms are connected by an underpass to a central concourse leading to the station building. The station building has automated ticket machines, TOICA automated turnstiles and a staffed Midori no Madoguchi ticket office.

MISHIMA HIROKOOJI STATION/三島広小路駅

Location: Hirokōji, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市広小路町）

Mishima-Hirokōji Station was opened on May 20, 1898. Located in downtown Mishima, it is primarily used by commuter traffic, except during the annual Mishima Matsuri.
Mishima-Hirokōji Station has a single side platform with a small station building containing automatic ticket machines.

MISHIMA TAMACHI STATION/三島田町駅

Location: Kitada, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市北田町）

Mishima-Tamachi Station was opened on May 20, 1898 as Mishima-machi Station (三島町駅 Mishima-machi eki), the terminal station of the initial phase of line construction extending from Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka Station). The line was connected to the former Mishima Station (present day Shimo-Togari Station) on June 15 of the same year. On May 25, 1919 the line was electrified. The northern terminus of the line was moved to present-day Mishima Station in 1934. The station was renamed to its present name on February 1, 1956.

Mishima-Tamachi Station has a side platform and an island platform serving three tracks. The manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

MSHIMA FUTSUKA MACHI STATION/三島二日町駅

Location: Minami-Futsukamachi, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市南二日町）

Mishima-Futsukamachi Station was opened on December 15, 1932
Mishima-Futsukamachi Station has a single side platform. The small manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

DAIBA STATION/大場駅

Location: Daiba 136-2, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県三島市大場136-2）

Daiba Station was opened on May 20, 1898, as part of the initial construction phase of the Sunzu Line. The station building was rebuilt in 2005
Daiba Station has an island platform and a bay platform serving three tracks. Platforms 1 and 2 are used for both normal and express traffic. Platform 3 is used primarily during commuting hours, and the track at Platform 3 terminates at Daiba Station. The manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

IZU NITTA STATION/伊豆仁田駅

Location: Nitta, Kannami Cho, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県三島市函南町仁田）

Izu-Nitta Station was opened on June 30, 1921
Izu-Nitta Station has two opposed side platforms. Platform 1 is the primary platform, and used for bidirectional traffic. Platform 3 is used only during commuting hours for traffic to Mishima. The manned station building has automatic ticket machines.

BARAKI STATION/原木駅

Location: Baraki, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市原木）

Baraki Station was opened on May 20, 1898 as part of the initial construction phase of the Sunzu Line
Baraki Station has two opposed side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. Platform 2 is the primary platform, and is used for bidirectional traffic. Platform 1 is in occasional use only. The station building is unmanned and has automatic ticket machine.

NIRAYAMA STATION/韮山駅

Location: Yokkamachi, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市四日町）

Nirayama Station was opened on August 5, 1900 as Hōjō Station (北条駅 Hōjō-eki). It was given its present name on May 25, 1919.
Nirayama Station has two opposed side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. Platform 2 is the primary platform, and is used for bidirectional traffic. Platform 1 is in occasional use only. The station building is unmanned and has automatic ticket machines.

IZU NAGAOKA STATION/伊豆長岡駅

Location: Nanjō, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市南条）

Izu-Nagaoka Station was opened on May 20, 1898 as Nanjō Station (南条駅 Nanjō -eki) as the terminal station for the first phase of construction of the Sunzu Line. The line was extended onwards to Ōhito on July 17, 1899. The station was given its present name on May 25, 1919. The station building was rebuilt in 1986.
Izu-Nagaoka Station has one side platform and one island platform connected to the station building by an overpass. However, only the island platform serving tracks 2 and 3 is in normal use for passenger traffic and is used for bidirectional traffic for both normal and express services. The station building is manned and has automatic ticket machines, a manned service counter and shops.

TAKYOO STATION/田京駅

Location: Takyō, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市田京）

Takyō Station was opened on July 17, 1899 as part of the extension of the Sunzu line from Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka to Ōhito).
Takyō Station has an island platform and a side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. The station building has both a manned service counter and automatic ticket machines.

OOHITO STATION/大仁駅

Location: Ōhito, Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆の国市大仁）

Ōhito Station was opened on July 17, 1899 as part of the extension of the Sunzu line from Nanjō Station (present-day Izu-Nagaoka. The line was further extended to its preset terminus at Shuzenji in 1924.
Ōhito Station has an island platform and a side platform connected to the station building by a level crossing. The station building has both a manned service counter and automatic ticket machines.

MAKINOKOO STATION/牧之郷駅

Location: Makinokō, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆市牧之郷）

Makinokō Station was opened on August 1, 1924, as part of the final extension of the Sunzu line from Ōhito to its present terminus at Shuzenji.
Makinokō Station has two opposed side platforms connected to the station building by a level crossing. The station building is unmanned and automatic ticket machines.

SHUZENJI STATION/修善寺駅

Location: Kashiwakubo, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊豆市柏久保）

Shuzenji Station was opened on August 1, 1924 as part of the final extension of the Sunzu line from Ōhito.
Shuzenji Station has two island platforms serving four tracks. Tracks 1 and 2 are used for local service only; Tracks 3 and 4 are used for both local and limited express Odoriko services. The station building has both a manned service counter and automatic ticket machines.

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Shizuoka Prefecture Railway Stations: Izu Kyūkō Line (Ito City~Shimoda City/Izu Peninsula)

March 21, 2016 dragonlife Leave a comment

Ito Station

The Izu Kyūkō Line (伊豆急行線 Izu Kyūkō-sen) is a privately owned railway line of Izukyū Corporation in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

The line approximately parallels the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, a tourist district noted for its numerous hot spring resorts and golf courses, between Itō Station in Itō and Izukyū-Shimoda Station in Shimoda. The line opened in 1961.

Since March 13, 2010, PASMO and Suica cards are accepted on the line.

Initial plans called for the Japanese National Railways (JNR) to build a spur line linking Atami on the Tōkaidō Main Line with Shimoda. However, funding was limited in the 1930s due to a combination of a tight fiscal policy under Prime Minister Osachi Hamaguchi during the Great Depression, and a number of technical issues.

On March 30, 1935, the initial 8.7km section of the Itō Line linking Atami with Ajiro was opened. The second (8.3km) section from Ajiro to Itō was opened on December 15, 1938. Both sections were electrified at 1500 VDC when opened. Further work was delayed, and then canceled due to the outbreak of World War II.

Construction south of Itō resumed when the private-sector Tokyu Corporation acquired the rights to complete the line to Shimoda and established the Izukyū Corporation to manage construction and operations of this section. The line to Shimoda opened in 1961.

The northern terminal station for the Izu Kyūkō Line is at Ito Station, from which local trains depart for the southern terminal station of Izukyū-Shimoda. However, several varieties of limited express trains operated by JR East originate at Tokyo Station travel via the Itō Line tracks to Ito, and then terminate at Izukyū-Shimoda. These include the Odoriko and Super View Odoriko named trains. Similarly, the Resort Odoriko operated by the Izu Kyūkō Line also makes the same run, but using different rolling stock.

ITO STATION/伊東駅

Location: 3-chome, Yukawa, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県伊東市湯川三丁目12-1)

Itō Station opened on December 15, 1938 when the section of the Itō Line linking Ajiro with Itō was completed. On December 10, 1961, Izu Kyūkō began operations on a line linking Itō with Shimoda. Freight services were discontinued from October 1, 1980, but were resumed on March 31, 1987. On April 1, 1987 along with division and privatization of the Japan National Railway, East Japan Railway Company started operating this station.
Itō Station has a single island platform serving Track 1 and Track 2 and a single side platform serving Track 3. The platforms are connected by an underpass. The Izu Kyūkō trains use the outer Tracks 1 and 3, whereas the Itō Line pulls into Track 2, and reverses out in the opposite direction. The station building has automated ticket machines and Suica and PASMO automated turnstiles; its “Green Window” service counter is open between 9:00 and 18:00.

MINAMI ITO STATION/南伊東駅

Location, 1, Sakuragaoka-chō, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市桜が丘町１）

Minami-Itō Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Minami-Itō Station has a single elevated island platform, with the station building underneath.

KAWANA STATION/川奈駅

Location, Kawana, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市川奈）

Kawana Station was opened on December 10, 1961. The station building was rebuilt in 1980.
This station has two ground-level side platforms.

FUTO SATION/富戸駅

Location: 179-1 Futo, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市富戸178-1）

Futo Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Futo Station has two ground-level side platforms.

JOOGASAKI STATION/城ヶ崎海岸駅

Location: 919-8 Futo, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市富戸919-8）

Jōgasaki-Kaigan Station was opened on March 15, 1972. The station building was rebuilt as a log house in commemoration of 30th anniversary of the opening of the Izu Kyūkō Line in 1991.
Jōgasaki-Kaigan Station has one ground-level side platform.

IZU KOOGEN STATION/伊豆高原駅

Location: 1183 Yawatano, Itō City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県伊東市八幡野1183）

Izu-Kōgen Station opened on December 10, 1961.
Izu-Kōgen Station consists of a side platform and an island platform serving three tracks.

IZU OOKAWA STATION/伊豆大川駅

Location: Ōkawa, Kawaharada, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町大川字川原田）

Izu-Ōkawa Station was opened on December 10, 1961. The station is located next to Ōkawa hot springs, and there is a foot bath on the grounds of the station.
Izu-Ōkawa Station has two opposing side platforms serving two tracks. Track 2 is used for trains in both directions, and is the track in normal use. Track 1 is used at times to permit the passage of an express train, as the station does not have a headshunt.

IZU HOKKAWA STATION/伊豆北川駅

Location: Naramoto, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町奈良本）

Izu-Hokkawa Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Izu-Hokkawa Station has a single elevated side platform. The station building is located underneath.

IZU ATAGAWA STATION/伊豆熱川駅

Location: Naramoto aza Hamada, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町奈良本字浜田）

Izu-Atagawa Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
zu-Atagawa Station has a single elevated island platform serving two tracks. The station building is underneath.

KATASE SHIRATA STATION/片瀬白田駅

Katase-Shirata Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Katase-Shirata Station has two elevated opposing side platforms serving two tracks. The platforms are connected by an overpass, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks.

IZU INATORI/伊豆稲取駅

Location: Inatori-aza, Deguchi, Higashiizu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県東伊豆町稲取字出口）

Izu-Inatori Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Izu-Inatori Station has two elevated opposing side platforms serving two tracks. The platforms are connected by an overpass, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks.

IMAIHAMA KAIGAN STATION/今井浜海岸駅

Location: 180 Mitaka, Kawazu Cho, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県河津町見高180）

Imaihama-Kaigan Station was opened on December 10, 1961, initially as a temporary stop only open during the summer months due to its proximity to nearby swimming beaches. It became a permanent station on March 1, 1969.
Imaihama-Kaigan Station has one island platform sandwiched between two tunnels. The platform length is equivalent in length to eight train cars access to trains is limited only to the middle seven cars. The station building, which is located alongside Japan National Route 135, was rebuilt in a log cabin style, using wood from the surrounding forests.

KAWAZU STATION/河津駅

Location: Nakakōji, Hama-aze, Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県津町浜字中耕地）

Kawazu Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Kawazu Station has two elevated opposing side platforms serving two tracks. The platforms are connected by an underpass, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks.

INAZUSA STATION/稲梓駅

Location: Ochiai, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県賀下田市落合）

Inazusa Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Inazusa Station has a single island platforms serving two tracks.

RENDAIJI STATION/蓮台寺駅

Location: Kawauchi, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県賀下田市河内）

Rendaiji Station was opened on December 10, 1961.
Rendaiji Station has a single elevated island platform serving two tracks, and the station building is underneath the platforms and tracks

IZUKYUU SHIMODA STATION/伊豆急下田駅

Location: 1 Higashi Hongō, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture（静岡県賀下田市東本郷一丁目）

Izukyū-Shimoda Station forms the southern terminus of the Izu Kyūkō Line.
Izukyū-Shimoda Station opened on December 10, 1961.Izukyū-Shimoda Station has a double bay platform serving three tracks. Tracks 1 and 3 are used for normal train service, and Track 2 is used by the limited express Odoriko.

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Japanese Festivals: Nue barai Matsuri in Izunagaoka, Shizuoka Prefecture:\-第４９回鵺ばらい祭

January 29, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

The picture of the day: a smiling face inside a monster’s mouth!

Yesterday I traveled all the way train from Shizuoka City to Izu Nagaoka Station by train and took the the local bus to Yu Rakkasu Park to attend an unusual Matsuri/Japanese Festival!
I managed to arrive one hour before the start of the festivities which allowed me to have a good location at the location and its people!
As in any festival the locals were selling food to the visitors!

Okonomiyaki and karaage!

A local specialty, big deep-fried gyoza!

The stage!

I saw the students from Nagaoka Junior High School arriving directly from their school!
The lady in the middle is Ms. Kamoshita, Director of the Izu No Kuni City Tourism Bureau who had faxed me the details of the vent!

Mount Fuji was looking after us all the time!

The program clearly indicated for everyone’s benefit!

One of the great staff in attendance who kept me informed me all afternoon!

A great hapi/festival coat!

Great kids from Nagaoka Junior High School!
So well-mannered, ever smiling and enthusiastic!
Years ago the festival used to be performed by adults. Now it is exclusively enacted by Nagoka Junior High School!
And from this year boys and girls are equally represented!

the drummers practicing before the event!

The “nue/鵺”!
The nue is a monster of old Japanese lore. Check the NUE LORE HERE!
It is monster with the head of a monkey, the body of a tiger and a snake as a tail in Izu Nagaoka.
The legend was brought a lot time ago to Izu Peninsula from Kyoto by a Lord’s wife.
It is a monster/spirit thought to be a bringer of misfortune and illness.
This festival is held every year to make sure it does not appear to mistreat the local inhabitants!

Great kids again including some big boys!

One of the very old drums used during the festival!

A last practice!

But before the Nue Dance we witnessed a Japanese archery/Kyuudou/弓道 demonstration, which an integral part of the festival, held by the local Japanese Archery Association!

These two gentlemen might be of a grand age but they did not miss their target!

Male archers!

And female archers!

The nue did not stand a chance!
The target made of paper was subsequently shredded into small pieces to be distributed among the onlookers for good luck!
I got mine, which might come useful when facing the home dragon!

By then the nue dancers had got ready and were coming out of the changing room!

Some of the costumes had to be carried by hand!

Samurais!

I would like to thank these two young ladies who were so kind to answer this strange foreigner’s questions!

Peace!

Getting ready in the cold wind!

The choreographer giving his last advice!

And the dance starts!

The nue and its minions ready to pounce!

The fever went up a grade with the drumming!

The nue’s minions are taunting the samurai!

Mind you the kids inside are no monsters!

The nue has crept among its minions!

The minions first attempt to frighten the onlookers!

There must be some kind of hierarchy among the minions as a few carry big tail snakes!

The minions are attacking!

Why have they stopped?

This is the reason!

The samurai have come to defend the onlookers by first loosing arrows!

But the nue’s minions are undaunted and chase the samurai who have to unsheathe their swors!

All the while the nue is looking at the action from a safe distance!

Nothing frightening about these two sweet young ladies!

While the nue kept looking at the action I crept behind it for some photoes!

Big and horrible tail!

Nasty head!

The samurai were starting to get the upper hand!

Take that!

The nue’s minons were getting killed one by one!

The nue’s minoons had all been cut down!

The Nue still did not intervene!

Things seemed to be all but lost…

But this is when the Nue finally came into the fray!

The drummers lustily encouraged the samurais!

But the onlookers started throwing beans at it!

The Nue roars back into the fight!

But the samurais show no fear!

The Nue is struck with fear!

The samurais have started their killing dance!

The Nue has no chance!

The Nue is finally down!

The Town and its citizens are saved again this year!

Well done, lads and gals!

The onlookers picking the beans which contributed to the demise of the Nue!

The two choreographers who teach the kids every year!
They are brothers and volunteers.
As the second generation of choreographers they confided that they are aiming at teaching the next generation to make sure the Festival outlives them!
Well done, gentlemen!

All the while local geishas working at the hot springs establishments had been stoically waiting for their turn in the cold!

And they graciously danced for all!
Don’t ask me why I chose this particular lady! LOL

The Nue mascot!

Looking forward to my next visit to Izu Nagaoka!

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Public Hot Spring Foot Bath in Izu Nagaoka, Izu Peninsula!

January 28, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Izu Nagaoka, now part of Izu No Kuni City in Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture is a nationally known hot spring spa/resort and I had to visit it today to cover a local matsuri/festival (report coming soon!).
The place where the matsuri was held is called Yuu Rakkusu Koen/Hot Water Relaxing Park.
I was wondering about the meaning of the park’s name.
It took me little time to discover why!

The sign means “Health Pleasure walking Road”, or the equivalent!

Bathers certainly had a great time in the cold wind!

Th hot water flows directly from a subterranean hot spring!
And it is hot, at least 40 degrees Celsius!

Incidentally smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited!

One foot at a time?

It was founded by the city 14 years ago as proven by the feet print of the then mayor of the Village before it was merged into Izu no Kuni City!

The reason why it is called a Health Pleasure Waking Road!
Visitors are invited to walk barefoot on three different surfaces covered with stones of different sizes and shapes!
A bit tough to me, but they go to length to explain the benefits!
You would certainly need a long bath after that!

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Wasabi Ice Cream, Wild Boar, Ayu Trout And Joren Waterfalls in Yugashima, Izu Peninsula

January 26, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

The false and the true wasabi ice cream!LOL

If you wish to visit Izu Peninsula, one of the most famous tourist spots in the whole of Japan, be it for a single day or longer, there is a very simple way to do that allows you to explore the area on or off the beaten tracks.

Wherever you come from in Japan or Shizuoka Prefecture, first go to Mishima City and change trains from the JR Railway Line to the Private Izu Hakone Senzu Line which will take you all the way to Shizenji, its final destination.
Then at the Shuzenji Bus Station (beside the Railway Station) choose your destination (buses cover the whole peninsula from there) and enjoy a quiet ride. Take the very back seats if you can as they are always elevated and enable you to enjoy the views on the way from a better angle!

This time my destination was the Joren Waterfalls/浄の滝 in Yuugashima/湯ヶ島.
Don’t forget to take a picture of the bus stop sign for your collection!

What’s that inside the bus stop shelter?

“Beware of the Wild Boars!”
It’s not a joke! (Mind you, they make for good food, too!)

They look cute, but their sausages are a local delicacy!

They are also delicious as Inoshishi Man/猪まん/large steamed wild boar dumplings!

Incidentally visit the nearby souvenir shop where you can find Shizuoka Green Tea, real Shizuoka Wasabi Schochu and extravagant Shizuoka sake!

Now, what does that sign say?
Wasabi Soft!

Here they are! Here they are!

Real wasabi (soft) ice cream (I mean the one in the front!) made with wasabi grown in Izu peninsula!
Really piquant and sweet! A must-taste!

Alright let’s go to the waterfalls!
But first consult the board for some useful information written in English!

Quite a few stairs waiting for you!

More wasabi is apparently waiting for you downstairs!

More English information on the way to the waterfalls!

Do make a point to read it! You will be able to bosat your knowledge back home!

More wasabi ice cream waiting for you!

And fresh wasabi roots on sale!

Can you see the wasabi water fields on your way down?

Impressive, isn’t it? All grown organically in running natural water!

What are they doing?
Fishing ayu trout/鮎!

Now, here is some great fun for you and your kids:
Ask (for a fee) the small shop below to lend you a rod, line and lure to catch the ayu trouts in the river flowing away from the waterfalls and have your catch grilled for immediate pleasure!

Go there in the colder season when the water is pure and crystal clear!

Our destination: Jouren No Taki/Jyoren Waterfalls!
You will realize there why the water in Shizuoka Prefecture and Izu Peninsula is so famous!

I must take a dip there next summer! (I wonder if they will let me?)

Looking forward to visit other spots in the Izu Peninsula!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Agricultural Products, Agriculture, Gastronomy, Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Japan Tourism, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Agricultural Products, Shuzenji, Tourism

Railway Stations in Shizuoka Prefecture 1: Shuzenji in Izu Peninsula!

November 13, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

The only real Wasabi Shochu in the whole world by Bandai Brewery in Shuzenji!

If you wish to visit the Izu Peninsula, especially away from the beaten tracks, Shuzenji Station should be your starting point!
Wherever you come from in Japan or Shizuoka Prefecture, first go Mishima City and change trains from the JR Railway Line to the Private Izu Hakone Senzu Line which will take you all the way to Shizenji, its final destination.
Shuzenji is a, if not the, major hubub in Izu Peninsula whose hot springs have been famed for unknown centuries.

Shuzenji Hot Springs sign in front of the station.

But when it comes to discover and buy local products for really original gifts and souvenirs, Shuzenji Station is the best place as it provides for all in small enough space to enjoy browsing!
Let me take you on a quick tour!

Shuzenji Station seen from the outside.

What’s that small food booth by the entrance?

Local ekiben/railway bentos, 7 of them! A must for your meal on your way back!

There are two entries to the shop. Pick yours!

But you are already hungry?
No problem, there is a hot food stand inside the souvenir shop!
Once you feel revived, we can start shopping!

Izu Peninsula is by definition is surrounded by the sea. Now, how about some nori/dry seaweed seasoned with wasabi? Incidentally, Shizuoka Prefecture produces no less than 80% of the whole Japanese wasabi crop!

The shop is full of artifacts to remind you this is wasabi land! (actually the second land in Shizuoka Prefecture, as wasabi was first grown in Utougi/有東木 in Shizuoka City!)

When it comes to wasabi related processed products, it is just an embarrassment of choices!

Now, something for the vegans and vegetarians, Kuromai Daifuku/Black Rice Buns/黒米大福, Soba Daifuku/そば大福, Mame daifuku/Soy Beans Buns/豆大福 and more!

Jam Sticks made with fruit cultivated in Izu Peninsula whose fruit is another major product!

For vegans and vegetarians again: Kuromai Udon/黒米うどん/Black Rice Udon, and Shizenjyou Soba/自然薯/Wild Yam Soba!

More wasabi-related processed products!

Japanese sake line-up (of the more reasonable prices) from Bandai Brewery, the only sake brewery in Shuzenji and Izu peninsula!

Forget the bottle on the left… the bottles in the center are shochu from local rice by Fujinishiki Brewery (located nesr Mount Fuji), a white loquat wine bottle by Bandai Brewery and some fiey shochu by the same!

The only real Wasabi Shochu in the whole world by Bandai Brewery in Shuzenji!

Real wines by the Naka Izu Winery, the only wine-producing compabny in Shizuoka Prefecture!

Again, more wasabi-related processed products!

This is only a small round-up, and I’m sure you will find more to your liking!

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Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Agricultural Products, Fish, Flowers, Fruits, Gastronomy, Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Japan Tourism, Restaurants, Sashimi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Agricultural Products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Gastronomy, Shizuoka Railway Stations, Shizuoka tourism, Tourism

Railway Stations in Shizuoka Prefecture 2: Shizuoka City JR Station

November 13, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

What is this fish called at Parche Market inside Shizuoka City JR Station?
Scroll down for the answer!

Shizuoka City JR (Japanese railways) Station is a fairly big one, even by Japanese standards as it situated in the very middle of Japan and sees untold numbers of travelers!

North Exit!

Shizuoka City is divided into three distinct Wards: Aoi Ku in the North, Suruga Ku in the South, and Shimizu Ku in The East.
When I arrived in Shizuoka City in 1976 it was still a shambles of a station all wooden planks and steel frames. But in 1977 it saw its first face-lifting with the creation of Parche Department Store above the Station.

South exit!

Before Parche was open there was not communication between the north and south exits and you had to pay a platform ticket if you were in a hurry, but now, the exits are only 30 second walk from each other and that fact has helped develop the southern half of the city.
The station and its surroundings have since seen a lot of modifications resulting in a fairly modern and clean railway station.
It is worth visiting as it includes so many shops and stores.
I will spare you from the ubiquitous chain diners, coffee shops et al and show you what is worth a stop or at least the reason for it!

Great sandwiches at Subway, just on the right side of the northern exit. I know it is a big franchise chain but the vegetables used are local!

The Shizuoka Tourism Office on the north exit right between the two entrances.
English spoken there at least on weekdays!

The Shinkansen/Bullet Train Tracks Entrance!

The Tokaido Railway Line Tracks entrance!

There are many automatic tickets machines but you can buy and reserve your tickets at the Japan East Railway Line Ticket Booth. English spoken!

Or you could buy the same tickets and reserve tours at The Tokai Tours Company across. English spoken there, too!

You have many direct accesses to the Parche Department Store for all kinds of shopping on the 5 floors!

Bellmart Convenience store where you can buy English newspapers!

Let’s visit the right half of the ground (first) floor of the station first!
I recommend the fresh sandwiches at Cafe Danmark!

Soup Stock Tokyo. Great in winter!

Tokaiken Company Booth: Ekiben/Railway Lunch Boxes!
A must for a long travel as they sell more than a dozen different boxes all containing local food! A great way to discover the Shzuoka gastronomy!

The right side of the station is owned and administered by ASTY Company.
You can enter the complex through 3 different entrances.
Let’s go and see what’s inside!

GRAND SHOP selling all kinds of local food souvenirs!

Belgian Manneken Waffles!

Green Tea Madeleines at Laurier!

Bagels at Bagel & Bagel!

Traditional local Wagashi cakes called Abekawa Mochi!
Great for vegans!

Healthy Japanese food at Osozai Cafe!

Sumpu Raku Ichi!

This shop is a must visit as it sells food and crafts from Shizuoka City and its surroundings!

A multitude of local food souvenirs!

Enormous fresh wasabi with its stems and leaves!

Shizuoka Sake, beer and soft drinks!

the right prat of Sumpu Raku ichi Shop is dedicated to local crafts!

So many of them and regularly changing that it is worth a report of its own!

Saboten Restaurant/Shop for tonkatsu!

Traditional local Japanese gastronomy at Sunchuan Togeppou!
Arguably the best restaurant in the whole station!

Soba/buckwheat noodles restaurant!

Japanese restaurant specializing in Japanese seafood and fish gastronomy!

Japanese-style Western food at Tokyo Nashi Goren!

Coffee, cakes, biscuits, wine, cheese and what else at KALDI!

Some very interesting traditional Japanese apparels at Kyoto Raku Fu Shop!

Japanese izakaya: Roydo!

Hachokura Izakaya: Great local seafood!

Udon noodles and local sake!

Shizuoka and Nagoya-style ramen!

Non-smoking cafe: Platini!

Sankyu Izakaya serving oden and great Shizuoka sake!

Taisaku Izakaya: good seafood and Shizuoka sake!

Yoshineka Shop sells the best Shizuoka himono/sun-dried fish!
Did you know that Shizuoka Prefecture produces half of all himono in Japan?

Great bento there!

Umibouzu Izakaya: Great oden and Shizuoka sake there!

Now let’go to the left half of the edifice and enter Parche Shokuzaikan/Parche Food Market!
Even if you don’t buy anything, it is worth more than one good look!
So much true local food there!

Shizuoka Green Tea!

Shizuoka Wasabi and derived products!

Abekawa Mochi wagashi!

Compose your own sushi lunch there!

Japanese brochettes at Nihonichi!

Takoyaki/octopus dumplings at Takosen!

Organic food at Natural House!

Let’s enter the real (and large) supermarket!
Fruit and vegetables!

Dried and preserves seafood!

Very cheap and tasty sushi bento/donburi!

Great fresh fish and seafood market!
More than half is caught off Shizuoka Prefecture shores!

All these fish were caught in Shizuoka Prefecture!

The answer to the quizz:
Yagara/Trumpet fish caught in Suruga Bay!

One of the best meat delicatessen in town!

Great fried food at reasonable prices for immediate consumption!

Japanese traditional cakes!

Uogashi Conveyor Sushi restaurant!
Quite good for such a restaurant!

Raggenmeyer, an excellent bakery!

And don’ forget the flowers!

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Agricultural Products, Gastronomy, Hot Springs Resorts, Izu Peninsula, Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Japan Tourism, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Agricultural Products, Shizuoka Gastronomy, Shizuoka tourism, Tourism

Hot Springs Spa Resorts in Shizuoka Prefecture: Yoshiharu Hotel in Izu Peninsula! 3: Breakfast

November 6, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Smiling and attentive
Facilities & Equipment: Traditional and ancient, partly renovated, but extremely clean. Great washrooms. Spacious lobby with free coffee et al.
Prices: Appropriate to expensive. Cheaper on weekdays and in low seasons.
Strong points: Great baths overall. Private outdoors bath in rooms. Local gastronomy with local products.

Japanese breakfasts in Japanese hotels, hot springs spa hotels in particl\aular, are so enormous!
They do make sure not only that you enjoy this important meal of the day but that you are well-fed for a long time to be during your coming trip!

Your breakfast will always include plenty of freshly steamed rice, dry seaweed/nori, onsen tamago/soft-boile egg cooked in hot springs water, raw seaweed, and green tea (especially in Shizuoka)!

Then it will depend on the products of the region.
In Shizuoka you can expect dry shirasu/sardine whitings, wasabi zuke/pickles made of wasabi stems and leaves and Japanese sake white lees, chawan mushi/Japanese steamed salty pudding, and mentaiko (not from Shizuoka!)!

Hot pot with tofu and mushrooms!
That alone will please guests who do not wish to eat meat or fish!

Fish is also a must!
Above is “himono/sun-dried fish” which had been grilled before serving.
Did you know that Shizuoka Prefecture produces as much as half of all himono in Japan?

And of course steamed local vegetables served with gomadare/sesame seeds dressing!

What a healthy way to start the day!

YOSHIHARU HOTEL
Izu No Kuni City, Nagaoka, 989-10
Get down at Izu Nagaoka Station along the Izu Hakone Railway Line (leaving form Mishima City). Take a taxi (under 1,000 yen)
Tel.: 055-948-1212
Credit Cards OK
HOMEPAGE (Japanese)

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Agricultural Products, Gastronomy, Izu Peninsula, Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Japan Tourism, Photography, Recipes, Restaurants, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Agricultural Products, Shizuoka tourism, Tourism

Hot Springs Spa Resorts in Shizuoka Prefecture: Yoshiharu Hotel in Izu Peninsula! 2: Dinner

November 5, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Right from the beginning of a very pleasant dinner one understands that Yoshiharu Hotel does make an effort to use local products as much as possible!
Mind you, it is not too difficult when you know the wealth of the land and the nearby seashores!

No, this is not the main dish, but the main appetizers!

Salmon, salmon roe and grated Japanese yam.

Marinated scabbard fish.

White-flesh fish sashimi, sweet shrimp and raw cuttle fish.

A general view also featuring a small cup of umeshu/Japanese plum wine, and portable hot pot.

Local Fuji no Kuni Pork!

Scallops balls!

Umeshu!

Stewed persimmon, gingko nuts, deep-fried kabocha, shrimp caviar, yam, fried rice talks and vegetable tofu!

Deep-fried scabbard fish.

Oyster rice!

Shark fin and egg soup.

Pork cooking in its pot!

Home-made pickles.

Red miso soup with scallops balls.

The stewed pork with vegetables and red miso is ready!

Home-made sorbet!

See you at breakfast next!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Agricultural Products, Fujinomoiya City, Gastronomy, Hot Springs Resorts, Izu Peninsula, Japan, Japan Gastronomy, Japan Tourism, Japanese sake, Sake Breweries, Shizuoka Gastronomy

Japanese sake and Hot Springs: Enjoying Fujinishiki at Yoshiharu Hot Springs in Izu Peninsula!

October 31, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

What could beat a great sake enjoyed in a top-class hot spring resort in Izu Penisula?

I took this picture yesterday before enjoying a bottle of sake brewed by Fujinishiki Brewery (Fujinomiya City) while having a bath inside a private outdoors tub at Yoshiharu Hot Spring Resort in Izu Peninsula!

Reports on both coming soon!

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