Izu Nagaoka Onsen: a Hot Spring Experience with Fuji Views

Overview

Izu Nagaoka Onsen is located in central Izu, near the city of Numazu, making it a convenient gateway for Izu tourism with easy access from Tokyo and Nagoya. It’s ideal for group trips due to its large hotels and excellent accessibility.

Izu Nagaoka Onsen offers a blend of traditional Japanese onsen culture with accessible modern amenities, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration off the beaten path. Izu Nagaoka’s development as an onsen town is deeply rooted in its rich history. The town’s numerous hot springs have been a cornerstone of its culture and economy. Historical sites, such as the Egawa Residence and Hojyoji Temple, reflect the area’s cultural heritage and its importance in regional history. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a vital gateway to the Izu Peninsula, blending rich cultural heritage with modern amenities and natural beauty.

History

Izu Nagaoka’s history dates back to ancient times, originally as Kawanishi Village. In 1889, it was formed from several merging villages. It became part of Tagata District in 1896 and transitioned to Izu Nagaoka Town in 1934 after a devastating earthquake in 1930. The town expanded by absorbing Ema Village in 1954. Significant infrastructural development occurred in the 1960s-1980s, modernizing the town for residents and tourists. In 2005, Izu Nagaoka merged with Nirayama and Oohito to form Izu no Kuni City, enhancing regional development. The town is renowned for its hot springs and historical sites like the Egawa Residence and Hojyoji Temple, blending cultural heritage with modern amenities, making it a vital gateway to the Izu Peninsula.

Hot Springs

Day-Use Hot Springs

1. Hotel Sun Valley Izu Nagaoka - Features a spacious 300-tsubo hot spring bathhouse.
2. Konastay Izu Nagaoka - Renovated ryokan with onsen and rental bicycles.
3. KKR Izu Nagaoka Chitose - Offers a large bathhouse with flowing onsen water.
4. Fujimi-kan - Known for its lukewarm onsen, ideal for long soaks.
5. Izu Hatake Onsen Seizan - Enjoys a renewed facility and the soothing "nuru-yu."
6. Itoen Hotels Izu Nagaoka Kinjokan - Offers buffet dining and a variety of onsen experiences.
7. Izu Oohito Onsen Ichinomiya-so - Features riverside views and fresh fish dishes.
8. New Hakkeien - Offers rooftop outdoor baths with views of Mt. Fuji.
9. Efude no Yado Hachinobo - Over 100 years old with a reputation for excellent hospitality.
10. Ryotamonoyu Honjin - A historic inn with an outdoor cave bath.
11. Kobo no Yu Honten - Known for natural radium and flowing onsen water.

Fun things to do

Activities

1. Strawberry Picking - Popular spots include Ema Strawberry Picking Center and Kubota Strawberry Picking Garden.
2. Parks and Natural Spots - Enjoy hiking and views at Mount Katsuragi and the panoramic Izu Park.
3. Footbaths - Try the relaxing footbaths like Hime’s Footbath and Yura-Footbath Park.

Cultural Attractions

1. Historical Sites - Explore Egawa Residence, designated as an important cultural property, and Hojyotei Ruins.
2. Tsuru Hanging Doll Exhibition - Held annually from December 15 to April 10 near Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace.
3. Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace - A historic site from the Edo period.
4. Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples - Including Hojoji Temple, Socho Shrine, and Kita-Ema Cave Tombs.

Access

To access Izu Nagaoka from Tokyo, you have several options:

By Train:

1. JR Tokaido Shinkansen:
   • Step 1: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station. This takes approximately 45 minutes by the Hikari or Kodama trains.
   • Step 2: From Mishima Station, transfer to the Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line and take a train to Izu-Nagaoka Station. This journey takes about 20 minutes.

By Bus:

1. Highway Bus:
   • Take a highway bus from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station to Mishima Station. The bus ride takes approximately 2 hours.
   • From Mishima Station, transfer to the Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line and take a train to Izu-Nagaoka Station (about 20 minutes).

By Car:

1. Driving:
   • Take the Tomei Expressway from Tokyo towards Nagoya and exit at Numazu IC.
   • Follow the signs for Izu-Nagaoka. The drive typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

By Shinkansen and Taxi:

1. Shinkansen and Taxi:
   • Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station (45 minutes).
   • From Mishima Station, take a taxi directly to Izu-Nagaoka. The taxi ride takes about 15-20 minutes.