RoadAtlas
Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan — Scenic
East Asia

Izu Peninsula Loop

Japan

Loop / circuit
Loop from Atami

In short: Izu Peninsula Loop is a 320 km scenic road trip in Japan, typically driven over 2–4 days, best in Feb–Apr / Sep–Nov. Highlights: Atami, Ito, Jogasaki Coast.

Distance
320 km
Duration
2–4 days
Best Season
Feb–Apr / Sep–Nov
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

A volcanic peninsula south of Tokyo where the Pacific crashes against black-sand beaches, hot springs rise from the ground mid-forest, and the road clings to sea cliffs past fishing villages that time left behind. One of Japan's great onsen drives.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
Main roads are paved, but the east, south, and west coasts have narrow curves, slow town sections, and occasional disruption from typhoons, heavy rain, rockfall, wind, or high waves. Do not schedule the Dogashima cruise as a guaranteed late-day stop: boats are cancelled whenever sea conditions are unsafe, and travellers should check the same-day operating notice at dogashimamarine.jp/en before leaving Shimoda. If boats are suspended, use the on-land Dogashima cliff promenade and viewpoints; the Sanshiro-jima tombolo is a separate low-tide walk and must not be confused with access to the sea cave. Build generous driving margins and avoid the exposed coast after dark.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Eastern Izu Peninsula (Atami to Shimoda)

Jogasaki Coast and Kadowaki Bridge · Shimoda Ropeway · Cafe Mellow

Day 2Shimoda to Dogashima via Cape Iro and Matsuzaki

Ryugu Sea Cave · Cape Iro Lighthouse Walk · Kinoshita

Day 3Dogashima to Shuzenji

Koganezaki Coast · Shuzenji Bamboo Grove and Temple · Miharu Sushi

Stops along the route

Atami — Departure — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Departure
Atami
The grande dame of Japan's onsen coast. The MOA Museum of Art crowns the hill with Klimt and Utamaro above a glittering sea.
Hotels
Ito — City — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
City
Ito
Where English navigator William Adams built Japan's first Western-style ships in 1604. Ito Onsen soaks the town in quiet history.
Hotels
Shimoda — City — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
City
Shimoda
The port where Perry's 1854 treaty opened Japan to the world. Ryosenji Temple holds the original convention; Perry Road is lined with willows.
Hotels
Shuzenji — Arrival — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Arrival
Shuzenji
A bamboo grove, a 1,200-year-old temple, and a river onsen at the heart of Izu. The most photogenic town on the peninsula.
Hotels

Things to Do

Jogasaki Coast — Nature — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Nature
Jogasaki Coast
A 9-km lava coastline of fractured black cliffs formed by Omuroyama's eruption 4,000 years ago, crossed by a swaying suspension bridge.
Cape Iro — Nature — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Nature
Cape Iro
The dramatic southernmost tip of the Izu mainland. A lighthouse perches on volcanic cliffs above deep Pacific blue at the peninsula's end.
Dogashima Sea Caves — Nature — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Nature
Dogashima Sea Caves
Weather-permitting sightseeing boats enter the tuff-cliff cave beneath its skylight. When sailings stop, follow the marked on-land cliff promenade instead.
Shimoda Ropeway — Scenic Viewpoint — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Scenic Viewpoint
Shimoda Ropeway
Cable car ride to Mt. Nesugata summit, offering panoramic views of Shimoda and the Pacific Ocean.
Perry Road — Historic Site — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Historic Site
Perry Road
Charming street lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes, reflecting Shimoda's past.
Shimoda Floating Aquarium — Aquarium — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Aquarium
Shimoda Floating Aquarium
Unique aquarium floating in the bay, featuring dolphin shows and marine exhibits.
Show 3 more
Ryugu Sea Cave — Nature — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Nature
Ryugu Sea Cave
Natural sea cave with a skylight opening, accessible by a short hike, offering stunning views.
Cape Iro Lighthouse Walk — Nature — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Nature
Cape Iro Lighthouse Walk
A short walk out to the lighthouse on the peninsula's southernmost volcanic cliffs, with sweeping Pacific views on the drive west from Shimoda.
Dogashima Sea Caves Boat Tour — Nature — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Nature
Dogashima Sea Caves Boat Tour
Take the short cave cruise only after confirming same-day operation; high waves and wind cause cancellations. The signed cliff promenade is the reliable land-based fallback.

Where to Eat

Uogashi — Seafood — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Seafood
Uogashi
Fresh seafood dishes with ocean views, featuring local catches like sashimi and grilled fish.
Kinoshita — Japanese — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Japanese
Kinoshita
Traditional Japanese meals in a cozy setting, known for its tempura and seasonal specialties.
Ra-maru — Ramen — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Ramen
Ra-maru
Popular ramen shop offering rich broths and homemade noodles, a favorite among locals.
Cafe Mellow — Café — Izu Peninsula Loop — Japan
Café
Cafe Mellow
Relaxing café serving coffee and light meals, with a terrace overlooking the sea.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Izu Peninsula Loop drive?

The Izu Peninsula Loop covers 320 km from start to finish.

How long does the Izu Peninsula Loop take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–4 days on the Izu Peninsula Loop, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Izu Peninsula Loop?

The recommended season for the Izu Peninsula Loop is Feb–Apr / Sep–Nov.

Where does the Izu Peninsula Loop start and end?

The Izu Peninsula Loop runs from Atami to Shuzenji.

What are the main stops on the Izu Peninsula Loop?

The Izu Peninsula Loop passes through Atami, Ito, Jogasaki Coast.

How difficult is the Izu Peninsula Loop to drive?

The Izu Peninsula Loop is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Izu Peninsula Loop in a regular car?

Yes — the Izu Peninsula Loop is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Izu Peninsula Loop?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Izu Peninsula Loop, based on its 320 km length.

Is the Izu Peninsula Loop EV friendly?

Yes — the Izu Peninsula Loop has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Izu Peninsula Loop safe to drive?

Main roads are paved, but the east, south, and west coasts have narrow curves, slow town sections, and occasional disruption from typhoons, heavy rain, rockfall, wind, or high waves. Do not schedule the Dogashima cruise as a guaranteed late-day stop: boats are cancelled whenever sea conditions are unsafe, and travellers should check the same-day operating notice at dogashimamarine.jp/en before leaving Shimoda. If boats are suspended, use the on-land Dogashima cliff promenade and viewpoints; the Sanshiro-jima tombolo is a separate low-tide walk and must not be confused with access to the sea cave. Build generous driving margins and avoid the exposed coast after dark.

What scenic tier is the Izu Peninsula Loop?

The Izu Peninsula Loop is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.