Embark on a captivating six-day hiking journey across the stunning Izu Peninsula in Japan, where traditional hospitality meets natural splendour. This immersive itinerary, offered by Walk Japan, blends stays in authentic inns and modern hotels with culinary delights and scenic exploration, all for approximately £2,500 per person.
EAT: A Feast of Local Flavours
The culinary highlights of this hike are as memorable as the landscapes. At the family-owned Akazawa Onsen, guests are treated to a traditional meal featuring clam soup, tofu, and grilled mackerel. The experience is elevated with ayu river fish, expertly cooked on skewers over an indoor charcoal fire. Dessert includes unique mugwort and sweet miso dumplings, reminiscent of mulchy green lollipops, and salted plums, perfectly complemented by homemade plum wine.
Family Affair in Tago
During a lunch break in the picturesque fishing town of Tago, nestled between wooded hills, hikers visit the tiny Yamasu restaurant. Here, 82-year-old Mr Tadasu Isoya, a fourth-generation 'tempura master', oversees the preparation. Dishes feature huge, succulent prawns in light batter atop noodles in a rich umami miso broth, all crafted by Isoya's daughters and grandchildren.
STAY: From Modern Luxury to Historic Charm
Accommodation on this journey offers a blend of contemporary comfort and timeless tradition. Kaorukaze is a modern hotel where each spacious suite includes a couple-sized onsen bath with views over curving Iritahama beach and its dramatic offshore basalt outcrops. The hotel also boasts two large rooftop onsens for soaking, following the traditional pre-soak cleansing ritual.
Step Back in Time at Arai Ryokan
For a more historic experience, the traditional Arai Ryokan is an artfully designed maze of wooden buildings and glass-panelled corridors surrounding koi ponds. Overlooking maple groves, towering bamboo, and a waterfall, this inn features several onsen baths. Unlike many remote stops, it is conveniently close to shops selling ceramics, antiques, matcha ice cream, and tapioca treats.
LOVE: Immersion in Nature's Wonders
The Izu Peninsula, forged by volcanic forces and less than an hour by bullet train from Tokyo, offers a hilly terrain, powdery beaches, and woodlands of cedar, cypress, and fir. Wildlife sightings include white-tipped eagles circling overhead and troops of macaques crossing roads. The hike provides breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, while highlights like the sea cave at Toji and the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls add to the spectacular scenery.
Shopping and Local Delights
Beyond nature, the itinerary includes visits to wasabi fields and shops, where surprisingly sweet wasabi ice cream can be sampled. The Kanesa store, drying tuna since 1882, offers a glimpse into local heritage. Countless shops along the way sell traditional brushes, bowls, and wooden knick-knacks, perfect for souvenirs.
This six-day hike on the Izu Peninsula is more than just a walk; it is a holistic journey through Japan's culinary, cultural, and natural treasures, promising an unforgettable adventure for travellers seeking depth and authenticity.
