Higashiizu: Hot Springs and Strings of Exciting Things
Blessed with a warm climate, Higashiizu, Japan is nestled in the middle east of the Izu Peninsula and is popular for its hot springs with 6 of them located all over town. The town was chartered in 1959 by incorporating the town of Inatori and the village of Jōtō. Thanks to its location, there is an abundant supply of fresh, delicious produce and seafood. Tourists particularly love activities like golf, paragliding, and scuba diving that Higashiizu offers.
Best Time to Visit
There is a whir of tourist arrival in Higashiizu during months of January, March and April when the town’s top destinations are mostly filled with sun revelers. Prices for Higashiizu hotels and flights are at a premium during these months though advance booking can yield some great discounts. June is likewise popular among tourists with the Dontsuku Festival, a quirky fertility festival where a giant phallus-shaped object of worship is carried by locals through the streets. The celebration was originated to grant married couples quarrel-free relationships and healthy baby deliveries.
What to Do & Area Attractions
A number of hotels in Higashiizu provide excellent sea views like the Atagawakan and the Atagawa Prince Hotel. While the Atagawa Yamatokan has a privately owned hot spring source and is adjacent to the Atagawa Tropical and Alligator Garden and its showcase of the largest variety of alligator and tropical plants. Stay for a while at Izu Bio Park, a large animal amusement park that enables intimate interaction between zoo goers and the animals and feast your eyes on locally made dolls on exhibit at Inatori Bunka Park.