Izu Peninsula Hot Spring & Coast Loop Drive
A self-drive loop starting from Atami, heading south along the east coast to Shimoda, turning to the west coast, and returning via Shuzenji and Mishima.
The most established short self-drive loop around Tokyo. Explore the Jogasaki Coast and Mt. Omuro on the east coast, stay in Shimoda at the southern tip, wind around to Dogashima on the west coast, and finally return via Shuzenji and Mishima in the central peninsula. With a daily driving time of about 2 hours, you will have plenty of leisure time. The greatest value of driving is reaching the west coast, which is difficult to access by public transport. Perfect for couples, families, and extended weekend getaways.
The east coast highway gets heavily congested during the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival from late February to early March.
Day by day
Day 1 · Atami Art Museum to Ito
Atami & Izu（Kinomiya Shrine、MOA Museum of Art）
Pick up your car at Atami Station. After a short drive around town, take National Route 135 for about 40 minutes to Ito.
The MOA Museum of Art is closed on Thursdays; please confirm before departure.
Stay: Ito
Day 2 · Mt. Omuro & Jogasaki to Shimoda
Atami & Izu（Mount Omuro、Jogasaki Coast & Kadowaki Suspension Bridge、Kawazu Seven Waterfalls）
Drive south from Ito for about 2 hours to Shimoda, passing through Jogasaki and Kawazu. The highway has many winding curves.
Stay: Shimoda
Day 3 · Shimoda Old Streets & Dogashima
Atami & Izu（Perry Road & Ryosenji Temple, Shimoda、Mount Nesugata & Shimoda Ropeway、Dogashima & Tensodo Cave）
Drive from Shimoda along the west coast for about 1 hour to Dogashima, then cross the mountains for about 1 hour and 20 minutes to Shuzenji.
Dogashima cave cruise boats are subject to wind and waves. If suspended, you can explore the coastal walking trails instead.
Stay: Shuzenji
Day 4 · Shuzenji to Mishima for Car Return
Atami & Izu（Shuzenji Onsen、Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace、Mishima Taisha、Mishima Skywalk）
Drive north from Shuzenji for about 50 minutes to Mishima. Sightsee along the way and return the car at Mishima Station.