It was time for a hot spring resort vacation. It's not the sort of thing that's specifically marked on the calendar, we just know when it's time to go; then we make a plan and do it! This time we decided to visit Izu peninsula. First we would go to Cape Manazuru, then got to Atagawa for the night; the following day we'd visit Kawazu and finally return to Atagawa for the second night. Three days would be more than enough time for us.
Day one: We took a bus from our neighborhood to the JR Yokosuka Train Station. Rode the train to Ofuna and transferred to the Tokaido line and traveled to Manazuru station. In front of Manazuru station we caught a local bus to the tip of Cape Manazuru. And, that is where we start this photo essay adventure!
As we descend down the trail to sea level we can see the very tip of Cape Manazuru.
This place is famous. It's famous for the scenic view not the sandy beach - there is no sandy beach.
There are two kinds of people out here. There are sightseers like us and there are sport fishermen (not like us). The fishermen outnumber us.
The walking trail is reasonably easy to walk along.
A nice secluded little bay.
Like I said, this is not a sandy beach. Luckily all the stones are worn smooth by years and years of the coastal surf.
It was lunch time and I had made sandwiches in the morning so we took cover under a tree to enjoy eating the sandwiches. Why did we need cover to eat? If one eats out in the open the seahawks will try and snatch the food right out of your hand.
After our picnic lunch we started the walk back to Manazuru train station. We could have taken the bus but it was a beautiful day the the coastal walk is beautiful.
Everywhere we look we see fishermen. It is Sunday so I guess that is to be expected.
As we get closer to town the rocky coast is replaced by concrete wharfs and piers.
This is the backside of a hotel that caters to the sport fishermen. It's right on the waterfront and there's a liquor store next door; what more could a fisherman want?
We're back at Manazuru train station and here comes the train. From here we'll go to Atami station and transfer to the Izu train line that will take us to Atagawa.
We have arrived at Atagawa! This is a sandy beach!
It's too early to check into our hotel so we just walk around the beach to kill time. What a great place to kill time!
At the end of the beach there is a jetty.
The view of our hotel from the end of the jetty. It's the second one in from the left.
Time to head back and check in.
Day 2: Watching the sunrise from our hotel room. The island on the horizon is Oshima Island.
After breakfast we decided to walk along the coast to the next town and catch a train there to go to Kawazu.
It's a nice walk.
Sometimes good ideas don't work. Along the coast there are several resort hotels and somebody decided to build an ocean front swimming pool. Mother nature was not consulted on this great idea and after a few typhoons and storms the pool was filled with stones.
The local fish bate and beer store.
After a pleasant walk we have arrived at the train station.
We're the only people at the station.
Here comes the train.
The train follows the coast and the view from the train is wonderful.
It's only a few stops on the train line before we arrive at Kawazu. And, why did we come to Kawazu? We came to see the beautiful Kawazu Cherry Blossom Trees! That's the train trestle at the top of the picture. It's only a few minutes walk from the station to get here.
The Kawazu river is lined on both sides with Kawazu cherry blossom trees.
For more detailed information check this out:
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
This place is really nice.
Even the public restrooms are beautiful.
The yellow mustard blossoms are a nice contrast to the pink cherry blossoms.
Despite it being a Monday there are a lot of people here today and almost every one is carrying a camera and taking pictures.
Next week I'll post up part two of this great Izu adventure!
Thanks for stopping by!
Mike
Bonus shots!
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