Destination - Cape Manazuru

Emi and I were going to the seaside hot spring resort town "Atagawa Onsen" for 3 days. Atagawa is on the east coast of Izu peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. We decided to make a stop at Cape Manazuru on our way and do some exploring and have lunch and then continue on to Atagawa.

Manazuru, the town, is nestled onto a small, beautifully wooded peninsula that sits just southeast of Hakone, only a 1.5 hour train ride from Tokyo Station on the JR Tokaido Line, and 15 minutes from Odawara Station. The name “Manazuru” originates from the shape of the peninsula, which resembles a crane with its wings open. The cape is the neck and head of the crane and is partially composed of lava from Hakone’s ancient volcanoes.

After arriving at Manazuru train station we took a local bus to the end of the peninsula. It's a short  walk from the bus stop to the bluff overlooking Mitsu-ishi (three rocks).

Per the internet: If you have ever visited a Japanese temple or shrine, you may have noticed impressive trees or rocks decorated with sacred rope. These trees or rocks are considered to be gods in Japan, and the sacred rope shows that they are special. Mitsu-ishi 三ツ石, (the Three Rocks) located at Cape Manazuru, is like this. Three large, sacred rocks sit in the sea, very close to shore. The rocks are decorated with a sacred rope and can be seen from a very far distance. In 1977, the Manazuru Tourist Association adorned the rocks with the rope, which is 13cm in diameter and 37m in total length. This huge rope weighs one ton!

From the top of the bluff there are steps (a lot of steps) leading down to the beach.

It's not a sandy beach, it's a beach covered with big rocks and while it is very beautiful it's hard to walk around.

Per the internet: On New Year’s Day, large crowds of people make their way down to the beach to see the sunrise early in the morning. The sun comes up precisely in the middle of the Mitsu-ishi and their sacred rope. It is said that this sunrise is majestic—dramatically suitable for the beginning of the New Year. Summer is another busy season, when many people come here and enjoy the beach. Passing through the pine forest and groves of camphor trees, you’ll suddenly find yourself standing on the edge of the cape. Go down to the rocky beach; enjoy fishing, swimming, or just viewing the Three Rocks and other stunning scenery.

Returning to the top of the bluff we decided to walk from there back to the train station. According to the walking map that we picked up at the visitors information center the walk can be done in about a hour.

A small shrine in the woods.

Just keep following the road.

This is a seaside park with easy access to the ocean. There are a lot of small tidal pools where children can play.

The ocean water is clean and clear... very beautiful!

A fishing boat leaving Manazuru port.

This is Irifune Inn​ and restaurant.

Per the Inn's internet info: Thanks to the local fishermen, our seafood is the freshest, so our cuisine is the best! Our fishing boat experience package is also popular! Manazuru Harbor is right before your eyes at Ryokan Irifune, where we pride ourselves on delicious cuisine and panoramic views of the sea. We do our own fishing, so you can enjoy fresh-caught seafood. For those who love fishing, or really anyone who wants to get a taste of fresh seafood, we're here to welcome in any and all types of guests.

A small shop we passed by along the way.

Hosshinji Buddhist temple

A last look back at Port Manazuru before heading to a restaurant for lunch.

Welcome to Manazaru Pizza Shokudo KENNY!

We decided to eat lunch at this pizza place. 

We enjoyed our lunch; the pizza was good and the staff was friendly. 

We have returned to Manazuru bus terminal and train station.

Emi is headed for the coin lockers to get our suitcase.

Inside Manazuru station. This is perfect! the time is 13:09 and we're going to catch the 13:18 train to Atami where we'll transfer to another train to take us to Atagawa Onsen.

The next blog posting will be about our visit in Atagawa Onsen.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike

Bonus shots!