Izu Peninsula
Mountainous peninsula west of Tokyo, known for hot springs and wasabi.
- location
- Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan
- prefecture
- Shizuoka Prefecture
- major_river
- Kano River
- known_for
- onsen hot spring resorts, wasabi production, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Lore & Background
Its southern portion is composed largely of breccia, while the central and northern parts consist of highly eroded volcanoes. The peninsula is prone to frequent earthquake swarms and tsunamis and abounds in hot springs.
Reader's Guide
The Izu Peninsula is a significant tourist destination for the Kantō region, primarily known for its onsen hot spring resorts in Atami, Shuzenji, and Itō. It also offers sea bathing, surfing, golfing, and motorcycle touring. Agriculture and fishing are mainstays of the local economy, with Izu being one of Japan's biggest producers of wasabi.
Did You Know?
- The Izu Peninsula was formerly known as Izu Province.
- The Amagi Mountain Range includes Mount Amagi, Mount Atami, and Mount Daruma.
- Izu is one of Japan's biggest producers of wasabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Izu Peninsula?
It is a mountainous landmass jutting into the Pacific Ocean along the western coast of Honshu, Japan. The area sits just southwest of Tokyo and functions as a popular resort destination.
Where exactly is the Izu Peninsula located?
The peninsula stretches along the Pacific shoreline of central Honshu and falls under Shizuoka Prefecture. It lies west of Tokyo, with parts of the coastline offering views of Mount Fuji.
What is the Izu Peninsula famous for?
It is best known for its natural hot springs, dramatic Pacific coastline, and as a major growing region for wasabi. Tourists also come for its scenic mountain landscapes and proximity to Mount Fuji.
What are the key geographic features of the Izu Peninsula?
Mount Amagi, at 1,406 meters, is the peninsula's dominant peak, while the Kano River is a notable waterway running through the terrain. The overall landscape is rugged and mountainous rather than flat.
How large is the Izu Peninsula and how many people live there?
The area spans roughly 1,421 square kilometers of mountainous coastline. Around 474,000 people were recorded as residents in the 2005 census.
More in Peninsulas And Isthmuses 1-24
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