「Izu Nagaoka Onsen Sanyo-soAfter checking out of the hotel, I got into my travel companion for this trip, my beloved Porsche 911 Carrera (991.2), and headed to West Izu.
From lush, green mountain roads, we eventually reached the vast blue expanse of Suruga Bay. Enjoying the ever-changing scenery, we set off on a scenic drive from the mountains to the sea. This is a driving route I'd like to share with my beloved dog, Chocolat, as we crossed the mountain pass of Shuzenji, descended to the port town of Heda, and sped along the exhilarating winding roads of Suruga Bay.
Traveling along the scenic winding road "Shuzenji-Toda Line (Prefectural Road 18)"
Passing through the charming streets of Shuzenji Onsen town,
Darumayama Plateau Observation Deck (Rest House)
While driving along a mountain pass, I stopped at a place where I could give my dog, Chocolat, a break:Darumayama Plateau Observation Deck (Rest House)"is.
If the weather is good, the Darumayama Plateau Observatory offers a magnificent panoramic view stretching across Suruga Bay to Izu, Hakone, and the area around Mount Fuji. In front of you, you can see a range of mountains including the sacred Mount Fuji, Mount Ashitaka, the Tanzawa Mountains, Mount Kanuki, Mount Ushibuse, Mount Washizu, Mount Ohira, Mount Katsuragi, and Mount Gengake. Furthermore, you can admire the diverse landscapes that adorn the Izu Peninsula, such as Awashima, Mishima, the towns of Numazu, the Kano River floodway, Mount Hotanjo, Mount Sugumo, Mount Takatsuka, and Mount Shiroyama. The vast Suruga Bay stretching out below, with its many mountain ranges, offers a unique and breathtaking view that can only be seen from Darumayama Plateau. You can even see the foothills of the Daruma volcanic group in the distance, making it a truly spectacular viewpoint where you can experience the magnificent nature of Izu.
As you park your car in the parking lot in front of the rest house, a magnificent panoramic view of Suruga Bay unfolds before your eyes. The observation deck, situated halfway up the mountain, offers a refreshing summer breeze and a sense of openness, allowing you to see as far as the opposite shore in the crisp, clear air. The refreshing breeze feels wonderful on your body after driving through the mountains.
I held Chocolat, who was starting to show signs of fatigue from our journey, and we took a short rest, admiring the scenery. Our theme for travel is to not push our dog too hard, taking her energy levels into consideration. We took a commemorative photo with the blue Suruga Bay stretching out below and Awashima Island floating in the distance as our backdrop. On a quiet mountaintop surrounded by greenery along the mountain pass, Chocolat and I took a deep breath.
Mukou Pass
We continued along the mountain path, and the next place we stopped at wasKirika Pass" In a quiet corner of the mountain pass, a stone monument stands unobtrusively.
The surroundings are filled with the sound of wind rustling through the leaves of the trees and the crisp, clean air unique to the mountains. As I stop the car, still savoring the refreshing feeling from the drive just moments ago, and step out to take a deep breath, I feel my mind slowly unwinding.
The view from the top of the pass was covered in thick, summery clouds, but the summit of the sacred Mount Fuji peeked out from between them. Unlike the bustling tourist spots, Kirika Pass is memorable for its tranquility. Listening to the wind rustling through the trees, it's a small stop where you can take a breather and feel the depth of the mountains of West Izu.
To the tranquil port town of Toda Fishing Port and Hedanosuke Market
Descending the winding mountain road, you arrive at Toda Fishing Port, nestled amongst the mountains. Located in a deep inlet of Suruga Bay, Toda is known as a calm port town and has long been a thriving fishing area. In particular, it is known for its deep-sea fish unique to Suruga Bay and its famous giant spider crab. Fishing boats line the harbor quietly, and a nostalgic, peaceful atmosphere prevails. In the West Izu drive, where the scenery dramatically changes from mountains to the sea, this is a memorable stop where you can feel close to the local way of life and the bounty of the sea.
Toda Fisheries Cooperative Direct Sales Store Hedanosuke Market
Located right next to the harborHedanosuke MarketWe'll stop by "[Name of store]". This direct sales store, run by the Toda Fisheries Cooperative, offers fresh seafood caught in the local Toda waters, as well as processed seafood products and unique souvenirs inspired by the bounty of the deep sea of Suruga Bay, such as giant spider crabs and deep-sea shrimp.
Just then, someone in the shop bought a giant spider crab, and I witnessed the moment it was taken out of the tank. I couldn't help but stop and stare at its impressive appearance with its large legs spread wide.
Take your time browsing the shop and enjoy the fresh seafood and local flavors unique to Toda. It's a great shopping spot during your trip where you can get a feel for life in a port town.
Since our dog isn't allowed inside the store, she waited patiently on the terrace. My husband and I took turns browsing the store with Chocolat, who was well-behaved, and enjoyed finding souvenirs unique to this port town.
Meeting Cape
Leaving Toda Port, our next destination was a place where we could overlook the townscape of Toda from a hilltop.Meeting CapeFrom here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mihama Cape, which curves dramatically to embrace Toda Port. Its long, narrow shape stretching out into the sea resembles a bird's beak. The unique landscape, a blend of the tranquil bay and the Suruga Bay stretching out beyond, is a beauty you can only find here.
After thoroughly enjoying a refreshing seaside drive overlooking Suruga Bay, we drove towards Numazu and headed home via the Izu Expressway. Along the way, we stopped at "Ichigo Plaza" and enjoyed some delicious strawberry sweets to conclude our trip. We'll share details of that in the next article. Surrounded by deep greenery...Izu Nagaoka Onsen Sanyo-soFrom there, we drove our beloved Porsche 911 Carrera along mountain roads, through the tranquil port town of Toda, and across the sparkling blue Suruga Bay. This trip, in which we enjoyed the nature, gourmet food, and unforgettable scenery of Izu with all our senses, together with our beloved dog Chocolat, is finally reaching its climax.
