[Nishiizu] Suruga Bay and Izu Peninsula. A journey through food rich with the blessings of the sea and earth

Enjoy the magnificent scenery and food created by the nature of Japan's tallest Mt. Fuji and Japan's deepest Suruga Bay. By learning about the history of the earth, which began in ancient times, and the formation of the topography of the Izu Peninsula, you will become aware of the rich variety of ingredients that can only be grown here. While unraveling the stories behind the ingredients, appreciate the blessings of the sea and the earth, and experience the joy of tasting delicious food that can only be tasted on the Izu Peninsula.

[Georia Tour] Learn about the origins and charms of the Izu Peninsula from a professional geoguide.

Since the earth's birth 46 billion years ago, the continents have moved through ice ages, and the shape of our earth continues to change due to volcanic activity. At Georia, you can learn about the history of the Izu Peninsula, which can be traced back about 2000 million years. The Izu Peninsula, where ongoing tectonic movements have created a variety of topography, creating uniquely beautiful landscapes and hot springs, was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018. Learning about the history of this magnificent land through Georia will surely change the way you enjoy the Izu Peninsula.

[Visit to make shio bonito] Learn how to make "shio bonito" at Kanesa Katsuobushi Store, which passes on Japanese bonito culture to the next generation

Founded in 1882. Kanesa Katsuobushi Shoten continues to make the traditional food ``shio bonito,'' also known as ``New Year's fish,'' which has been offered at Shinto altars on New Year's Day as an auspicious food since ancient times. In addition, we are particular about using dried bonito flakes made using the ``hand-fired volcanic drying method'' to preserve the authentic taste and Japanese bonito culture. Nowadays, bonito flakes are not often shaved at home, but you can try your hand at shaving bonito flakes for yourself. You can enjoy the aroma and aroma of freshly shaved bonito and the taste of bonito flakes that fills your mouth.

[Wasabi Village] Experience glamping run by Fujii Wasabien, a wasabi farmer in Nishiizu

``Wasabi Village'' is a glamping facility run by Mr. and Mrs. Fujii, who cultivate ``honwasabi'' using spring water from the Amagi Mountains in the great outdoors of Nishiizu Town. As the name suggests, it opened in 2022 with the theme of wasabi as a secret base for adults where you can not only harvest wasabi but also experience nature at a leisurely pace. Mr. and Mrs. Fujii moved to Nishiizu, his wife's hometown, in 2014. I purchased a wasabi swamp mountain that had been abandoned for a long time, maintained it, and taught myself how to grow wasabi without using pesticides. Wasabi Village, which is about a 10-minute walk from Wasabi Sawa, has four trailer houses imported directly from the United States. You can enjoy BBQ in a private space, but as a special plan, Chef Arai, a visiting chef, will prepare dishes that make use of local ingredients.

[Dogashima Cave Pleasure Boat] Experience the beauty of Dogashima created by an undersea volcano

Dogashima is a mysterious topography created by nature. The coastline of Nishi-Izu, which is rich in variety, is dotted with many scenic spots, among which Tenmado Cave, which is designated as a natural monument and is known as the ``Blue Cave,'' and Sanshiro Island are famous. The popular sightseeing boat is a 20-minute cruise from the port that takes you to Tenmado Cave, where you can look up at the sky from inside a cave, Turtle Island, which is shaped like a turtle, and Snake Island, which has a snake pattern. You will be moved by the beautiful natural beauty that has been raised over a long period of time and eroded by the waves.

[LOQUAT Nishiizu Lunch] Enjoy creative Italian cuisine that can only be tasted in Nishiizu

"Rokuwat Nishiizu" is a place where you can enjoy authentic Italian food made with local production and local consumption in Nishiizu. ``Rokuwat'' refers to ``Loquat'', which is a specialty of Toi, and represents the desire for customers to fully enjoy the blessings of Nishi-Izu, which is rich in nature and surrounded by the sea and mountains. The mansion of the famous Suzuki family has been renovated to create a luxurious space while preserving the good old charm of a Japanese house. You will be sure to be impressed by the many dishes that make use of Izu vegetables and Suruga Bay seafood, created by the chef's careful work and creativity that goes beyond the boundaries of Italian cuisine.

[Toi Gold Mine] Encounter various ores brought about by volcanic activity

The Izu Peninsula began as an undersea volcano about 2000 million years ago, collided with Honshu, and has had many different types of volcanoes, including terrestrial volcanoes. We will unravel the history of ores being created and benefiting from the geothermal heat generated by volcanic activity. During the first golden age of the Edo period and the second golden age from the Meiji to Showa periods, the mine boasted the second highest production volume after the Niigata Sado Gold Mine, with a total length of excavation tunnels of approximately 100 km. You can even touch the 250kg gold ingot certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

[Suruga Bay Ferry] Head to Shizuoka while looking at Mt. Fuji from Suruga Bay

The majestic sight of Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, and the deepest Suruga Bay in Japan spread out below the ship. It's a panoramic cruise of about 70 minutes from Toi to Shimizu on the Suruga Bay Ferry, with a view of the Izu Peninsula in the background. Enjoy a boat trip through Suruga Bay while remembering the nature and delicious food you experienced in Izu.

[Special travel experience]

Comes with 1 piece of fresh wasabi

• Chef Arai Yuki, a renowned French chef, will be serving a special Western-style dinner using locally produced ingredients from Izu at Wasabi Village, a restaurant run by a wasabi farmer.
• You can also experience harvesting wasabi at the wasabi fields in the mountains, about a 10-minute walk from Wasabi Village. You can grate the wasabi you harvested and enjoy it as a wasabi bowl for breakfast with bonito flakes from Nishiizu.
• At the creative Italian restaurant "Loquat Nishiizu," you can enjoy dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Izu in an extraordinary space with a sense of history.
• Learn about the rich landscapes and food culture nurtured by the unique nature of the Izu Peninsula from geoguides and chefs certified by the Izu Peninsula Geoguide Association.
• The tour will be held in small groups (maximum 8 people). An area coordinator in charge of Shizuoka Prefecture's gastronomy tourism initiatives will accompany the tour.

Posted on: March 2024, 02 *The content of the article is current as of the time of publication.