The mountains that extend from the Amagi mountain range in the southern part of the Izu Peninsula and the coastline that stretches for approximately 47 km are the representative landscape of Shimoda City.
The swimming beach has the highest rank of "water quality AA". It is said that only 800 of the approximately 10 swimming beaches in Japan have blue water with few impurities and high transparency. The sea of ​​the Izu Peninsula is a "miracle sea" where water springs from many mountains and flows into the sea through rivers, and where inlets, tidal circulation, and a perfect natural environment overlap.
We went on a journey to experience the miraculous blue sea created by nature.

Iritahama Beach is a place that attracts everyone
Among the beaches in Shimoda, Iritahama Beach is known for its particularly beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters.
The blue ocean and cave spread out before you, and if you look back you can see the beautiful green mountains, making this a spectacular spot.
Many foreigners can be seen on the beach, and the tropical atmosphere reminiscent of a foreign resort is overwhelming.


Beautiful sunrise seen from inside the restaurant

A beautiful view of Iritahama Beach from inside the restaurant
There is a shop that stands out on the beach at Iritahama.
The restaurant was FermenCo., a pizzeria where you can enjoy delicious, healthy food and drinks made with the natural power of fermentation, such as pizza made with naturally fermented sourdough and natural wine brewed with natural yeast, all while taking in the spectacular view.
The owner, Sasaki Kento, was so enchanted by the beauty, breeze and atmosphere of this seaside area that he immediately decided he wanted to open a shop here and decided to move from Tokyo.

And in just three short years since it opened, the restaurant has taken root in the area, become beloved by locals, and even attracts people from far away. However, the reason behind this is largely due to Sasaki's proactive approach to getting involved in the local community.


Fermenco owners Mr. and Mrs. Sasaki


"FermenCo.", a seaside pizzeria

FermenCo. - The secret to the best pizza dough -

The defining feature of Fermenco's pizza is the dough, which is made with sourdough. Sourdough is naturally fermented by air and bacteria derived from wheat, and depending on the temperature and climate of the area, it develops a unique flavor that can only be tasted here.

The deep flavor and chewy texture that comes from lactic acid fermentation has earned the pizza a huge following, with many saying, "The dough alone is delicious!" However, it was apparently a struggle to perfect. Kent: "When we started making pizza, there were no restaurants in Japan using sourdough dough, and there was no information available. So we had to experiment over and over again," and "We tasted it almost every day, and I was a test subject..." Sasaki's wife said with a wry smile, and his words really spoke to the struggles he faced.


Left) Sourdough starter Right) Pizza craftsman shaping the pizza dough　
Another eye-catching feature in Fermenko's store is the huge white plaster kiln.
This was imported from Naples, Italy, and just looking at this oven you can feel the passion that goes into pizza.


A huge pizza oven imported from Naples, Italy

"Shimoda Blue Bismarck" - a unique taste created using local ingredients

Bake the pizza in the oven
Whitebait Siciliana, Margherita
Fermenco's menu includes many dishes that can only be found here, and even their sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is handmade using vegetables from local farmers.
All of the pizzas are amazingly delicious, but the most popular is the "Shimoda Blue Bismarck." This pizza is made using Shimoda Blue eggs, which are certified by the Shimoda brand.



Shimoda Blue Bismarck
These eggs from Araucana chickens have blue shells, a gentle flavor, and are rich in nutrients such as omega-3, making them rare even in Japan. The Shimoda Blue Bismarck, which uses these eggs, is one of our most popular menu items.

The "ultimate journey" of enjoying a relaxing time while savoring Fermenco pizza and drinks while feeling the blue sea and breeze of Iritahama can only be experienced in Iritahama, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
This beautiful scenery and taste is sure to be something you will never forget.

———————————————————————————————————
FermenCo.
[Address] 348-37 Yoshisami, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture
[Opening hours] Lunch: 11:00~15:00 Dinner: 17:00~20:30 Closed: Tuesdays
[TEL] 0558-36-3643
[URL] https://www.fermenco.jp
———————————————————————————————————