HOT SPRINGS and SPAS

·Atami Spa -- On the Pacific Ocean seaside
·Oigawa -- Enjoy hot springs and a nostalgic ride on a steam locomotive
·Izu Peninsula -- Renowned spas just 1hr. 20 mins. from Tokyo

High among the attractions of Shizuoka prefecture are its many natural hot springs and spas. The eastern part of the prefecture contains the vast Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and the Izu peninsula, which has more than 2,400 hot springs. The area's spa resorts and famous sights can be reached by local trains linked to main stations on the Shinkansen Bullet Trains and Tokaido Honsen lines as well as by using the tourist routes that crisscross the prefecture. The east coast of the Izu peninsula has been designated a model area for international tourism.

Learn to enjoy the unparalleled pleasure of the hot springs and experience how Japanese pamper themselves. Widely used throughout Japan, hot springs are health enhancing as well as a way to improve and beautify skin tone. The soothing waters of hot springs help relieve the stress of modern day life. Far from the noise of congested cities, they are regaining popularity for their many beneficial aspects and are considered a new style of leisure activity. The inns are classics of Japanese architecutral style and are most often in the most gorgeous locations -- next to a bamboo grove, beside a running river, overlooking the ocean. Each inn pride itself on offering the very best of Japan's excellent cuisine, and serve tasty delicaces in the most elegant manner. The many types of hot spring attract young and old and can be enjoyed in all of Shizuoka's distinct four seasons. You will enjoy relaxing in comfortable yukata (cotton kimono) and geta (wooden clogs) provided by all inns and hotels. Everyone wears them -- leaving the clothes and cares of their busy lives behind in their rooms!


ATAMI SPA


Atami is one of the most famous spa resorts in Japan, with more than 300 inns and hotels on the slope overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Atami is also known for its night view of the city when sparkling lights appear like a diamond bracelet under the broad sky. In summer you can swim in the ocean during the day and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at night while relaxing in your yukata.
Museums, a plum orchard (Atami Baien) and a park famous for azalea and rhododendron (Himenosawa Koen) are just some of the highlights of this seaside resort.
The waters of Atami spa are renowned for treating rheumatism, skin diseases, various female complaints, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Oigawa


The steam locomotive, which had disappeared from the Japanese railway system, was restored on the Oigawa Railway in 1975. The train runs from Kanaya to Senzu along the Oi River. Tourists and fans of the steam locomotive all come to the Oigawa Railway to enjoy the nostalgia of an earlier time.

Sumatakyo Hot Springs is a 40-minute drive by bus from Senzu. It is located in a deep ravine that affords the visitor a grand view of the Southern Japan Alps. This hot spring is alternately called "The Hot Spring that Creates Beauty" because bathing in its sulfur waters leaves your skin tangibly smooth and silky. There is a "Green Shower Road" (a trip of 3 kilometers) where one can enjoy bird-watching while "bathing" (as the Japanese refer to it) in the clear air and rejuvenating greenery of the forest. The 90-meter long suspension bridge called "Yume no Tsuribashi" is one of the main attractions of the area. As you walk over the emerald green river the bridge thrills you as it swings ever so gently. This area is especially beautiful in Autumn when its many maple trees turn a brilliant red.


IZU

West Coast


From the west coast of the Izu Peninsula you can enjoy the special pleasure of bathing in an outdoor spa that gives you a splendid view of Mt. Fuji on one side and the wide blue sea on the other
Heda, Toi, Ugusu, Dogashima and Matsuzaki are the famous spa areas on the west coast. These hot springs have long been acknowledged for their effectiveness in treating various diseases. While relaxing in the invigorating waters you have an unobstructed view of the sun setting in the west.
Japanese cuisine at its most delectable is another good reason for a visit to this area which is famous for succulent giant crabs, skipjack (a type of tuna), and unusually tasty dishes made from vegetables harvested from the sea. Fresh and refreshingly sweet and delicious loquats (similar to apricots) usually ends the meal in this region.

East Coast


Atami, Ito, Atagawa, Inatori, Imaihama, and Shimoda all have outdoor hot springs.
The view of gentle waves on a billowing sea in the sunshine while bathing in these outdoor hot springs is what awaits you on Izu's east coast. Natural hot springs right at the shore side give you the feeling of being part of the surrounding nature. Here, sea breezes, mountain flowers, and tempting delicacies all conspire to refresh you, body and soul.
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