Trip to Izu - Part 4

We continue talking about the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, Japan. Previous posts are here: part one, part two and part three.

Today, I'll highlight the many beautiful beaches in Izu. During the months of July and August, beaches in this area swell with sunbathers, swimmers and surfers. Divers also come as beach diving is quite popular here.

On day three of my Izu tour, we headed to a very hidden, local beach, which is located next to one of the Emperor's summer properties. The weather had finally cleared up so we enjoyed sunny skies.

The small, white sand beach, seen from a steep stair descent:

We set up a sun shade tent; people often use these "pup tents" on beaches here to store their gear, and keep out of the sun. Getting a tan is not popular in Asia....

View, looking right: 

Hard to believe that crystal blue water is in Japan; it looks like Thailand!

Behind a large rock outcrop, I found a path...

...so we decided to explore and see where it ended. ^_^

Walking for a bit, we came across a pier....

.....My friend immediately said: "Let's fish!" and ran off to recover some fishing gear in the car. We fished from the pier for a few hours, catching-and-releasing about six fish under sunny skies. Here are a few of the fish we caught:

Blow fish! Man, they are really cute....deadly cute! (laugh) 

I caught this tropical fish...looks like a butterfly fish?? 
(Tropical fish are very common in Izu waters)

My friend caught several of these....(sorry, I don't know the name)

For those who are interested: you do not need a fishing license to enjoy this hobby in Japan. In Izu, there were a few rules to follow:

• Do not catch "Ise Ebi" (crayfish / lobster)
• Do not catch "awabi" (abalone -- see the WIKI page)
• Do not touch or interfere with, sea turtles 

The first two marine creatures are considered delicacies of the area and are expensive. Only local fishermen with permission may catch those. Turtles can be found while diving in Izu and obviously, are protected.

Check back again tomorrow to see photos from the most popular beach for foreigners living in Japan. 

This beach is best accessed via car. It's located south of Shimoda....and my friend asked me to keep the name and exact location, secret. Sorry...(>_<)

But...there are many beaches in Izu! 

The most famous beach is Shirahama beach. It's a white sand beach located in Shimoda town. Access: From Ito, take the Izu Kyuko train to Shimoda. From Shimoda station, take a bus to the beach (10 minutes, ¥320 / $3.20). More info HERE (via Japan Guide).