Trip to Izu - Part 6

The final day of travels in the Izu Peninsula continue. To view earlier installments, please click below:

Part 1         Part 2           Part 3            Part 4           Part 5 

Our original plan included one night in a cottage, away from the main hotel. Unfortunately, we had a problem with the cabin, spoke to the staff and as a result, were upgraded to a suite room at the main hotel. This sort of upgrade is a classic example of Japanese service; if a customer is unhappy, staff try to do everything possible to leave a good impression. 

The suite had three rooms. A traditional Japanese room with tatami mats....

The closet held futons (flat mattresses) which you place on the floor to sleep. 

A living room with balcony and television #2....

Looking from the living room to the main bedroom...

 This room also had a small kitchen area (no photos) and bathroom (of course!)

The weather was beautiful on this day, and after a 10 AM checkout, we spent the day driving and exploring more of the peninsula. 

First stop: Dolphin Beach. This beach has many unique features, which you can see in photos below. The name "Dolphin Beach" comes from a local dolphin that often can be seen swimming in the area. 

There are some dolphin statues close to the beach area. I got a photo holding one:

You can also find these....dolphin shaped benches. How cute!

In the parking lot, these little guys stick their noses up to mark the division between the parking lot and walkway.... fish heads!

To see a complete view of Dolphin beach, click HERE. (via mjna50.net)

Next stop: Marine Town. The first day, we had stopped here, but rainy weather prevented us from walking around too much. The fine day made us want to give it another try. We did the "Marine Walk", which is free, and an official in the information booth provides ladies with a free sun parasol! Nice service. ^_^

The walk along the pier allows visitors to see the many sailboats in port, Sagami Bay and the buildings of Marine Town. 

View from the pier: 

I'm holding the free parasol -- women in Asia often keep out of the sun by using parasols.

View looks back to the Marine Town buildings...

looks like New England in the U.S, doesn't it? ^_^

At the end of the pier walk, there was a lovely sculpture: 

For a few hundred yen, you could buy a "friendship cloth", write a message on it and hang it up. I snapped a photo of the many messages....most said: "happiness" or "hope to stay in love with OOO".

We drove on local roads back to Kanagawa, which took approximately 4 hours. The total cost of this four day trip was: ¥22,000 per person ($220), including food, gas and hotel. Contrary to what many believe, Japan is not as expensive as it may seem, especially if you travel outside Tokyo. 

~Information~

Marine Town information is HERE. (via Ito Marine Town) Access: Ito city, Izu. English details are HERE. (via Go Central Japan)

Dolphin Beach is located in Kawana (Izu). It's the departure point for many diving sites, fishing tours and a sightseeing boat tour. Access: From Ito, take the Izukyu line to Kawana. From the station, head down to the shore via taxi or bus. Scroll down to the map on THIS PAGE to see more.

Planning to drive in Izu? There is a great Q&A forum HERE. (via Japan Guide) Highways/ expressways incur tolls in Japan. Try to take local roads, which are free. 
Our tip: Do NOT take the Atami Umi road unless you have nerves of steel. It is incredibly steep and the brakes on your car will smoke. Learn how to drive using the engine brake. You will need it. 

Japan National Tourism Organization wrote up a huge PDF file on Izu and how to travel there. It's a long read, but there is a lot of valuable information. Check HERE to see it. 

Travel tip for Japan:

-- For those on a limited travel budget: eat at convenience stores. They sell lots of "bento boxes" (boxed lunches), which staff will heat up, for free. You can also buy ramen noodles; hot water is provided free. Sample convenience store prices are below: 

• a rice ball: ¥120 ($1.20) 
• bento box: ¥500 ($5) Includes: chicken or fish, rice, some vegetables, pickles or salad. 
• ice cream: ¥100 + (popular brand is "GariGari Kun" ice candy HERE.)
• 500ml drink: ¥150 ($1.50) 
• a can of beer: ¥180 to ¥300 ($1.80 ~ $3)
• chips or chocolate: ¥140 + ($1.40)

**Note that Japan has a zero tolerance policy on drinking and driving. If you drive, after having even just one drink, you'll be over the limit, and subject to a fine, jail time, or a suspended license.