Japan

Izu-Kogen

Edward Kopka

22 Dec 2025 • 5 min read

This is another location in Japan that I learned about from a YouTube channel. Izu-Kogen is a small town on the southern coast of Japan, located on the eastern side of a peninsula that is south-west of Tokyo. It has a few tourist attractions, including some museums and a nature reserve, but these are more focused towards local tourists, so I felt like I had more of an authentic Japanese experience here, compared to other more internationally recognised attractions.

I only had half a day in Izu-Kogen, as I spent the morning traveling from Kyoto, so I couldn't see everything. My favourite place to visit was a beautiful coastal nature reserve with cliffs made of black volcanic rock and a waterfall. I went here first and walked up and down the coastal track, a bit in each direction, exploring the geological features. I then returned to the town and visited the Izu Teddy Bear Museum before heading back to the station and catching a train to Tokyo.

Tajima Falls, on the rocky coast, about a 10 minute walk from the town.

This is the river that feeds the falls. To get to and from the coast I had to walk on a path next to this river.

I walked over some rocks for twenty meters or so along the cliffs. To the east of the falls I saw these dark grey cliffs with a sea cave.

The proper coastal track was well worn, but the forest here was dense, so at times I felt like I was in the middle of the wilderness.

I found a set of stone steps going down the cliff to this rocky outcrop near the water. The geological feature here is similar to the Giant's Causeway in Ireland where the rocks naturally look like the top of closely packed pillars.

The volcanic rock had this quality to it that made it look almost like the graphics of a low poly video game.

The stairs that I took going down the cliff. These steps looked like they were properly made so I felt confident that it was safe.

I explored this tidal section of the headland, climbing over rocks, but I didn't stay long as I was worried about rogue waves from the ocean.

From this lower section of land I had some good views of the coastal cliffs.

I watched the waves crash against the rocks and, looking east, I could see the lookout for Tajima Falls.

I followed the trail up to this suspension bridge and only walked a little bit further before turning around and heading back to Izu-Kogen. This trail is part of the Jogasaki Nature Study Course that runs for several kilometers along the coast line. If I had more time I would have loved to hike the full length of the trail, and I hope to so that the next time I visit.

Izu Teddy Bear Museum

I visited the Teddy Bear Museum mostly because I saw it on YouTube and I thought it looked really cute. I probably spent about an hour or so going through the exhibit. I loved how each of the teddy bears had a back-story, although I couldn't read them because all the signs and information was in Japanese, but I loved the dedication. The main floor had many dioramas with teddy bears in them and, I think, some information on the history of teddy bears (again I couldn't read it because it was all in Japanese). The upstairs floor was an exhibit dedicated to My Neighbour Totoro and some other Studio Ghibli movies. After the exhibit, still on the second floor, they had a workshop room where participants can make their own stuffed teddy bear.

The ground floor of the Teddy Bear Museum. There were displays of teddy bears and teddy bear dioramas.

The first floor had scenes from Studio Ghibli Movies. I could also look down from the first floor to the exhibit on the ground floor.

The Museum Cafe, unfortunately it was closed by the time I was visiting.

Izu-Kogen was really nice and I regret not having more time to explore it. I definitely hope to return next time I visit, the entire area is full of awesome volcanic geological features. There is a cable car that goes up to the crater of a volcano that was closed the day I was there (probably because it was Lunar New Year). There is still more of the coastal trail I want to explore, and there are more natural parks on the Izu peninsula that look amazing, with plenty of hiking options. All this is in a region that is fairly quiet compared to the busy cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. This is a town I would have never discovered if not for that YouTube channel, and I am so glad I did take the time to stop by on my way back to Tokyo, because it is such a lovely place to visit.

Thanks for reading – Edward

Written 9th of June 2025

Izu Teddy Bear Museum

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