IzuHakone

IzuHakone is a popular travel corridor located in central Honshu, Japan, that links the Izu Peninsula on the eastern side of the Izu Island arc with the Hakone region to the west. This corridor follows the old Tōkaidō road and the modern Route 1 road, covering roughly 75 kilometers along a stretch of the Pacific coastline and the western edge of the Fuji Volcanic Zone. The area is characterized by a rugged coastline, volcanic peaks, and a climate that ranges from humid subtropical in the south to humid continental in the north, allowing for distinct seasonal attractions such as hot spring bathing, leaf‑changing scenery, and clear skies for viewing Mount Fuji.

Turistically, the IzuHakone corridor is renowned for its hot springs, including the famous Sōja and Shuzenji baths, its scenic coastal towns such as Atami and Shimoda, and its ease of access via the Odakyu Liner, Shinkansen, and local train lines. Visitors can also explore the Izu Shimōsa Coastal National Park and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Local cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood from the Izu coast and local produce such as Izu sweet potatoes and Hakone’s black soybeans.

The corridor is promoted by the Japan National Tourism Organization as part of the “Izu Hakone 365 Days” campaign, which highlights events and festivals that occur throughout the year. Accessibility is supported by comprehensive signage, bilingual information centers, and a network of bus services that connect remote coastal villages to major transport hubs. The IzuHakone route therefore serves both domestic and international visitors seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thermal relaxation while maintaining a high degree of accessibility and infrastructure.