Cape Irozaki
Dramatic cliffs, a historic shrine, and a lighthouse at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula, offering breathtaking ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Cape Irozaki
Best Time
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic cliffs, a historic shrine, and a lighthouse at the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula, offering breathtaking ocean views.
"The view from the southernmost top of Izu peninsula is just amazing."
🚗 Parking & Access
Paid parking available (500 JPY). A short 10-min walk leads to the lighthouse and shrine. :car:
🌬️ Wind Protection
Expect strong winds on the cape; a windbreaker is highly recommended. :cloudwithwind_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape Irozaki Lighthouse
Southernmost tip of Izu Peninsula
Iconic lighthouse offering panoramic ocean views and a dramatic coastal landscape.
Iro Shrine
Cliffside at Cape Irozaki
Ancient Shinto shrine with a unique history, perched dramatically on the cliffs.
Rugged Coastal Scenery
Along the cliffs
Experience the raw beauty of the Izu Peninsula's coastline with crashing waves and stunning ocean vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind and Waves
Timing Your Visit for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Paid parking available (500 JPY). A short 10-min walk leads to the lighthouse and shrine. :car:
🌬️ Wind Protection
Expect strong winds on the cape; a windbreaker is highly recommended. :cloudwithwind_face:
⏰ Check Closing Times
The park often closes early, around 4 PM. Plan your visit accordingly. :alarm_clock:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for walking along the cliff paths and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Paid parking available (500 JPY). A short 10-min walk leads to the lighthouse and shrine. :car:
🌬️ Wind Protection
Expect strong winds on the cape; a windbreaker is highly recommended. :cloudwithwind_face:
⏰ Check Closing Times
The park often closes early, around 4 PM. Plan your visit accordingly. :alarm_clock:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for walking along the cliff paths and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning ocean views and the lighthouse, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular ocean views and the dramatic coastal scenery at Cape Irozaki, often describing it as a heavenly or incredible place. The historic lighthouse and ancient shrine add to its charm. While the strong winds are a notable feature, most find the short walk to the attractions manageable and the overall experience highly rewarding.
"Good place for those who enjoy walking near the cliff or seeing the ocean scenery from the lighthouse. The place is open from 9am - 4pm. You will also find the 1st shrine build at cliff since 701Ad and the 2nd shrine that was build in 1903. You may get a charm from the shrine from 300yen onwards. The wind is pretty strong at the cliff so do take care while walking around it. The welcome centre have a cafeteria whine serve lunch and snack and a gift shop for you to buy souvenir from the park. You may travel to this location by purchasing a tokai bus pass from the tokai bus terminal opposite Izu shimoda train station."
Jace Lee
"There is a large paid parking lot - cost about 500 yen to stop there. 10 min walk to the lighthouse and shrine. There is a small cafe, gift shop and eating area at the entrance."
S Zhai
"There is a big welcome center next to the parking lot with food and drink options (seemed to be newly built). The edges at the cape are quite steep, so be careful. However I found the views from nearby Yusuga Park more impressive. Also note as of May 2024 closing time was already 16:00."
Ste Bu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Cape Irozaki is by car, with a paid parking lot available. Alternatively, you can take a Tokai bus from Izu Shimoda train station.
Yes, Tokai buses run to Cape Irozaki from Izu Shimoda train station, though frequency might vary.
Yes, driving is a popular option, and there's a large paid parking lot (500 JPY) near the welcome center.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility to explore Cape Irozaki and the surrounding Izu Peninsula.
Cape Irozaki is accessible year-round, but winter can bring stronger winds and cooler temperatures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee for Cape Irozaki itself, but parking costs 500 JPY.
The park is generally open from 9 AM to 4 PM, but it's advisable to confirm the exact closing time as it can change.
The lighthouse itself cannot be entered, but the surrounding area and shrine are accessible during operating hours.
Yes, there is a gift shop located near the parking lot where you can purchase souvenirs.
There is no specific entrance fee for the Iro Shrine, but you can purchase charms starting from 300 JPY.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the cliffs, visit the historic Iro Shrine, and admire the lighthouse and ocean views.
The edges of the cape are steep, so caution is advised. The wind can be strong, so stay aware of your surroundings.
The views are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the ocean, crashing waves, and the rugged coastline of the Izu Peninsula.
Yes, the walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse and shrine is about 10 minutes and is generally easy for children.
Yes, restrooms are available near the parking lot and welcome center.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a welcome center with a cafeteria offering lunch and snacks, as well as a gift shop.
The small restaurant offers a select few dishes, and the welcome center has food and drink options.
While there are dining options, bringing your own snacks or a picnic is also a good idea, especially if you plan to stay longer.
Yes, there is a cafe within the welcome center that serves lunch and snacks.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but it's best to inquire at the welcome center upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the lighthouse and the cliff edges offer dramatic shots. The views from Yusuga Park are also highly recommended.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the coastal scenery and lighthouse.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for details.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of any posted signs or restrictions, especially near the shrine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are facilities like restrooms and a welcome center with food options, making it convenient for families. The chance to see a lighthouse and an ancient shrine adds an educational element to the visit, making it an engaging experience for younger explorers.
🚗 Road Trippers & Car Explorers
This location is perfect for a scenic detour, offering breathtaking views that are well worth the drive. The relatively short walk from the parking area means you can enjoy the highlights without a strenuous hike, making it an ideal stop for a day trip or a longer road trip adventure.
📸 Nature Photographers
The best light for capturing these scenes is typically during the late afternoon golden hour, which enhances the rugged beauty of the cliffs and the sea. Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast ocean vistas and a telephoto lens for detailed shots of the lighthouse or waves. Be prepared for strong winds, which can add a dynamic element to your shots but may require a tripod for stability. The views from nearby Yusuga Park are also highly recommended for alternative perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Izu Peninsula's Southernmost Point
The area is home to the historic Iro Shrine, with origins dating back to 701 AD, and a picturesque lighthouse that stands as a beacon on the promontory. The walk from the parking lot to these landmarks is a pleasant 10-minute stroll, making it accessible for most visitors.
Beyond the immediate cape, the surrounding Izu Peninsula offers diverse natural attractions, including rivers, forests, and beaches, making Cape Irozaki a perfect starting point for a broader exploration of the region.
The Significance of Iro Shrine
A unique aspect of the shrine is the presence of a mirror on the altar, a common practice in Shintoism. This mirror is believed to reflect the spirit of the kami (deity) within the person looking into it, fostering a personal connection with the divine.
The shrine's location on the cliff edge, overlooking the vast ocean, adds to its mystical aura. It's a place where the power of nature and ancient traditions converge, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring experience for those who visit.
Photography Tips for Cape Irozaki
For the best results, aim for the late afternoon, when the 'golden hour' bathes the scenery in warm, soft light, enhancing the colors and textures of the landscape. Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping panoramas and the sheer scale of the coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details like the lighthouse or the waves crashing against the rocks. Don't forget to capture the interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs and the dynamic movement of the sea.
While the views from the cape itself are magnificent, some visitors find the vistas from nearby Yusuga Park to be even more impressive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit