View of Izu Kogen and Mount Omuro on the left

Izu Kogen, Shizuoka: Highland Cottages and Coastal Access on the Izu Peninsula

Published On: 8月 5, 2026

A definitive guide to Izu Kogen – discover Shizuoka's scenic highland resort with forest cottages, ocean views, hot springs, coastal attractions, and resort real estate.

The first villa community was built in the 1960s when Izukyuko Railway was opened. This mountain village has become one of the busiest resort markets in Shizuoka prefecture to meet the growing demand for real estate with a spectacular view. Izu Kogen houses an excellent opportunity for those searching for a second home, retirement, or a place to live while working from a remote area.

Area Overview

Izu Kogen is a mountain resort area located on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula between Mount Omuro and Sagami Bay. Here you can enjoy the wilderness and discover an array of volcanic formations unique to this part of Japan.

This region was initially developed as a resort villa community and it remains a popular weekend escape for locals who want to enjoy the scenery of the Izu Peninsula. Unlike other suburbs of Tokyo, Izu Kogen is not densely populated and offers more natural landscapes, tree-lined streets, and large plots of land for private ownership.

The main railway station in Izu Kogen is Izu-Kogen Station on Izukyuko Railway which connects to Ito and other parts of Shizuoka prefecture via Ito Station. From there, guests can access Tokyo via JR Limited Expresses and Tokaido Shinkansen from Atami.

Access to Major Cities

Destination	Approximate Travel Time
Tokyo Station	Around 2 hours
Shinagawa	Around 2 hours
Yokohama	Around 1 hour 45 minutes
Atami	About 50 minutes
Ito	About 25 minutes
Mishima	Around 90 minutes

Although the railway system provides excellent transportation opportunities, many residents choose to have a car to enjoy the beauty of the Izu peninsula, visit local beaches, golf courses, and other resort towns.

Atmosphere and Vibe

One of the best things about Izu Kogen is that it is a nature-friendly area.

Compared to other mountain resort areas in Japan, Izu Kogen has a unique characteristic of being surrounded by forests and high above the sea level on the east and mountains on the west. The combination of residential wooded areas and coastal scenery create a unique ambience of a private resort.

During daytime, cafes, bakeries, art galleries, and souvenir shops are open to the guests and locals who admire the scenery. Nature trails lead to the observation deck overlooking the ocean while coastal trails offer great views of Izu coasts and mountainous areas. Couples, retirees, artists, and families with young children are some of the frequent visitors of this quiet mountain village near Tokyo. Evenings are generally calm and lively nightlife is limited to the hotel and onsen areas. Locals and tourists enjoy the view, hot springs, and dining in cafes and restaurants with great scenic views.

Every season in Izu Kogen is associated with unforgettable landscapes and exciting outdoor experiences. Cherry blossom viewing in spring, mountain biking in summer, hiking in autumn, and skiing in the winter are among the most popular activities for nature lovers.

Tourist and Local Destinations

Being a mountain resort area, Izu Kogen offers a variety of natural attractions for visitors to enjoy all year round. There are plenty of things to do in Izu Kogen for individuals and families who want to experience the local culture as well as take part in adventure activities.

Mount Omuro

One of the highest peaks in the Izu peninsula, Mount Omuro offers panoramic views of five prefectures on a clear day. It is possible to enjoy the scenery from the top of the mountain via a chair lift or have a hike around the volcano crater.

Jogasaki Coast

Jogasaki coast is a popular tourist destination within the Izu area. It is a great place to experience the unique volcanic rock formations formed by the eruptions of Mount Omuro. Nature trails, a suspension bridge over the ocean, and beautiful views of Izu islands are some highlights of this natural monument.

View of a rope bridge on Jogosaki Coast, Izu Kogen, Shizuoka, Japan — Source: Good Luck Trip Japan

Izu Shaboten Zoo

This botanical zoo is located near the foot of Mount Omuro and offers a nice view of the mountain. A special attraction of this zoo is a view of capybaras relaxing in hot springs during the winter season.

Izu Granpal Park

This recreation park is a favorite destination for families with children who want to enjoy seasonal events and explore the outdoors. The annual evening light show became an unforgettable experience for young visitors. Besides, it is possible to participate in a zip line, play sports, and engage in other family-friendly activities in this park.

Museums

An artistic atmosphere prevails in Izu Kogen which is why museums and art galleries are worth visiting with kids and art lovers. Among many attractions, Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art and Nozaka Museum are famous for their unique collections of art exhibits and automata. The local art galleries offer a great opportunity to support local artists.

Hot Springs

The hot spring resort culture is popular in Izu Kogen due to the abundance of onsen areas. Locals and visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the view of forests and/or ocean while relaxing in natural mineral baths. This area is famous for its luxury accommodations which include ryokan-style, boutique, and hotel spas offering unique private bath experiences.

Beaches

Some of the most popular beaches in Izu Kogen are Ajiro Beach, Usami Beach, Kisami Ohama Beach, etc. Locals enjoy the warm weather and clear waters during summer. They also love winter diving spots and summer snorkeling opportunities. Izu’s beaches offer many water activities like scuba diving, fishing, and stand-up paddling.

Cafes and Local Cuisine

This mountain resort area has become a home to cafes, bakeries, seafood restaurants, and dessert shops popular among locals and visitors. Seafood, local wasabi, citrus fruits, and dairy products are some of the specialties guests should taste while visiting Izu Kogen.

Livability

One of the characteristics of the Izu area is its natural beauty combined with convenient transportation to the capital. That is why many people start their experience as a tourist and become regular visitors or even relocate to Izu Kogen.

Izu Kogen has a temperate climate which is a significant advantage compared to other mountain resort areas in Japan. Although the summers can be relatively hot, the humidity is generally lower than in the capital. Winters are generally warm, with occasional snowfall in the mountainous regions.

Local amenities are well-developed as Izu Kogen is a part of the Ito city. Supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, medical clinics, and restaurants are available in this area for the convenience of residents and visitors. Larger shopping malls, department stores, and healthcare facilities are located in central Ito and Atami.

Hospitals and clinics are available in eastern Izu peninsula as well as in Mishima, Numazu, and Shizuoka city for more complex medical needs.

Izu Kogen is a family-friendly and retiree-friendly area with great opportunities for those searching for a rural lifestyle. Local public school system offers excellent educational opportunities. Natural scenery, tree-lined streets, and recreational opportunities are some of the benefits of residential areas in Izu Kogen. Fiberoptic internet availability provides excellent opportunities for those working in the business field or considering a remote job.

In terms of transportation, a car is necessary to explore this area as there are no public transport options apart from the railway network. However, it would be much easier to get from one point to another with a car as the Izu peninsula has many attractions to offer. Day trips to beaches and golf courses are some of the many opportunities for locals and residents.

Outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, golfing, diving, fishing, and kayaking are available to Izu Kogen residents throughout the year.

Real Estate: Rent and Property Information

Izu Kogen has one of the busiest resort real estate markets in Japan. Originally developed as a villa community, today Izu Kogen is a popular choice among buyers searching for a second home, retirement property, or a permanent residence in the mountains with a view of the ocean.

Compared to other resort areas in Japan like Karuizawa or Hakuba, Izu Kogen has more space and offers large plots of land at reasonable prices. Moreover, many properties are offered with excellent views of both forests and oceans.

The rental market in Izu Kogen is relatively small, as most of the properties are bought for private use or to be rented out during peak seasons. Mostly offered in long-term leases, the housing options include one- or two-bedroom apartments, as well as detached villas for rent.

Average Rent Prices

Property Type	Estimated Monthly Rent
Studio / 1K	¥50,000–¥75,000
1LDK	¥75,000–¥120,000
2LDK	¥110,000–¥180,000
Detached House	¥130,000–¥300,000+

The demand for rental properties is seasonal with prices surging during peak season, especially if a place is fully furnished and fits a long-term lease.

Average Property Prices

Property Type	Estimated Purchase Price
Older cottages requiring renovation	¥8 million–¥20 million
Standard detached homes	¥20 million–¥50 million
Modern homes	¥50 million–¥90 million
Luxury villas with ocean views	¥100 million and above

Izu Kogen has much to offer in terms of real estate. Most properties have great views, big private plots of land, and mature trees on them.

Investment Potential

Izu Kogen has a great potential for investment. This area has remained a popular choice for those buying properties for both personal and investment purposes for many years. High client demand, together with the popularity of this area among retirees, makes Izu Kogen one of the most in-demand resort real estate markets in Japan.

Investors and locals enjoy the beautiful views, hot springs, and unique climate of this region. Izu Kogen offers mountain resort lifestyles and easy access to Tokyo for those seeking to purchase a home in Japan for rental or personal use. While property prices may vary depending on the location, Izu Kogen has much to offer in terms of value for investment in the real estate market.

Interested in buying property in Japan's resort areas? PropertyAccess specializes in real estate across Japan's premier resort destinations. If you would like to explore available properties or discuss your options, book a private consultation using the link below.

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Additional Information

Foreign Ownership

Japan has no restrictions on foreign ownership, and Izu Kogen is no exception. You may purchase any real estate of your choice, ranging from land to residential housing. Likewise, there are no restrictions for foreigners who wish to buy property in Izu Kogen for vacation, retirement, or investment purposes.

Transportation

While the railroad network is well-developed, we suggest you purchase a car as a means of transportation. Having a car will allow you to access local attractions like beaches, hiking trails, and golf courses with ease. We recommend renting one to explore the Izu Peninsula and its natural beauty.

Hot Spring Lifestyle

Many houses and villas in Izu Kogen are located near hot springs or have private onsen. The region has a high demand for retirement properties featuring a hot spring resort lifestyle.

Natural Disasters

As with anywhere in Japan, be sure to research the area and consult with your real estate agent about natural disaster safety and precautions. Izu Kogen is no exception, as the area is prone to earthquakes and typhoons. Some coastal areas can also be susceptible to tsunamis.

Remote Work

With reliable internet infrastructure and a scenic backdrop, many entrepreneurs, foreigners, and locals have chosen Izu Kogen as their permanent residence or a place to live while working.

Final Thoughts

Izu Kogen is an excellent choice for anyone searching for a retreat in the mountains with panoramic views of the ocean. Few areas in Japan offer such a variety of recreational activities, hot springs, and natural attractions. If you want to purchase a vacation home surrounded by nature, Izu Kogen is a must-visit.