Last Updated on June 30, 2026
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In early August, my friend and I took a day trip from Tokyo to Izu by the Odoriko train, visiting Imai-hama Beach and exploring the Kawazu area along the way. From seaside scenery and local food to cultural experiences, it was a relaxed and refreshing journey.
This guide is based on our actual visit and walks through a full-day itinerary, including highlights and practical tips for enjoying a comfortable summer trip to Izu.
What to Expect in This Article:
- How to travel from Tokyo to Izu using the Limited Express Odoriko
- A seaside lunch experience at Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel
- Walking along Imai-hama Beach and enjoying the coastal scenery
- Exploring Kawazu Station and its local atmosphere
- A visit to Seisokuji Temple and its unique goshuin stamps
Where Is Imai-hama Beach?
The Izu Peninsula, home to Imai-hama Beach, lies just south of Mount Fuji. It is easy to reach from Tokyo by direct limited express train. The journey to Kawazu Station, the nearest limited express stop to Imai-hama Beach, took us about two and a half hours, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing day trip.
Izu is known for its beautiful coastline, clear blue waters, and charming seaside towns. It has long been a favorite escape from the city. The region is also home to many hot spring resorts, which add to its unique charm.
Taking the Limited Express Odoriko to Izu
The Limited Express Odoriko is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to travel from Tokyo to Izu. Upon arriving at Kawazu Station, Imai-hama Beach is just a five-minute ride away by hotel shuttle bus or taxi.
Limited Express Odoriko tickets can be booked in advance via Klook as well as the official website, which is convenient if you want to secure your seat before traveling.
Ekiben on the Train
Before we boarded the Limited Express Odoriko, we picked up an ekiben (a Japanese boxed meal sold at train stations) for the journey.
Although we had eaten a small breakfast, we still couldn’t imagine a long train ride without an ekiben.
Browsing the many ekiben shops is one of the pleasures of departing from Tokyo Station. Ekiben are Japanese boxed meals made for long-distance train journeys. We picked up a grilled fish bento for the ride.
Once the train pulled out of the station, we couldn’t wait any longer and opened our bento boxes.
This turned out to be an excellent choice. The bento included rice, rich, buttery black cod, miso-marinated chicken, simmered vegetables, Japanese omelet, and pickles, all neatly arranged in the box. Every item was delicious, and my friend and I kept saying how good it was as we happily finished every last bite.
There are so many kinds of ekiben available inside Tokyo Station, including specialties from different parts of Japan. Choosing one is part of the fun, so I highly recommend giving yourself a little extra time to browse. Just don’t miss your train!
While ekiben options are limited, some services allow you to pre-book ekiben for pickup at Tokyo Station if you prefer to plan ahead. If you are not traveling by Shinkansen, please choose “Outside Shinkansen Gate” as your pickup location.
Snacks for the Journey
I also picked up some cheese and black pepper sablés.
I can’t remember where we found them, but they were so good that I’d love to buy them again the next time I’m at Tokyo Station. The slightly sweet cookies and the hint of pepper made a surprisingly perfect combination.
As the landscape slowly rolled by, we shared our snacks, sipped warm hojicha, and simply enjoyed each other’s company.
Although the sky was growing cloudy, the sight of the mountains and the sea appearing outside the window made us even more excited for the day ahead.
Arriving at Kawazu Station
By the time we arrived at Kawazu Station around 12:30 p.m., the two-and-a-half-hour train ride had flown by.
After watching our train pull away from the station, we hopped on the hotel’s shuttle bus.
A Day at Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel
After arriving at the Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel, we made our way to the restaurant. However, since our lunch wouldn’t be served until 2:00 p.m., we decided to explore the hotel and then head to the beach first.
Just outside the restaurant was a lovely outdoor seating area. The white buildings, parasols, and relaxed beachfront atmosphere reminded us of Miyakojima, where Tokyu Hotels also has a resort.
Imaihama Beach
As it was summer, many hotel guests and their families were enjoying the beach. The beach itself was very wide, so there was plenty of space to enjoy it comfortably. A few lifeguards were on duty, and at one point they asked everyone to get out of the water briefly while they checked safety conditions.
A Peaceful Moment by the Sea
We hadn’t planned on swimming, so we simply brought flip-flops and dipped our feet in the water.
Since becoming mothers, the two of us had never been to the beach together. Being there that day brought back old memories and filled us with excitement.
Although the weather wasn’t perfect and the sea would no doubt have looked even more beautiful on a sunny day, we didn’t mind at all. Standing by the ocean with my friend, listening to the waves and feeling the sand beneath our feet, was enough to make the moment feel special.
As lunchtime was approaching, we rinsed the sand off our feet at the poolside shower and headed back to the hotel.
There were many flowers planted around the poolside, adding to the cheerful feeling of a summer day.
As we turned toward the restaurant, the sky had started to clear a little, and the green lawn, red roofs, and parasols were softly glowing in the light.
Lunch at Flore Tearoom
Next, it was time to enjoy lunch at a relaxed pace.
Lunch that day was served at the Flore Tearoom. Large windows stretched high up toward the ceiling, letting in plenty of bright natural light. The tropical-style chairs, decorated with Hawaiian quilts, created a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
What We Ordered
The menu featured a selection of set meals, each including items such as salad or dessert.
Being by the sea, I couldn’t resist ordering the sazae and squid ink black curry set with salad – ¥2,900 (approx. $17.90 / €15.70).
The salad was fresh, with a mix of root vegetables that made it feel healthy.
Curry is a true comfort food in Japan, and many regions offer their own local versions.
I chose a curry made with sazae (sea snails). The squid ink gave the curry a deep, savory richness, while the sazae added a subtle aroma of the sea. It was a unique taste that perfectly reflected the seaside setting, and it was a really enjoyable experience.
The grilled vegetables were beautifully prepared and full of variety, allowing us to enjoy a range of different flavors in each bite.
My friend chose the aji (horse mackerel) fry sandwich set with dessert and a drink. The freshly fried horse mackerel was covered in a creamy sauce with aonori (green seaweed), and it looked incredibly appetizing.
I also ordered a vibrant peach mocktail, garnished with frozen local peach slices and fresh mint. The sparkling soda added a refreshing touch and enhanced the resort atmosphere.
The Flore Tearoom also served parfaits and afternoon tea sets, and guests staying at the hotel would have more time to relax and enjoy them.
Exploring the Hotel Interior
Next to the tearoom, there was also a bar.
Set slightly further back, the bar would likely have a beautiful atmosphere in the evening. Rows of bottles were lined up on the counter, sparkling like jewels.
Looking up, we noticed the atrium had a glass ceiling, letting in views of the blue sky above. The hotel was filled with greenery, all softly illuminated by natural light.
While not a brand-new modern hotel, it offered beautiful views of the ocean from inside, and its thoughtfully selected furniture enhanced the relaxed resort atmosphere.
Although we didn’t use them, there was also a library café and a hot spring bath, making it a comfortable place to enjoy even on rainy days.
If you are interested in staying here, you can find more details about the Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel below.
After lunch, we left the hotel. By then, the weather had started to clear up a little. We took the hotel shuttle bus back to the Kawazu station.
We could see the sea from the shuttle bus. As it wasn’t unbearably hot that day, we saw several people walking along the coast toward the station.
Riding trains and buses and watching the coastal scenery was a refreshing break from everyday life.
Exploring around Kawazu Station
The bus terminal at Kawazu Station felt nostalgic.
It is not a large station, but there is a supermarket nearby, where you can experience a glimpse of local everyday life.
Izu has several wasabi fields, and many local souvenirs feature wasabi. Its sharp, pungent taste is quite addictive, although it can be harsh on the stomach if eaten in excess. In souvenir shops, you can find everything from wasabi paste to a variety of wasabi-flavored snacks.
Travel Tip:
Wasabi is generally in season from winter to early spring, when its aroma and spiciness are at their best.
If you’re lucky, you may also find fresh wasabi sold in local supermarkets or souvenir shops.
Receiving a Goshuin at Seisokuji Temple
As we had some time before departure, we decided to stop by a nearby temple to receive a goshuin stamp. A goshuin is a special calligraphy stamp received at Japanese temples and shrines as a souvenir of your visit.
Izu has both beaches and mountains, and just a short walk reveals beautiful, traditional Japanese scenery.
Seisokuji Temple is just nearby. A little further upstream along the river lies one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, known for the Kawazu-zakura.
Kawazu-zakura Cherry Blossoms Guide:
Kawazu-zakura are a deeper pink variety of cherry blossoms compared to Somei Yoshino, and they bloom about a month earlier. Their peak season is typically from mid- to late February, and the blossoms last for around a month, which is relatively long for cherry blossoms. They are often featured in the news during the season, making Kawazu a popular winter-spring travel destination in Izu.
We arrived at Seisokuji Temple after about an eight-minute walk from Kawazu Station.
The temple is associated with kappa, a Japanese water spirit, and we saw many charming kappa decorations around the grounds. We greeted the temple staff and were kindly welcomed inside.
After praying, we looked around and discovered a surprising variety of goshuin stamps, many of which featured charming hanafuda-inspired designs. We also noticed designs featuring kappa and Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms.My friend, who collects goshuin stamps, seemed to really enjoy choosing her favorite.
Each goshuin costs about 500 yen, and you simply place the payment in a box provided at the temple.
The Return Journey to Tokyo
As it was almost time for our train, we made our way back to the station.
Our train gently pulled into the station, with mountains in the background. Moments like this are also one of the joys of traveling.
From the train window, we admired the beautiful blue colors of the sea along the rocky coastline.
We once again enjoyed our train ride, slowly taking in the beautiful, distinctly Japanese scenery.
Summer can be extremely hot, but because we spent plenty of time on the train and at the hotel, the trip was easy on the body and very relaxing. I would recommend this as a great way to enjoy summer travel.
Conclusion
Overall, this day trip from Tokyo to Izu was a perfect blend of seaside scenery, local food, and cultural experiences. From the relaxing train ride and beach walk at Imai-hama to exploring Kawazu Station and visiting Seisokuji Temple, each moment felt unhurried and refreshing.
It’s an ideal option for those looking for a relaxed escape from the city.
If you’re planning a summer trip from Tokyo, Izu is definitely worth considering for a refreshing and easy getaway.
Recommended For:
• Travelers looking for a relaxing day trip from Tokyo to the Izu Peninsula
• Beach lovers who enjoy quiet seaside walks and coastal scenery
• Food lovers interested in local cuisine and resort-style dining experiences
• Travelers who want to combine nature, culture, and light sightseeing in one day
• First-time visitors to Izu looking for an easy and comfortable itinerary from Tokyo
See more Odoriko Express articles below:
Day Trip to Atami from Tokyo: Summer Itinerary, Food & Things to Do
See more Japan resort articles below:
Warm Winter Getaway in Okinawa, Japan: Culture, Local Food & Travel Tips
Information
Information, prices and exchange rates are current as of my visit but may change. Please check official sites.
Ekiben bento box
Gindara Makunouchi Bento
– ¥1,600 (approx. $9.90 / €8.70)
– Ekiben-ya Matsuri
Tokyo Station has many ekiben shops besides the one I bought from.
Ekiben Booking Options (Tokyo Station)
– Klook
Ekiben options are somewhat limited, but you can pick them up at Tokyo Station. If you are not traveling by Shinkansen, please choose “Outside Shinkansen Gate” as your pickup location.
Train
JR-EAST
– Official English website
Klook
– Japan Rail Tickets
Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel
– Official English websiste
Flore Tearoom
Sazae and squid ink black curry set with salad
– ¥2,900 (approx. $17.90 / €15.70)
Check room rates and availability:
Access:
– About 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Kawazu Station
– About 5 minutes by hotel shuttle bus
Seisoku-ji Temple
Goshuin stamps
– Around 500 yen per piece
Access:
– About 1800 ft (550 m) from Kawazu Station
– Google Maps
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