Matsuzaki Village
View of the village from the heights
Wikimedia Commons
A coastal village in Izu
On the Izu Peninsula, the small coastal village of Matsuzaki is known for its calm and charm. Historic buildings, temples and pretty beaches await you there for a day...
With just under 6,500 inhabitants, Matsuzaki is a quiet little town , not far from bustling Tokyo. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture on the west coast of the famous Izu Peninsula , this small town is listed as one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Villages .
The village is part of this peninsula known for its beaches and spas , in the heart of the west coast, which is wilder and better preserved. The perfect opportunity to discover another facet of Japan, and to stroll in the hinterland in the summer...
A unique architecture
The village is well known for its typical houses (nearly 200), with very recognizable vernacular architecture. As you walk through the streets, you will regularly see these white and gray lattice walls . It is the namako wall, or namako kabe ( kabe means "wall" in Japanese ) which is found in different types of constructions, from the temple to the bridge, passing by the Chohachi museum located in the south of the city. This type of plaster-covered wall was originally used for rice storage granaries , and is fire resistant.
A typical Matsuzaki house
Wikimedia Commons
A typical nakamo wall
very japanese
The Nakase House
Travel-marker
Near the sea and especially in Izu, this surface in salient diamonds was born several centuries ago. Its name comes from the resemblance of the thick white seals to sea cucumbers, namako in Japanese...
The Nakase house , which has become a museum, has for example this unique architecture and can be visited for 100 yen. It was once home to the Nakase family, prosperous kimono fabric makers during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
What activities in Matsuzaki?
During your visit to Matsuzaki, you can stroll along the harbor as well as the main beach . From there, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Senganmon Rock , a unique and impressive rock formation rising from the ocean. If you are lucky and the weather is clear, you may even see the famous Mount Fuji !
The city can be visited in all seasons, but spring is still a very popular time. Cherry blossoms are indeed very numerous in and around the city, and offer magnificent panoramas. The walk along the Naka River, lined with sakura , is enchanting... It is also the ideal time to taste the sakura mochi , a typical sweetness and specialty of the area.
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Around the city, within a radius of a few kilometers, are lush hills and the Ishibu Rice Terraces , which are particularly attractive during the illuminations at nightfall during winter.
Finally, Matsuzaki is full of onsen , a true specialty of the region. We therefore advise you to take a relaxing break in the hot water of one of the establishments in the village, especially if you are visiting in winter. You can even spend the night in a ryokan , such as Ryokan Kaihinso.
Getting to Matsuzaki
If you have the possibility, we advise you to go to the village by car . The Izu Peninsula can indeed be visited much more freely if you opt for a car rental . You can also more easily discover all the beaches near Matsuzaki.
If you prefer public transport , you will already have to go by train to Rendaiji station , via the Izukyuko line, passing through Atami. From there, several buses take you to Matsuzaki. The Nishi Izu Tokkyu Bus line (西伊豆特急バス, West Izu Express Bus) is the most regular and fastest (40 minutes).
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 558-42-1111Timetable
Take a bus from Rendaiji Station (Izu Kyuko Line): 40 minutes Or from Shuzenji Station (Izu-Hakone Line): 1 hour 40 minutes Or from Izukyu-Shimoda Station (Izu Kyuko Line): 50 minutesWebsite
http://www.town.matsuzaki.shizuoka.jp/
