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Burnout? Do what the Japanese do to heal the fatigue of body and mind.

By on October 26, 2017

Being stressed over an extended period of time can leave one totally drained.

If you are suffering from burnout and looking for respite away from the chaos of the city,  escape to a serene onsen resort in IZU.

Izu Inatori Onsen Hamanoyu in Inatori

Izu, located in Shizuoka prefecture, is famed for its healing and relaxing onsens (hot springs). Onsen bathing has long been a part of Japanese tradition, and strongly remains a favourite past-time between locals and tourists alike for relaxation. (Don’t believe me? Ask the water-loving monkeys in Nikko!)

The city’s fine water combined with lush vegetation, mountains, and the ocean make the dip an experience unlike any other. It is best enjoyed when the air is cool, making the months ahead an ideal time for the perfect getaway. If you value colourful visual aesthetics too, then getting there while the trees still have leaves might just be the ticket.

Outside of onsens, the area has a lot to offer. The Shimoda floating aquarium is a great place to spend time with the kids, watching its 200-plus species of fish, sea-otters, as well as its shows with sea-lions and dolphins, the latter which you can play and interact with. You can also drive the gang to nearby Touji for a nice afternoon of horseback riding at Inaba Horse Family. It’ll feel like you are in a movie with the ocean behind you, so, take your cameras!

Nothing can beat a simple walk by the beach. Shirahama Beach is a white-sand beach, just outside of Shimoda, popular with the tourists for its Shinto shrine, the Shirahama Jinja. History buffs can also have a grand old time roaming around. Shimoda was the landing place of several of Commodore Perry’s “black ships” in 1854 that led to the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate opening up to American ships and the rest, well, is history. Ryosenji temple, the Buddhist temple where the Shimoda treaty was signed, can be found by walking down the attractive canal beside Perry street.

When it comes to setting the tone for a perfect trip, choosing the place to stay makes all the difference. In the case of Izu, a private, comfortable setting and easy access to a good hot spring is what many seek. Izu private cottages provide just that, offering several private cottages in a variety of styles and locations to acommodate travellers’ needs. They feature amazing beach locations with fantastic views of the Pacific  ocean and inland lost in greenery.

For the adventurous, the bays of Izu are perfect for catching your first waves. Wanna-be surfers can have a blast. Conditions are good this time of year although you’ll need a wet suit. There are surf and sea kayak schools in the area  that offer tuition and board/wet suit rental. After a session of wipe-outs and hanging ten, you’ll be ready for a hearty meal.

Fine dining can be anticipated, especially for the seafood lovers. The gorgeous coast is home to many fishing ports, where fishermen step off every day with countless fresh catches-of-the-day. Aji, or horse mackerel, are particularly bountiful in the area, and the lobster is a must; eaten in one of the many excellent restaurants in the area or barbecued by yours truly.

Take a long look out to sea, breathe deeply; you’re in heaven and it’s all just a few hours away.

INFORMATION

Ryosenji Temple

Shimoda Aquarium

Inaba Horse Family

Izu Private Cottages

 

 

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