🗺️ Doi Onsen (Doi Hot Spring)土肥温泉

Facing Suruga Bay, this port town located in the West Izu hot spring area experienced its first peak during the Edo period. From the Meiji to Showa periods, it was home to the second-largest gold mine output in Japan, second only to Sado in Niigata. In 1611, during the construction of this gold mine, hot springs began to emerge from the mine entrance, and today, numerous hotels and inns line the coastal area. The 700-meter-wide beach is covered with pine trees and is the largest beach in West Izu. With shallow water and calm waves, it becomes a popular swimming spot filled with tourists in the summer. The climate is warm and comfortable year-round, with an average temperature of 16.2°C, and it is known for its picturesque scenery where the blue mountains meet the sea. Although there are many viewpoints that offer a distant view of Mount Fuji behind the sea, the scenery from the "Suruga Bay Yacht," which connects Shimizu Port and Toi, is particularly stunning. In addition to the gold mine ruins, notable attractions include "Lover's Cape," where it is said that ringing the large bell three times will grant your romantic wishes; Matsubara Park, which features a flower clock with a diameter of 31 meters, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "largest numerical dial clock"; and "Traveler's Cape," which offers the best panoramic view of the sunset over the sea in West Izu.

The warm climate and abundant mountain delicacies and seafood make West Izu a representative hot spring town. Lover's Cape and Traveler's Cape are popular romantic spots favored by young couples. The beautiful sandy beaches with clear water are a popular seaside resort in summer. You can also enjoy the "Dohi Cherry Blossoms," which may bloom at the end of December, as well as seasonal flowers.