The Izu Peninsula is covered in mountains and valleys reaching out to the ocean. On some of these steep slopes farmers are still tending their terraced paddies, or tanada in Japanese.   Here are some pictures of the beautiful tanada in Matsuzaki,  the west coast of Izu. Looking foward to harvest time, when the rice will be cut and hung to dry. 

Sea Kayaks have got to be the best way to explore Izu's incredibly beautiful coastline. Guides can take you into caves and through natural tunnels. There are quite a few sea kayak tour guides in the area. We went with Surface. They have English speaking guides, provide lunch and lessons that give you the confidence you need for a full day tour.

Surfmats are an easy, fun, cheap, and safer way to ride waves. Yasu has a Krypt MT5 and I have the Tracker Roundtail from 4th Gear Flyer. I love my flyer! Big smiles spread my face wide as I rip towards the coast. These mats can also ride side-by-side as there  is no danger in hurting someome with these cushy air-filled mats. On a beautiful day I also like to paddle out past the break, watch the waves getting pulled to the coast line,  and grab a tan along the way. 

Here is a video of the legend surfer/knee boarder/ surfmatter, George Greenough,  on a day out:

Tobi Ishi is our favorite Japanese breakfast spot. For 500 yen you get a perfectly grilled aji, rice, pickles, miso soup, an egg, and some nori (dried seaweed). If you don't like your egg raw, the friendly obasan is happy to cook it for you. Natto is an extra 50 yen. She's stays open late (weekends until 11 pm) and serves up other common Japanese dishes like soba, curry, and ramen. She's got cold beer and a good selection of ice-cream in the freezer. This place hasn't changed in years, perhaps 30, as the beer ads with women in highcut bathing suits reveal.Tobi Ishi is a 5 minute walk from tabi-tabi, you can also find it on our recommendation map here.

Here is a great little video of Kawazu's 720 degree loop bridge. The video must have been taken during the July long weekend, because I have never seen that much traffic on Kawazu's Loop Bridge.

The loop bridge is about a 40 minute drive from Shimoda and can be seen from Nanadaru Onsen.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for surfers. I have tried many times to learn to stand on a board, and in the meantime spent hours paddling without moving, getting hit by my board, pummeled by waves,  dragged by tides, and chickening out when I finally did get close.

I haven't given up on surfing entirely but I have added to my collection of beach toys, and quiver of sticks. A handplane is a mini board that anyone can ride. Basically, it's a better way to bodysurf. Even when conditions are far from perfect for surfers, handplanes still shred.

Driving in Japan doesn't have to be daunting. Nexco Highways Japan has an excellents site for people who want to be in the driver's seat. With information on tolls, rest-stop details, recommended tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping along the way. A great way to plan your travels, and keep you from getting lost. Check it out here

Chaki Chaki is another excellent cafe/bar/restaurant run by a true culinary artist/designer/Shimoda lover. The owner not only produces creative edible delights, he edits and publishing a free Shimoda lover's magazine, and a yearly bilingual guide book unmatched by any I have ever seen in Japan. We have a copy of the guide book at tabi-tabi or you can purchase your own at any of Shimoda's bookstores or the tourist information center. The restaurant is an easy walk from the station, about half-way to Perry Road. The bilingual menu has a great selection of Japanese inspired dishes. Last time we went we had a deep dish seafood pasta, cheese and shiso rolls, and a scrumptious original salad. I also love their selection of umeshu (plum wine).

Irori Inkyo is an excellent Korean Restaurant set in a very old and very beautiful Japanese house in Minami Izu. Great food with very reasonable prices, keeps me returning again and again, while the atmosphese leaves me there for hours to eat, drink, chat, and relax in true wabi-sabi style. They have an extensive menu sure to please veggie and meat-lovers alike. However, it's all in Japanese with lots of kanji so it you don't read or speak the language you could have some difficulties unless of course you invite a capable friend.

UPDATE: Irori Inkyo seems to have closed for business... hopefully not for good.

Shimoda's other wood-burning-oven bakery is set in the heavens above. The scenic drive through the country side, then a hair-raising thrill ride up a steep and narrow mountain road is so worth your test of faith (and brakes!). Once you are there, plan to stay a while as you share in the love for bread and relish in the mountain's divine breezes. There are plenty of offerings; a huge selection of crusty breads, tons of free samples, a photo album of their project and ongoing mission, and cups of coffee on the house.