7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Numazu

As a digital nomad living in Numazu, you have the unique opportunity to blend work and travel, exploring the rich culture and stunning landscapes that Japan has to offer. Numazu, located at the northern end of the Izu Peninsula, is a gateway to a variety of weekend getaways that range from popular tourist spots to hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you're looking for a cultural experience, a nature retreat, or an adventure, these seven destinations provide a perfect escape from your routine while not straying too far from your temporary home base.

Hakone

Hakone is a well-known hot spring resort area that offers a mix of natural beauty, art museums, and traditional inns. It's a great place to unwind with a soothing onsen bath while enjoying views of Mount Fuji. The Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Hakone Shrine are must-visit spots. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, which zigzags through the mountains, offering breathtaking views.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Hakone from Numazu is by train. Take the JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Station, then switch to the Hakone Tozan Line. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Hakone Ropeway, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the volcanic Owakudani Valley where you can try the famous black eggs boiled in sulfuric hot springs.

Where to Stay: Hakone has a variety of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) with onsen facilities. The Hakone Ginyu offers private open-air baths with stunning views, while the Fujiya Hotel is a historic property with a classic charm.

Where to Eat: For a memorable meal, visit the Hakone Gora Kadan, which serves kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. The restaurant is known for its exquisite presentation and use of seasonal ingredients.

Shuzenji

Shuzenji is a quaint hot spring town located in the heart of the Izu Peninsula. It's known for its historic atmosphere, with Shuzenji Temple being a focal point. Stroll along the bamboo-lined paths, soak in an onsen, or visit the Katsura River for a picturesque view. The town also has a charming Niji-no-Sato theme park, which showcases gardens and replicas of British and Canadian buildings.

How to Get There: To reach Shuzenji from Numazu, take the JR Tokaido Line to Mishima Station, then transfer to the Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line to Shuzenji Station. The trip takes about an hour.

Travel Tip: Explore the Tokko-no-yu hot spring located in the center of town, which is said to be the oldest in Izu, discovered by the famous monk Kobo Daishi.

Where to Stay: Shuzenji Onsen Hotel Takitei is a popular choice for its traditional rooms and public baths. For a more luxurious stay, Arai Ryokan offers exquisite accommodations and private dining experiences.

Where to Eat: Try the local specialty wasabi dishes at Wasabiya, a restaurant that takes pride in using fresh wasabi from the nearby Amagi Mountains.

Mount Daruma

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Mount Daruma offers a serene hiking experience with panoramic views of Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula. The mountain is also known for Daruma-ji Temple, which is nestled on its slopes. The hike is relatively easy, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a leisurely outdoor activity.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Mount Daruma is by car from Numazu, which takes about 30 minutes. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is recommended.

Travel Tip: Visit during autumn to witness the spectacular foliage that covers the mountain in vibrant colors.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations directly on Mount Daruma, but the nearby city of Izu offers various hotels and ryokans, such as the Kikuya Ryokan with its traditional charm.

Where to Eat: After your hike, enjoy a hearty meal at Darumaya, a local restaurant known for its soba noodles and mountain vegetable tempura.

Atami

Atami is a seaside resort town famous for its hot springs and beaches. It's a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a coastal atmosphere with cultural attractions like Atami Castle and the MOA Museum of Art. The town also boasts impressive fireworks displays throughout the year, which are best viewed from the Sun Beach area.

How to Get There: Atami is easily accessible from Numazu by train on the JR Tokaido Line, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Check the local event schedule for one of Atami's famous fireworks shows, which are some of the most spectacular in Japan.

Where to Stay: Hotel Micuras offers modern accommodations with ocean views and an on-site spa. For a traditional experience, stay at the Atami Fufu ryokan, which features private onsen baths.

Where to Eat: Sample the local seafood at Sakanadonya, a restaurant that serves fresh fish and sushi with views of the ocean.

Izu Oshima

Izu Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands and provides a unique getaway with its volcanic landscape, including Mount Mihara, and black sand beaches. The island is also known for its camellia flowers, which bloom in the winter. Visitors can enjoy hiking, hot springs, and a visit to the Oshima Volcano Museum.

How to Get There: To get to Izu Oshima from Numazu, take a train to Atami and then catch a ferry from Atami Port. The total travel time is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the ferry schedule.

Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the island's diverse landscapes and coastal roads at your own pace.

Where to Stay: For a comfortable stay, consider the Oshima Onsen Hotel, which offers hot spring baths and ocean views. Another option is the Hotel Akamon, known for its friendly service and proximity to the beach.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at Shima Kitchen, a community-run restaurant that serves dishes made with local ingredients and offers a cozy, artistic atmosphere.

Kawazu Seven Waterfalls

The Kawazu Seven Waterfalls (Kawazu Nanadaru) are a series of waterfalls located along the Kawazu River. This natural attraction is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and nature photography. The area also features a suspension bridge with stunning views of the falls and surrounding forest. In February and March, the nearby town of Kawazu is famous for its early-blooming cherry blossoms.

How to Get There: From Numazu, take the JR Tokaido Line to Ito, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line to Kawazu Station. From there, you can take a local bus to the waterfalls. The journey takes about 2 hours in total.

Travel Tip: Visit during the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival to see the waterfalls with a backdrop of pink cherry blossoms.

Where to Stay: The Amagiso Ryokan offers traditional Japanese accommodations and an onsen with views of the waterfalls. For a more modern stay, the Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel is located near the beach and provides comfortable rooms.

Where to Eat: Stop by the Nanadaru Loop Bridge Rest House to try their specialty, wasabi soft-serve ice cream, which is a refreshing treat after a day of hiking.

Jogasaki Coast

The Jogasaki Coast is a rugged, scenic coastline on the Izu Peninsula, known for its walking trails that offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The Kadowaki Suspension Bridge and Lighthouse are highlights of the area, providing panoramic vistas and photo opportunities. The coastline is also a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and barbecues.

How to Get There: To reach the Jogasaki Coast from Numazu, take the JR Tokaido Line to Ito, then transfer to the Izu Kyuko Line to Izu-Kogen Station. From there, it's a short bus ride to the coast. The total travel time is around 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to walk along the Jogasaki Picnic Course, a well-maintained trail that leads you through beautiful coastal scenery and forests.

Where to Stay: The Auberge Feliz is a cozy bed and breakfast with ocean views and a homely atmosphere. Alternatively, the Izu Kogen Hotel Five Stars offers luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining.

Where to Eat: For a unique dining experience, visit the Izu Kogen Brewery to enjoy craft beers and a menu featuring local Izu Peninsula ingredients.

These weekend getaways offer a delightful mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, all within reach of Numazu. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in nature or explore traditional Japanese towns, there's something for every digital nomad to enjoy.