Beauty of the Izu Peninsula
Hanna Hussein just can’t get enough of everything the Shizuoka Prefecture has to offer
“O1529 Odaira, Izu-shi Shizuoka 410-2415 Japan +81-558-72-1311
www.marriott.com/ hotels/travel/fsziz-izu-marriotthotel-shuzenji/
128 non-smoking residences, including 40 Japanese or semi-Japanesestyle rooms, 49 rooms with private hot-spring baths, two suites and one dog-friendly room.
Room with private hot-spring is available but you can also go for the spa which offers bigger onsen and with bathing suit zone which is complimentary for registered guests, Lava rocks by reservation only (costs ?540 per person (RM19.60) for 45 min and also sauna.
Explore Shuzenji town, Numazu Fish Market, Mishima Sky Walk or Kawazu during Sakura season.
Experience Japanese fusion and international cuisine at Grill and Dining G located at level two.
Very secluded luxury resort.
Not many attractions within walking distance. H, you can never get enough of Japan,” I always tell my friends. The country never fails to impress me every time!
I have been to some parts of the Kinki, Kanto and Hokkaido regions, and this time around I am planning to explore the Chubu region, specifically the Izu Peninsula of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Izu Peninsula, located 100km southwest of Tokyo, is a very popular weekend getaway among the Japanese due to its proximity to the city. However, not many foreign tourists know about this charming resort destination known for its beautiful coastlines, beaches and hot springs.
Beaches and hot springs sound enticing, so why not?, I think to myself. Besides, Marriott International has recently opened up five spectacular resorts all over Japan, one of which is located in the Izu Peninsula.
So, here I am in a bus with 30 other travel writers from all over the world, heading to a road less travelled by foreign tourists, all excited to start my Izu journey. MARRIOTT LIFE
I was expecting a gloomy autumn but the day turns out bright and cheerful. In fact, during the whole journey, I could get sightings of the white snowy peak of Japan’s highest mountain, the legendary Fuji.
It seems like she has been following me from Tokyo, and she definitely isn’t shy to show her beauty today. Standing at 3,776 metres high, the iconic summit is actually an active volcano. Her last eruption was in 1707 but no worries as there are no signs of her blasting hot lava any time soon. In fact, the mountain has become one of the favoured spots for hikers and is safe to climb from July to September.
After a long bus ride and a couple of pitstops (it takes around three hours non-stop drive from Tokyo by car), we finally arrive at the new luxurious Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenji.
The hotel is located within the Laforet Resort Shuzenji, a 165-hectare highland resort so do be prepared for the hilly, winding road. But, once we are there, we are again dazzled by the sight of the beautiful Fuji with its bright pink and orange sunset hues that can be seen from the hotel. Oh, it’s breathtaking!
Each of us is appointed in the deluxe room with a private in-room onsen at the balcony overlooking the greenery. Ahh. a perfect Japanese retreat. What more I could ask for?
The onsen bath is sourced from the natural therapeutic alkaline waters. I can imagine coming back to the room after a tiring all-day excursion tomorrow and heading straight to the warm tub for a long soak to relieve muscle ache and tension. Or maybe I might do it tonight, and maybe tomorrow morning before heading out.
The room itself is super spacious. It has two twin beds (a common choice for Japanese) a working desk, a sizeable shower bathroom, and a high-tech lavatory with automatic toilet seat opening whenever one enters the cubicle. The room also comes with luxurious amenities that ensure a comfortable and productive stay.