Timestamps: 15:05 on February 14, 2024
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
105 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/8.0
A Scenic Drive through Izu: Exploring the Izu Skyline
Location: Izu Skyline, Shizuoka, Japan
Leaving the lovely Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, my journey continued northward on Route 135, a picturesque two-lane highway that closely hugs the eastern coastline of the Izu Peninsula.
After covering about 48 km in just over an hour, I arrived in the coastal resort town of Atami. There, I turned off Route 135, heading west on Prefectural Road 80 for a brief 10-minute drive (6 km) to reach the Yamabushi Pass Interchange, my gateway to the breathtaking Izu Skyline.
The Izu Skyline, a well-known toll road that extends over 40 km along the eastern Izu ridgeline, connecting Atami Pass to the Amagi Plateau. This meticulously maintained route is a favorite among us driving enthusiasts and touring riders residing in the southern Kanto and Tokai regions.
Constructed in three phases, the first 20.3-km stretch of the skyline was completed in 1962, followed by an 11.7-km extension in the spring of 1964 and the final 9.5 km in the autumn of the same year.
Toll charges vary based on the chosen interchange, ranging from 220 yen to 1,000 yen. It's important to note that the Izu Skyline only accepts cash payments; ETC or credit card transactions are not available.
An interesting tidbit for night drivers, the toll gates are unmanned during nighttime hours, allowing toll-free access to the winding mountain ridge roads—a nostalgic activity enjoyed by myself and my 走り屋 (street racing) mates back in the ‘90s.
The Izu Skyline boasts multiple rest stops where drivers can safely pull over and take a break and stretch their legs, give their dogs some exercise, and capture stunning photos of the windswept landscape and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji.
This shot shows a hint of the city of Susono, nestled near the southwestern base of Mt. Fuji. Despite the overcast skies, the slow-moving clouds delicately hovered high enough above the peak of Mt. Fuji, offering a clear and iconic view of one of Japan’s most revered symbols.
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Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
53 mm ISO 100 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/5.6
Capturing Tranquility: Border Collie and Mt. Fuji at Izu Skyline
Location: Izu Skyline, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamps: 15:11 on February 14, 2024
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
53 mm ISO 100 for 1/500 sec. at ƒ/5.6
As clouds gracefully drifted off the coast of Surga Bay towards Mt. Fuji, I seized the opportunity for one more shot of my faithful companion posed with the majestic snow-capped stratovolcano that is Mt. Fuji. However, the impending clouds threatened to shroud the peak completely, adding some urgency to get the shot.
The vantage point where I took this shot is a modest rest area along the roadside with space for approximately three cars, but lacks amenities like those of the larger rest areas. Its sole purpose is to offer drivers a safe place to temporarily park their car for capturing the allure of Mt. Fuji.
Perched at an elevation of 672.4m (2,206 ft), this spot offers an unimpeded view of Mt. Fuji to the northwest, provided favorable weather conditions prevail.
Considering the weather intricacies, the stifling heat and humidity of summers often cast a haze, challenging photographers aiming for a pristine shot of Japan's iconic symbol. For those planning a visit the Izu Skyline, particularly for landscape photography featuring Mt. Fuji, I recommend scheduling your sojourn between November and March. During these months, the drier air diminishes haze, ensuring sharper and clearer images of this awe-inspiring landmark.
References:
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
88 mm ISO 100 for 1/25 sec. at ƒ/10
Scenic Heights: Koriga-Ike Pond and Geological Marvels on the Izu Skyline
Location: Izu Skyline, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamps: 15:33 on February 14, 2024
Koriga-Ike Pond, situated along the eastern mountain slopes of the upper Izu Peninsula, unveils its serene beauty exclusively to travelers on the Izu Skyline, a picturesque toll road approximately 120 km southwest of central Tokyo.
At an altitude of 680 m, the Izu Skyline Kurotake Parking Lot (伊豆スカイライン玄岳駐車場) accommodates about 4 cars and offers a specially built ramp extending over the hillside, providing visitors with an unobstructed view of Koriga-Ike Pond, which lies 47 meters below the lookout point.
The name "Koriga-Ike," translating to "ice pond," recounts its history as a source of cut ice. In bygone days, the pond supplied ice to hotels in Atami during the summer. The pond gained popularity in 1967 with the completion of the Atami-Kogen Ropeway, boasting a then-largest-in-the-world 121-person gondola. However, the ropeway's abandonment in 1970, following the parent company's bankruptcy, impacted other attractions atop the mountain.
The cessation of gondola tourists and wider adoption of refrigeration allowed the pond and its habitat to recover, revealing the natural beauty witnessed today.
In addition to Koriga-Ike Pond, six more ponds in the area originated from natural dams formed by uplifting caused by left-lateral strike-slip movements over thousands of years along the Tanna Fault. Extending from northern Izu to Izu City over about 30 km, this active fault played a more recent role in the 1930 magnitude 7.0 North Izu Earthquake, claiming the lives of 272 people in the villages of the region.
Explore the unique geological wonders along the Izu Skyline, which is just one of three captivating skyline toll roads in the upper Izu Peninsula and Hakone areas. If you find yourself driving to Izu, this route is a must for nature enthusiasts, landscape photographers, and history lovers alike.
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