Izu, Shizuoka

Geography

Izu is located in the north-central portion of Izu Peninsula, and includes most of the Amagi Mountains. The region is hilly and some 80% of the city area is covered by forest. The Kano River runs through the city, which has a short coastline to the west on Suruga Bay of the Pacific Ocean. The area has numerous hot springs. Warmed by the warm Kuroshio Current, the area enjoys a warm maritime climate with hot, humid summers and mild, cool winters.

Surrounding municipalities

History

During the Edo period, most of Izu Province was tenryō territory under direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate, although portions near modern Shuzenji were under the control of the Okubo clan of Ogino-Yamanaka Domain. During the cadastral reform of the early Meiji period in 1889, the area was reorganized into several villages under Kimisawa District, Shizuoka Prefecture. Kimisawa District merged with Tagata District in 1896.

Shuzenji became a town in 1924, followed by Toi in 1938, Nakaizu in 1958, and Amagiyugashima in 1960.

The modern city of Izu was established on April 1, 2004 by the merger of the towns of Shuzenji, Toi, Nakaizu and Amagiyugashima (all from Tagata District).

Economy

The economy of the city of Izu is centered on tourism (primarily hot spring resorts), farming/forestry and commercial fishing. Izu is noted for its production of wasabi and shiitake. During the Edo period, the area was also known for its production of gold and other ores; however, the last commercial mining operations were closed in the 1960s.

Education

Izu has seven elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools.

Railway

Highway

Local attractions

Sister city relations

Noted people from Izu