The modern town of Higashiizu was officially established in 1959 as a result of the administrative merger of the towns of Inatori and Jyo. However, the history of human settlement in this picturesque corner of Shizuoka Prefecture dates back to antiquity. Archaeological finds indicate that people inhabited the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula as far back as prehistoric times, drawn by the abundant marine resources and mild climate.
Key Factors of Formation
The region's development was determined by a unique combination of natural conditions and strategic location:
Geography and Isolation: Wedged between the steep ridges of the Amagi mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, the region developed as a chain of coastal settlements. The sea served as the primary thoroughfare linking local villages to the outside world, as land routes over the mountains were difficult and dangerous.
Volcanic Activity: The presence of geothermal zones played a decisive role in the fate of the settlements. Legends say that the famous Atagawa hot spring was discovered in the 15th century by the renowned samurai and poet Ota Dokan, laying the foundation for the region's future fame as a spa resort.
Connection to Edo: During the Edo period (1603–1868), the Izu Peninsula was often under the direct administration of the shogunate. Its proximity to the capital (modern-day Tokyo) by sea facilitated trade: stone for castle construction and fresh seafood were supplied from here.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
The economy and culture of Higashiizu were formed in close connection with the sea and local traditions:
Fishing Industry: The Inatori area was historically famous for its brave fishermen. Deep-sea fishing, particularly for Splendid Alfonsino (kinmedai), became the backbone of the local economy and gastronomic culture.
Unique Crafts: During the Edo period, the distinctive tradition of Hina-no-Tsurushi-Kazari originated in Inatori. Local women created vibrant hanging decorations with cloth dolls for the Girls' Day Festival, wishing for the health and happiness of their children. This rare art has survived to this day in only a few places in Japan.
Citrus Cultivation: Thanks to the warm sea breezes and sunshine, tangerines and oranges have been grown on the terraced mountain slopes since ancient times, forming an important part of trade alongside fish.
Timeline
Higashiizu Development Timeline
Mid-15th Century: According to legend, the commander Ota Dokan discovers the healing spring of Atagawa, marking the beginning of the area's history as a resort.
1603–1868: During the Edo period, local settlements are under direct shogunate rule, supplying stone for castle building and seafood.
April 1, 1889: As part of the implementation of the new municipal system in Japan, the villages of Inatori and Jyo are officially established.
1920: Inatori is granted town status, strengthening its position as an important fishing port and commercial center on the eastern coast of Izu.
1958: Opening of the Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden, which became one of the most recognizable attractions with its collection of crocodiles and tropical plants.
May 3, 1959: Official founding of the modern town of Higashiizu through the administrative merger of the town of Inatori and the village of Jyo.
December 10, 1961: Launch of the Izukyu Railway line, significantly simplifying access for tourists from Tokyo to the town's hot springs.
January 1998: The first "Hina-no-Tsurushi-Kazari" festival is held, reviving the unique local tradition of making hanging dolls.
2003: Launch of the Higashiizu Wind Power Station, which became a symbol of the region's environmental initiatives and a popular observation point.
April 17, 2018: The town’s territory, as part of the Izu Peninsula, officially receives UNESCO Global Geopark status for its geological heritage.
Milestones
Key Milestones in the Town's Development
The history of Higashiizu’s transformation from isolated fishing hamlets into a popular tourist destination is inextricably linked to the development of transport and the clever use of natural resources. Here are the main stages that defined the modern face of the town:
Administrative Merger (1959)
The merger of the town of Inatori and the village of Jyo into a single municipality served as the starting point for centralized urban planning. This allowed for the pooling of budgets to improve infrastructure and the creation of a unified regional development strategy combining fishing and tourism.
Transport Revolution (1961)
The opening of the Izukyu Railway line was the primary economic catalyst of the 20th century for the region. Prior to this, reaching the eastern coast of the peninsula was difficult. The arrival of direct rail links to Tokyo and Yokohama ensured a mass influx of tourists to the hot springs, fundamentally changing the structure of the local economy.
Resort Construction Boom (1960s–1970s)
Following the improvement in transport accessibility, active development of the geothermal zones in Atagawa and Inatori began. The construction of large ryokans (traditional inns) and hotels turned the town into one of Shizuoka Prefecture's leading balneological resorts, catering to residents of the megacities.
Cultural Renaissance (1998)
The launch of the "Hina-no-Tsurushi-Kazari" festival marked the transition from purely recreational tourism to cultural and educational tourism. Reviving the forgotten craft of creating hanging dolls allowed the town to find a unique brand, attracting thousands of visitors during the winter-spring period and supporting local artisans.
Energy Modernization (2003)
The construction of a wind farm on the plateau was an important step toward sustainable development. The installation of wind turbines not only provided the town with clean energy but also created a new tourist location with panoramic views, symbolizing the harmony between technology and nature.
Architecture
Urban Planning and Landscape
The architectural character of Higashiizu has been shaped by its challenging terrain: a narrow coastal strip sandwiched between the mountains and the ocean has forced the town to develop linearly along the shoreline and railway tracks. Here, you won't find European Gothic or Baroque; instead, the town showcases a unique layering of Japanese historical periods—from cramped fishing districts to large-scale concrete resort complexes.
Architectural Eras and Styles
Traditional Vernacular Architecture (Legacy of the Edo and Meiji Eras):
In the older districts, particularly around Inatori Port, the historical layout with dense, low-rise buildings has been preserved. These are primarily wooden houses with dark tiled roofs and sliding doors, characteristic of Japanese fishing settlements. The narrow, winding streets here are designed to buffer strong sea winds.
Resort Modernism and Functionalism (Showa Era, 1960s–1980s):
The period of the "economic miracle" and the tourism boom radically changed the town's skyline. In the hot spring districts (Atagawa and Inatori), large multi-story hotels and ryokans made of concrete and glass dominate. This style is characterized by monumentality and utility, symbolizing the era of mass tourism when building capacity was the priority.
Industrial and Eco-Style (Heisei Era – Present):
The modern stage of development is characterized by the integration of infrastructure into the natural landscape. A striking example is the wind turbines on the mountain plateau, which have become new high-rise landmarks visible from many points in the town.
Iconic Districts Shaping the Town's Image
The visual identity of Higashiizu is defined by two contrasting zones:
Atagawa Onsen: This district is easily recognized by its steep slopes densely packed with hotels and numerous steam vent towers (yagura), from which white clouds of geothermal steam constantly rise, creating a mystical ambiance.
Inatori Port: The town's vibrant heart, where modern fishing vessels sit alongside traditional warehouses and morning markets, preserving the spirit of old Japan.
Notable People
Notable Figures of Higashiizu
The history and modern character of the town are closely tied to the names of people who discovered its natural riches, developed its unique culture, and brought national fame to the region. Below are key figures who have left a significant mark on the destiny of Higashiizu.
Ota Dokan (1432–1486) Samurai commander, poet, Buddhist monk
A legendary historical figure for the region. According to tradition, it was Ota Dokan who discovered the famous Atagawa hot spring. Legend has it that while hunting or on a journey, he found a wounded monkey healing its injuries in the thermal waters. Following its example, he was healed himself and ordered the founding of a resort here, which today remains one of the town's primary tourist zones.
Wataru Kimura (1922–1981) Entrepreneur, founder of Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden
An Atagawa native who radically changed the town's tourism landscape. Returning after World War II, he was inspired by the idea of creating a place that would bring people joy. In 1958, he founded a unique botanical and zoological garden that uses geothermal heat to grow tropical plants and breed crocodiles. His creation became a symbol of the resort and one of Izu's most visited attractions.
Ryu Raita (born 1940) Stage and screen actor
A famous Japanese actor renowned for his role as Detective Ishizuka ("Gori-san") in the cult series "Taiyo ni Hoero!". Although originally from Osaka, Ryu Raita fell deeply in love with the nature and atmosphere of Higashiizu during filming. In 2022, he officially moved to the town, becoming an honorary resident and an unofficial ambassador actively participating in local community life.
Sei Suzuki Head of the fishing cooperative, public figure
A key figure in the town's gastronomic history. Serving as the chairman of the local cooperative, he played a decisive role in branding "Inatori Kinme" (Splendid Alfonsino). Thanks to his efforts and strict quality standards, the local fish achieved the status of an elite delicacy throughout Japan, significantly strengthening the economy of Inatori fishing port.
Ms. Saito (Representative of "Nikoniko-kai") Craft master, guardian of traditions
Leader of the "Nikoniko-kai" women's community organization, she played a central role in reviving the unique craft of Hina-no-Tsurushi-Kazari (hanging dolls) in the 1990s. When the ancient tradition was on the brink of extinction, it was the initiative of local women under her leadership that transformed the forgotten art into the town's main cultural festival, attracting thousands of tourists every spring.
Hiroko Kamiyama Park director, tourism promoter
Granddaughter of the founder of Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden and the current director of the complex. She actively modernizes the town's tourism infrastructure, introducing new formats of audience engagement (including collaborations with anime and manga). Her work helps maintain interest in Higashiizu’s classic resorts among the younger generation of travelers.