Top 5 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Izunokuni City, Famous for the World Heritage Site – Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace

Izu no Kuni City in Shizuoka Prefecture is a perfect destination for a short trip. While it is famous for the Izu Nagaoka Hot Springs, there are many other refreshing and enjoyable spots besides the hot springs. The city is also well known as the location of the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace, which was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2015.
With the majestic Mt. Fuji nearby and surrounded by abundant nature, you can enjoy delicious food, leisure activities, and a sense of peace and relaxation for both body and mind. Here are five recommended tourist spots in Izu no Kuni City that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

1. Izu Panorama Park: A Place for All Ages to Enjoy

Izu Panorama Park is a beloved destination known for its spectacular view terrace, Ao Terrace (碧テラス). The park is most famous for its ropeway, which offers sweeping views of Mount Fuji and Mount Katsuragi, which rises 452 meters above sea level. At the summit, visitors can enjoy the panoramic scenery from the observation deck or soak their feet in a relaxing foot bath at Fujimi Terrace while admiring the view.
This scenic spot also features the "Bell of Happiness," recognized as a Lover’s Sanctuary, where couples can ring the bell together to deepen their bond. For active children, the park includes an athletic playground designed to let them have fun while staying active.
For those seeking spiritual and historical attractions, the park is home to power spots like Katsuragi Shrine, which dates back to the Heian period, and the Hyakutai Jizō-son, where 105 stone statues of Jizō from the Kamakura period are enshrined. Visitors can also find a flower-crafted Mount Fuji, and a bronze statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo, commemorating the time he hunted hawks on Mount Katsuragi—bringing rich history to life throughout the area.

2. Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace: One of Japan’s Leading World Cultural Heritage Sites

A reverberatory furnace is a facility used to melt pig iron to produce high-quality iron. Among all such furnaces, the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace is the only one with historical evidence of having been used for casting cannons during wartime. It was constructed during the late Edo period for the purpose of producing cannons to be installed at the Shinagawa Batteries (fortifications).
The furnace consists of four L-shaped chimneys standing 16 meters tall. The body of the furnace is made of Izu stone, while the chimneys are built with brick.
Although entry inside the furnace is not allowed, the ceiling inside the furnace is made in an arched shape using bricks. The interior narrows progressively the deeper you go. This structure is designed to enable heat to reflect and stagnate, generating the high temperatures necessary for melting iron.
It’s a World Heritage Site where you can truly feel the history—an absolute must-see when visiting the area. Additionally, nearby the furnace is the local beer brewery “Hansharo Beer,” where craft beer is available for purchase.

3. Kano River Sakura Park: Enjoy Magical Night Cherry Blossoms

Kano River Sakura Park is a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot featuring about 100 Somei Yoshino cherry trees over 40 years old, which reach full bloom from late March to early April. Although called a park, it is actually a riverside embankment area where visitors can stroll along the dike.
The cherry blossom path stretches approximately 450 meters, making it perfect for a leisurely walk. At night, the trees are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical and artistic ambiance where the blossoms glow in the darkness.
In spring, a cherry blossom festival is also held, giving the park a lively, festive feel amid nature. On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of both Mt. Fuji and the serene Kano River. The combination of cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and the river makes for a healing and picturesque hanami (flower viewing) experience.
If you're visiting Izunokuni City in the spring, this park—bustling with tourists each year—is a must-visit recommended spot.

4. Experience the Sweetest Akihime Strawberries at Izu Nagaoka Strawberry Picking Center

At the Izu Nagaoka Strawberry Picking Center, visitors can savor the incredibly sweet Akihime strawberries. Inside the greenhouse, you can also enjoy your strawberries with toppings like milk or condensed milk. The center is also popular for its handmade jams and sweets.
The facility features barrier-free greenhouses with wide walkways, making it accessible and enjoyable for seniors and wheelchair users alike.
Although there are many strawberry farms in Izu no Kuni City, the Izu Nagaoka Strawberry Picking Center stands out for its combination of delicious, naturally cultivated strawberries and its universally accessible environment.
Prices vary depending on the harvesting season, ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥1,800. This is a family-friendly destination perfect for both children and the elderly. It’s also conveniently located near hot spring inns, so consider stopping by before enjoying the onsen

5. Izu-Mito Sea Paradise: A Stage for the Love Live! PV

Nicknamed "Mito Sea," this aquarium is a must-visit tourist destination in Izu. It's a sacred site featured in the promotional video of the wildly popular anime Love Live! and is packed with charm, showcasing over 300 marine creatures, with dolphins, walruses, and seals as the main attractions.
In the summer of 2016, the aquarium introduced several new facilities to enhance the experience: a new exhibit of otters and owls, a large tide pool play area, a sand play plaza, a tank replicating creatures found at depths of around 100 meters, and a pelican exhibit. These additions have further boosted visitor satisfaction.

◎Summary

This destination is filled with spots that visitors of all ages—from adults to children—can enjoy. Shizuoka offers more than just Mount Fuji and Atami; it has countless hidden gems. Among them, Izu no Kuni City is especially rich in natural attractions, spiritual “power spots,” gourmet delights, and hot springs designed to heal and refresh tourists.
Whether you're visiting power spots with your partner or friends, or enjoying a leisurely drive with your family to explore these attractions, it promises a fulfilling holiday. Trains and buses also provide convenient access, making this an ideal location for a short trip.