Hokkawa Onsen Moonroad (北川温泉ムーンロード) is a peaceful, scenic slice of Izu that rewards the traveler willing to go a bit off the beaten path. With crashing waves, clear views of Oshima Island, and a quiet charm that’s hard to find in busier locales, it’s a beautiful experience for those prepared for a bit of a trek. (4/5)
Full Review:
Hokkawa Onsen Moonroad – Serene Seaside Beauty for the Devoted Explorer
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Not every destination needs to be loud, crowded, or full of attractions to be worth visiting. Hokkawa Onsen Moonroad, recognized as one of the "Japan's Top 100 Moon Viewing Spots" (日本百名月), is one of those special places that rewards intentional, mindful travel. Tucked away in the Izu Peninsula’s Hokkawa area, it’s less a checklist stop and more an experience to slowly soak in—pun gently intended.
The main viewing road itself runs alongside the coast, providing uninterrupted views of the Pacific, with the distant silhouette of Oshima Island rising from the horizon like something out of a painting. The nearby Kitagawa Port adds a welcome variation in vantage point—a small but appreciated feature for photographers or those simply content to stare out into the blue, wind in hair, camera in hand.
This area isn’t bustling, and that’s part of the charm. The waves crash gently against rocky shores, the air smells distinctly like salt and cedar, and the surroundings are clean, calm, and largely untouched by heavy tourism. There’s even a small event space or observation platform built in—clearly designed to host moon-viewing or seasonal gatherings. And if you catch it on a clear night with a full moon, you’ll understand why this place earned its name and national recognition.
As for amenities, the nearby onsen, a local sushi shop, and a few supporting tourist services make this feel like an old-world seaside retreat. It's a place that’s charming without needing to try too hard—the kind of destination where you could imagine writing a postcard or journaling for an hour.
However, let me be honest: getting here isn’t the easiest. The station is unstaffed, no taxis wait nearby, and rideshare apps don’t service the area. The walk from the station is steep, and the path winds along roads used by cars—not ideal for every kind of traveler. In short, this isn’t for those expecting convenience or comfort from the jump. But if you’re the kind of tourist who enjoys forging your own way, you may find this hidden gem immensely rewarding.
In sum, the Hokkawa Onsen Moonroad isn’t for everyone—but it is for me. A calm place for calm people. Photogenic, peaceful, and wonderfully out of the way, it represents exactly the kind of quiet tourism that reminds you why you started traveling in the...
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