Izu Kogen

**Museum selection:** With 40+ museums, selectivity is essential. Recommended: Izu Teddy Bear Museum (伊豆テディベア・ミュージアム, ¥1,500, 1,000+ bears including antique Steiff collection, rose garden) — unexpectedly high-quality for niche theme. Izu Glass and Craft Museum (ガラスと工芸美術館, ¥1,200, Art Nouveau glass, Lalique jewelry, garden cafe) — refined European art in Japanese setting. Ike-no-Taira (池の平, ceramic art village, free entry, 20+ pottery studios with galleries/workshops) — browse and purchase functional ceramics directly from artists. **Jogasaki Coast hike:** The Jogasaki Picnic Course (城ヶ崎ピクニカルコース) is a 3km coastal trail (90 min one-way) following cliff-edge from Jogasaki Lighthouse to Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. The path alternates between forest and ocean viewpoints — basalt cliffs, crashing waves, and distant Pacific horizon create dramatic scenery. The suspension bridge is highlight: 48m span at 23m height, with ocean visible through wooden slat deck (creates vertigo for acrophobics). Best conditions: clear winter days (Dec–Feb) when ocean visibility exceeds 50km; avoid post-typhoon when ocean is rough and spray makes trail slippery. **Mt. Omuro (大室山):** This 580m volcanic cone (last erupted 4,000 years ago) is accessed via ropeway — private cars/hiking prohibited to preserve the grassy slopes. The summit crater rim is a 1km walking loop (20 min) providing 360° views: Mt. Fuji to the west, Pacific Ocean to the east, Izu Peninsula below. The grass slopes are burned annually in February (山焼き, yamayaki, controlled burn to prevent forest encroachment) — the fire festival attracts crowds but creates photogenic spectacle.