Hi guys, I’m Ibuki Furuse. I’m a first-year student in Global Tourism. How was your summer vacation? I went back to my hometown in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where my father grew up. Izu City is near the sea, so I could smell the ocean everywhere. I had some special experiences there, like seeing beautiful scenery and doing fun activities.

This time, I’d like to share some sightseeing spots I visited. We traveled by car, so I want to introduce three scenic routes we took from Gotemba to Amagi Highland: the Hakone Skyline, the Lake Ashi Skyline, and the Izu Skyline. Starting from Gotemba City, this route passes through the border between Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures and along the west shore of Lake Ashi. The Hakone Skyline is a 5 km long tourist road that runs along the west side of the Hakone outer rim in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, connecting Gotemba and Hakone Pass.

The Lake Ashi Skyline is a 10.7 km road at an altitude of 1,000 meters, offering views of Lake Ashi to the east, Mt.Fuji to the west, and Mishima-Numazu City and the Izu Peninsula across Suruga Bay.The Izu Skyline is a 40.6 km toll road managed by the Shizuoka Prefectural Road Public Corporation, crossing the Izu Peninsula. Along the way, there are mountain passes and drive-ins where you can enjoy stunning views.

This time, we visited Hakone Lake Ashinoko Panorama Park, the Fountain of Life,
Melody Pave, and finally Takichiyama Parking Lot, all located between the Hakone
Skyline and the Izu Skyline. Most of these places are at high altitudes, and since we went early in the morning, it was much cooler and more comfortable than Kyoto. If there’s no fog, you can see amazing views from these spots, except for Melody Pave. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wild deer.

The Fountain of Life, or “Mikoto no Izumi,” has a torii gate by the road. When you pass through the gate, you’ll find a small spring inside. The water was very cold, and the moss and grass around it made it feel magical. However, the water isn’t drinkable, so be careful not to taste it. Melody Pave is located on the Ashinoko Skyline, between Kojiri Pass and Hakone Pass. It’s a unique road where you can hear a melody when you drive at a certain speed. The grooves on the road surface are designed to create a musical scale, and as your car passes over them, you hear music. This is not just for entertainment but also as a safety measure to slow down and prevent drowsiness.

About 500 meters before the Hakone Pass toll gate, you’ll hear the opening song of Neon Genesis Evangelion, “Cruel Angel's Thesis" if you drive at around 40 km/h. I was really surprised when I first heard the melody, not realizing it was coming from the tires. The sound is different depending on which direction you’re going, so be sure to listen on your way back!

Next, I’d like to talk about Mt. Omuroyama. Mt. Omuroyama is a scoria cone formed by an eruption about 4,000 years ago. It’s shaped like a giant pudding and is one of the largest scoria cones in the Izu Eastern Volcano Group. It’s also a nationally designated natural monument. The mountain has a diameter of 300 meters, a circumference of 1,000 meters, and a depth of 70 meters. There’s a lift that takes you to the top for 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. At the summit, you can see the green grass inside the caldera, the blue sky, and the sea stretching beyond it. Personally, I found the temperature higher than expected, likely because the altitude isn’t very high. I ended up sweating while walking, so it was a bit tough. They sell cold treats like　shaved ice and soft-serve ice cream, so it’s a good idea to refresh yourself with　something cold before or after the lift ride. Mt. Omuroyama is a popular tourist spot, so　it was a bit crowded. You might have to wait a little for the lift, but the view is so beautiful that you’ll forget about the wait. If you have the chance, definitely check it out!

Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has many other attractions, including stylish cafes, a zoo, and beautiful beaches, so make sure to explore them too!