volcano gifts from the south -...
TRANSCRIPT
Izu Peninsula Geopark
Volcano Gifts from the South
Izu Peninsula Geopark
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF
GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK
Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council, Japan
Izu Peninsula Geopark
CONTENTS
A. IDENTIFICATION OF THE AREA ......................................................................... 1
A-1 NAME OF THE PROPOSED GEOPARK .......................................................................... 1
A-2 SURFACE AREA, PHYSICAL AND HUMAN GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS ........... 1
A-3 ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE ...................................................... 6
A-4 CONTACT ADDRESS ................................................................................................... 8
B. GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE ..................................................................................... 9
B-1 LOCATION .................................................................................................................. 9
B-2 GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................... 10
B-3 DESCRIPTION OF MAIN GEOSITES ........................................................................... 14
B-4 INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL AND LOCAL IMPORTANCE OF THE GEOSITES.............. 24
C. GEOCONSERVATION .......................................................................................... 32
C-1 CURRENT AND POTENTIAL PRESSURE ON THE GEOPARK ........................................ 32
C-2 CONSERVATION MEASURE AT GEOSITES ................................................................. 32
C-3 THE CURRENT STATUS OF GEOSITE MANAGEMENT AND RELATED DATA ............... 33
C-4 NON-GEOLOGICAL SITES AND EXPLANATIONS ........................................................ 36
D. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND BUSINESS PLAN ................................................. 38
D-1 ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE GEOPARK: .............................................................. 38
D-2 EXISTING AND PLANNED FACILITIES OF THE GEOPARK ........................ 40
D-3 ANALYSIS OF GEOTOURISM POTENTIAL .................................................................. 42
D-4 OVERVIEW AND POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ................................ 44
D-5 DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL SOCIETY ......................................................................... 47
D-6 EFFORTS TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS ................................................................. 48
E. REASONS FOR JOINING THE GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK ................... 49
Izu Peninsula Geopark
1
A. IDENTIFICATION OF THE AREA
A-1 Name of the Proposed Geopark
Izu Peninsula Geopark, Japan.
Izu Peninsula is a naturally diverse and culturally rich area with many
prominent historical and local gastronomic attractions. It is also a famous hot
spring area in Japan, and attracts a large number of tourists. When examined
closely, many of such diversities and attractions are closely related to the
geological formation of the peninsula: its geological heritage. ‘Izu Peninsula
Geopark’ refers to the whole geographical extent of the peninsula.
The Izu Peninsula Geopark is an area that combines the geological landmass
of Izu that originated as a submarine volcanic massif and collided with
Honshu (the main island of Japanese archipelago) and the cultural, touristic
land of ‘Izu’ which was previously also known as ‘Izu-no-kuni’. Fig. 1
shows the location of Izu Peninsula.
The Geopark is located about 100 kilometers south-southwest of the Japanese capital, Tokyo. It is accessible
by the Shinkansen bullet train (40 minutes from Tokyo) and the Tokyo International Airport (1 hour).
A-2 Surface Area, Physical and Human Geographical Characteristics
A-2-i Extent of Area
The area of the geopark is approximately 2027 km2.
(land area:1585 km2). The area is divided into 15
administrative units of Shizuoka Prefecture: Atami City,
Ito City, Izu City, Izunokuni City, Mishima City,
Numazu City, Shimoda City, Higashiizu Town,
Kannami Town, Kawazu Town, Matsuzaki Town,
Minamiizu Town, Nagaizumi Town, Nishiizu Town,
Shimizu Town). The areal extent is shown in Fig. 2.
A-2-ii Physical Geographical Characteristics
【Topography/Relief】
Izu Peninsula is a peninsular landmass that extends
about 60 km southward from the eastern limit of
the Shizuoka Prefecture: it has a maximum east-
west width of 40 km, and a total coastal length of
318 km. Most of the area apart from the Tagata
Plain in the North is covered by mountains of low
to moderate elevations. The highest point of the
peninsula is Mt. Banzaburo (1405 m asl) of Amagi
Range. Some parts of the peninsula receive heavy
precipitation. Elevated mountains that jut out into
the sea cause large amounts of rain to fall and also
create a diverse coastal topography. This complex
Fig.1. Geopark Location
E139°
N35°
Fig.3. Topography
Fig.2. Geopark area
Izu Peninsula Geopark
2
topography also forms natural barriers between localities within the peninsula, and provides landscape
diversity to each area.
The Sagami Bay, located to the east of the peninsula, has a depth of 1000m off the shore of Hatsushima Island
and 1500m in the bay off the South shore of Oshima Island. The Suruga Bay at the west is still deeper, 2500m
in the baymouth between Osezaki and Omaezaki. These deep bays are influenced by water coming in from
outlying oceanic systems. The Kuroshio Current, flowing along the south of the Japanese Archipelago, is
impeded by the volcanic rise at the south of the Izu Peninsula and changes its path to flow into the bays. Cold
seawater originating from large scale circulation off Greenland also flows beneath the warmer Kuroshio. Fig.
3 shows the topographical characteristics of and around the geopark.
Kanogawa (length 46 km) is the longest river of the peninsula. It is one of the rare rivers that flows northward
into the Pacific Ocean (Suruga Bay). The lower parts of the Kanogawa Basin receive a lot of volcanic ejecta
and debris flow that constrain the river flow, resulting in frequent flooding during high discharge events.
Apart from Kanogawa, the peninsula does not have a large river system and therefore silt inflow into the
baymouths is negligible. The deep waters near the coast, different temperature ranges and water qualities in
the bays make these water bodies rich fishing grounds.
【Climate】
According to the Koppen
classification, Izu Peninsula is located
in the Temperate Humid Climate zone,
this is similar to most locations in
Japan. However, the climate within the
peninsula varies appreciably between
coastal and interior parts. The coastal
parts are influenced by the warm
Kuroshio Current and the mean annual
temperature is 15-17C, the southern tip
of Irozaki Cape does not receive any
snowfall even in the winter. In contrast
the northern Tagata Plain has a wide
difference of day and night temperatures, winter in this area is also noticeably colder. The central Amagi
Highland receives moist air flow from the Pacific, resulting in large amounts of precipitation (over 4000mm in
Mt. Amagi) and frequent snowfall during winter. On the other hand the western part of the peninsula is
relatively dry due to winds depositing their moisture content over the Amagi area. The coastal areas are
relatively warm in winter and cool in summer compared to the Tokyo metropolitan area.
【Ecosystems and Biodiversity】
The climatic diversity of the peninsula directly contributes to the biodiversity.
Mount Amagi, which is a mountain range with multiple prominent peaks like Banjiro and Banzaburo-dake, is
known for its deciduous broadleaf Fagus crenata (Buna or Japanese Beech), Stia monadelpha (Himeshara)
and Aceraceae family forests. Especially the Fagus crenata forest is a rare feature in a Pacific Coast location.
A 2.2 km2 tract of old-growth forest is located at Kannami Town, on the slopes of the quaternary volcanic
mountains (500-850 m asl of elevation) that rise at the east of the Tagata Plain. Broadleaf trees like 700 year
old giant Fagus crenata, as well as gigantic Quercus acuta (Akagashi), Stewartia monadelpha are seen. This
tract of forest is known for its water recharging properties, and has been preserved for this function since Edo
Period (1603-1868).
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency Fig.4. Annual Temperature
Izu Peninsula Geopark
3
In the northwestern part of the peninsula, a curious sand spit formation in the Osezaki area allows a large
group of very old Juniper trees to thrive. These junipers are known as the northernmost extension of natural
juniper colonies in the Japanese archipelago, and some giant trees are estimated to be nearly a thousand years
old. The Osezaki Juniper Colony is registered as a National Natural Monument.
A diverse range of marine organisms, mostly belonging to the warm marine environment, can be found in the
sea around the peninsula. In the past, new marine species like the Bodianus masudai (Shimakitsunebera) were
reported off the coast of Izu Peninsula, and marine species previously unknown in Japan continue to be
discovered from the depths of the seas around this geopark. In addition some marine species such as the
Pseudanthias leucozonus (Shiroobihanadai) and the Pseudotrichonotus altivelis (Hotateeso) are only found off
the coasts of Izu, they are therefore endemic marine species of the region. The adjacent Uchiura Bay is home
for the Acropora reef building coral family (Acropora tumida, Japanese name Edamidoriishi) and this habitat
is the northernmost limit of the Acropora’s range off the Japanese archipelago. Several deep sea species such
as Regalecus russelii (Ryuugunotsukai), Diaphus watasei (Hadakaiwashi lanternsfish), Chiroteuthis
imperator (Yuureiika or phantom squid), Paralomis dofleini (Tsubuezoibaragani) as well as the Japanese
Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) have their habitats in the deep waters around the peninsula. The
Japanese Spider Crab or Takaashigani is the largest crab species in the world, and it lives in the deep Suruga
Bay at the west of Izu. Seaweed bed is widespread along most coastal areas: rocky coastal parts are known for
Sargassum bed and Gelidium bed seaweed and sandy beaches are known for Zostera bed (sea grass bed).
Vegetation such as Ecklonia bed is the food for the Abalone (Awabi), Turban shell (Sazae) and Sea Urchin
(Uni).
A-2-iii Human Geographical Characteristics
【Population】
The total population of the geopark area is 690,000
(2010 census), comprising 280,000 households.
Fig 5 shows the population densities in different
regions. Because mountains and highlands
predominate, the population is mostly concentrated
in the coastal and narrow plain regions. 61% of the
total population is concentrated in the 5
administrative units (Numazu City, Mishima City,
Kannami Town, Shimizu Town and Nagaizumi
Town) around the Tagata Plain.
【Historical and Cultural Backgrounds】
The oldest human habitations of the peninsula go back to 30,000 years
back. This was the latter part of the Paleolithic Era in Japan. Discovery
of various types of remnants from the Ashitaka Mountain and western
parts of the lower Hakone mountain area testifies for existence of Fig.5. Population distribution
Osezaki Juniper
Amagi beech Pennant coralfish
Izu Peninsula Geopark
4
sizable populations at this period. Later, Izu became a strategic location for marine traffic. The evidence
comes from the discovery of obsidian from Kozushima in the Mitakadanma ruins in Kawazu Town: this
means that this place was a storage point for the obsidian that entered Izu from outside.
Artefacts from the Yayoi Era (300 BC-250 AD), when wet rice cultivation became widespread throughout
Japan, are found in the southern part of the peninsula. The Hizume ruins of the Minamiizu Town, Himemiya
ruins of Kawazu Town, Ebisujima ruins of Shimoda City are valuable parts of the history of the period when
the coastal areas in the south of the peninsula were developed due to the lack of plain land. Notable artefacts
of the Kofun Era (250 AD-600AD) include the Mukaiyama, Kashiya and Ema burial mounds. The
Mukaiyama mounds are the first keyhole Kofun burial mounds found in Izu, while the mounds in the Kashiya
park are accessible to tourists. The Jo-ri-sei primitive land grid system was developed in the Asuka Period
(592-710 AD) and this formed the basis of the development of cropland and roadways in the Tagata Plains.
During the Heiji Rebellion (1160 AD), Minamoto-no-Yoritomo raised his battalion in the Izu area, and later,
during the opening up and modernization of Japan, Shimoda played a prominent part as the place where
Shimoda Naval Treaty was signed. Points of historical interest include the Hirugakojima where Minamoto no
Yoritomo was exiled for 20 years, Ganjojuin where the wife of Yoritomo, Hojo Masako was born, Nirayama
Furnace (where Egawa Tan-an tried to build large cannons, this furnace is still almost intact), Gyokusenji in
Shimoda City (the first US Consular property in Japan). Many of such artefacts are registered as cultural
heritage properties.
【Use of Stones and Minerals】
The old stone quarries of Izu Peninsula are a main cultural attraction of the area. The ‘Izu Stone’ is a special
stone processed in Izu, it was prized as a building material in pre-modern Japan. There are two types of ‘Izu
Stone’: ‘hard’ and ‘soft.’ The hard stones are generally andesitic stones that have excellent heat and trauma
resistance properties: these were used as materials for castle walls in the Edo castle and Sunpu castle. The soft
stones are generally softer and lighter volcanic ash, which were perfect materials to build kilns or storehouses.
These stones were also prized for their ornamental value. The Usami Quarry in Ito, which supplied hard Izu
stones in the past, was registered as a historical monument in 2011. The soft stones were in circulation
throughout Kanto region of Japan (generic name for Tokyo, Yokohama and adjacent areas in east central
Japan), this was both due to the fact that these stones are easy to process, and also the historical importance of
Izu as a marine trade point. Later, after the Kanto earthquake (1923) and the development of overland routes,
the Oya stone from Tochigi replaced soft Izu stone as the dominant quarried stone in Japan. Still soft stones
from Izu can be seen in the baths and floors of many Japanese households. Such stones are also seen in walls
of many historical buildings and storehouses in Shimoda City. In addition, minerals such as gold were
extracted in large amount from Izu’s mines in the premodern times. Gold mining in Izu rivalled the Tohoku
region in the Middle Ages and mines such as the Toi Goldmine and Gantsuki Tensho goldmine were
prominent mines. These two goldmines are registered as historical properties by the relevant cities and towns.
Kashiya tunnel-tombs Ebisujima Nirayama furnace
Izu Peninsula Geopark
5
【Beliefs and Rituals】
92 shrines from Izu are registered in the Engishiki Register of religious beliefs and rituals. This number is
higher than other regions of the Shizuoka Prefecture. Izu has witnessed frequent natural disasters like
earthquakes, volcanism and tsunami since ancient times. These events directly contributed to the local beliefs,
as local societies began to worship the deities who were supposed to lord over the natural forces. Many
shrines were thus built in this region as places for worshipping such deities.
The Mishima Taisha Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Izu Peninsula. The presiding deity is
Mishima Dai-myojin, a god of fire. Whenever there was an explosion in the Miykejima or Kozu-shima
volcanic islands off Izu, the value of Mishima Dai-myojin went up. The main shrine pavilion is currently
registered as an important cultural property. The legend of the Mishima Dai-myojin says that the deity arrived
in Mishima after initially lodging at Shirahama Shrine in Shimoda. Shirahama is the oldest shrine in the Izu
Peninsula, and the shrine continues to worship the gods and goddesses of the turbulent Izu islands through a
fire ritual known as the Hitachi-festival.
In addition there are many shrines such as the Ishimuro Shrine at the tip of southern Izu where people worship
the deities of the seas who are supposed to protect seafarers and fishermen from accidents.
【Writers and Izu】
Izu is a famous hot spring destination, and many famous writers frequented this area. Yasunari Kawabata,
who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1968, composed the novel ‘The Dancing Girl of Izu’ with the
Izu Peninsula as the background. Another famous novel is Shirobanba, written by Yasushi Inoue, with the
Amagi Yugashima area as the background. Other notable authors who wrote with the area as background
include Osamu Dazai and Banana Yoshimoto. There are many inns, spring baths and other buildings in Izu
that were visited by the literary luminaries.
Kiunkaku villa Old Amagi Tunnel Cape Koganezaki
Mishima Taisha Shrine Shirahama Hitachi Festival Ishimuro Shrine
Edo castle stone quarry Shimoda cityscape Gantsuki goldmine
Izu Peninsula Geopark
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A-3 Organization and Management Structure
A-3-i Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council
The Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council is the body responsible for managing the geopark. A roster is
given below:
The Promotion Council comprises of 54 members, including local administrative units, traffic corporations
and local media units. The General Assembly, Executive Committee, Promotion Council Bureau, and
Working Committees run the various management related duties. The General Assembly meets once every
year to discuss on legal issues, reorganization, project planning, budgetary issues and other important tasks.
The Executive Committee is comprised of administrative representatives of 15 cities and towns,
representatives of the Shizuoka Prefecture, and non-administrative representatives selected by the 15
administrative units. The Executive Committee is responsible for implementing the decisions of the General
Assembly as well as reporting issues to the Assembly. The Promotion Council Bureau is the organization that
is directly responsible for all types of research, administrative, and management duties: the Bureau is also the
point of contact for all types of external communications. The 4 external Working Committees are:
Geoconservation, Geotourisn, Education and Academic Research Committees. In addition, a Project Working
Group works under the Executive Committee to confer on structural management issues.
A-3-ii Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council Bureau
The Promotion Council Bureau is currently located in Ito City, in the administrative section (City Office) of
the Promotion Council President. The structure of the Bureau and the Council are described in the chart in Fig
6. The Bureau employs 2 Specialist Researchers: a specialist researcher of geology and natural hazards
management (employed since 2011: responsible for interpretation of geosites, explanation panels, education
【Prefecture, Cities and Towns】Shizuoka Prefecture, Numazu City, Atami City, Mishima City, Ito City,
Shimoda City, Izu City, Izunokuni City, Higashiizu Town, Kawazu Town, Minamiizu Town, Matsuzaki
Town, Nishiizu Town, Kannami Town, Nagaizumi Town, Shimizu Town
【Regular Members】Conference for Activation of the Izu Area Tourism, Numazu Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, NPO Numazu Tourist Association, Atami Tourist Association, Mishima Tourist
Association, Mishima Furusato Guide Club, NPO Machikon ITO, Ito Tourist Association, Shimoda Tourist
Association, Shimoda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Amagi Nature Guide Club, Shizuoka
Prefectural Izu Sogo High School, Izunokuni Tourist Association, Higashiizu Society of Commerce and
Industry, Higashiizu Tourist Association, Kawazu Society of Commerce and Industry, Minamiizu Society of
Commerce and Industry, Minamiizu Tourist Association, Matsuzaki Tourist Association, Nishiizu Society of
Commerce and Industry, Nishiizu Tourist Association, Kannami Tourist Association, Nagaizumi Tourism
and Exchange Association, Shimizu Tourist Association, Mishima Building Contractors Society, Shimoda
Building Contractors Society, Izu Peninsula Geoguide Association, Izukyu Holdings Co.Ltd., IZUHAKONE
Railway Co.Ltd., Izuhakone Bus Co.Ltd., Tokai Jidosha Co.Ltd., Shizuoka Taxi Association Izu Section,
Shizuoka Road Public Corp., Shizuoka Bank Ltd., Izukyu Cable Network Co.Ltd., Izubus Co.Ltd.
【Research Institution】Shizuoka University Center for Integrated Research and Education of Natural
Hazards
【National Ministries and Offices】MLIT. Numazu Office of River and National Highway, MLIT. JMA.
Shizuoka Meteorological Office, MAFF. Forestry Agency Izu Office, MoE. Hakone Environmental Office
MoE: Ministry of the Environment, MLIT: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
JMA: Japan Meteorological Agency
MAFF: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan
MoE: Ministry of the Environment
Izu Peninsula Geopark
7
and popularization of geoscience among residents, children and visitors, geohazard awareness, training
program for geoguides and administrative staff, event- planning) and a specialist researcher of foreign
nationality (geography and environment related issues, employed since 2013: responsible for natural heritage
management research, communicating with international researchers, geopark related international outreach
activities, and English language communication). Both researchers also carry out research on geological
heritage in general. The 3 Assistant Directors carry out administrative, budgetary and implementation related
duties, publication, and networking with industries, in addition to various planning activities. In addition,
personnel carrying out website management, web-editing and e-publication support, and responsible for
interacting with visitor centers, tour planning are employed in the Bureau on ad-hoc basis.
A-3-iii Supporting Units/ Members
The Geopark receives various academic, research and capacity-building advices, as well as joint-research,
geoguide education and geoscience lecture support from the Shizuoka University (one of the National
Universities of Japan). Efforts are ongoing to expand the academic outreach and involve other universities and
think-tanks.
Professor Masato Koyama of the Center for Integrated Research and Education of Natural Hazards in
Shizuoka University is the main academic advisor. Dr. Koyama is a well-known volcanologist in Japan, he
was instrumental behind the conceptualization of the leopard: beginning with the Guideline of Izu Peninsula
Fig.6. Organization structure
Izu Peninsula Geopark
8
Geopark Project and continuing to this date in the form of lecturers, advisory support ad publications on the
geopark. In addition, the Center for Integrated Research and Education of Natural Hazards supports joint
research with the geopark.
In addition, local Non Profit Organizations (NPO) provide crucial support. The NPO Machikon Ito has been a
constant support behind developing the geopark concept and managing geoguiding activities, and won award
for its outstanding contribution.
A-3-iv Finances
The Promotion Council has its independent funds exclusively for geopark promotion and management. These
funds support the Promotion Council. The main income sources are financial commitment from each of the 15
administrative units, a special tourism promotion body for Izu Peninsula, and funds allocated for the geopark
from Shizuoka Prefecture Government. The various structural costs such as visitor center management,
explanation panel construction, managing trails, parking places and toilet facilities are run by the common
fund of the 15 administrative units. The chart below gives a summary of the available budget.
Table 1. Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council maintains its own budget
Management cost (unit 1000yen)
year Total
municipal prefecture national other
2011.4-2012.3 33,759 8,593 12,000 11,896 1,270
2012.4-2013.3 30,000 7,800 8,400 11,710 2,090
2013.4-2014.3 38,048 10,200 11,200 13,545 3,103
2014.4-2015.3 39,440 15,800 11,200 6,577 5,863
A-4 Contact Address
Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council
President: Hiromi Tsukuda
2-1-1 Ohara, Ito 414-8555, Shizuoka, Japan
Tel: 0557-32-1784 Fax: 0557-38-2867
Email: [email protected], URL: http://izugeopark.org/
year
Total (unit 1000yen)
municipal prefecture
2011.4-2012.3 140,034 70,034 70,000
2012.4-2013.3 329,919 198,400 197,700
2013.4-2014.3 486,550 193,750 292,800
2014.4-2015.3 320,200 136,600 183,600
year
Total (unit 1000yen)
municipal other
2014.4-2015.3 10,360 3,460 6,900
Table 2. Cost of Central Operation Unit Table 3. Cost of hardware and related facilities
Izu Peninsula Geopark
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B. GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE
B-1 Location
Izu Peninsula geopark is located in the east-central part (Pacific coast side) of the Honshu Island in Japan.
Latitudinal and longitudinal extents are: Latitude: 34.6 N and 35.2 N, Longitude: 138.7 E and 139.2 E.
The peninsula, while seemingly an integral part of the Honshu Island, is geologically formed on the northern
tip of the Philippine Sea Plate which subducts beneath the continental plate boundary at the eastern coast of
Japan (most of the island landmass of Honshu is geologically part of the North American and Eurasian
continental plates). The Izu Islands and Ogasawara (Bonin) Volcanic Arc, result of the subduction of the
Pacific Sea Plate below the Philippine Sea Plate, are located to the south of the peninsula. The Izu Peninsula is
also located on the northern limit of the Izu-Bonin Arc (IBA). It is a geologically unique location where the
IBA is colliding with the Honshu Arc. The peninsula is bounded by deep troughs created due to the
subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate under the continental plate margin: Suruga Trough (West) and the
Sagami Trough (East)—which create the two deepest bays of Japan. Within a mere 20 km distance from the
coast, the depression within these troughs falls rapidly to 1500-2500 meters.
The Kuroshio Current, one of the main marine currents that influence the waters around Japan, brings the
influence of warm temperate climate to the area. For this reason, plant and animal species that are more
commonly found in comparatively southern locations are seen in the peninsula. On the other hand, as the
peninsula is geographically an extension of Honshu, plants from the northern locations have also colonized
the area. Due to its location, Izu Peninsula is known as both northern and southern limits of a number of
species habitats. There are a number of endemic species found within the peninsula, most of them have the
words Izu or Amagi (central highland) attached to their names. Due to the convergence of various climatic,
geological and geomorphological factors, the intra-species diversity is also rich. For several plant species,
E139° E140° E138°
N35°
N34°
N33°
Tokyo
Miyakejima Island
Mt.Fuji
Philippine Sea Plate
Pacific Plate
Eurasian Plate
(Amurian plate)
North American Plate
(Okhotsk Plate)
3~6cm/year
8~10cm/year
Geopark area (Terrestrial)
Philippine Sea Plate
Niijima Island
Tanzawa Mountains Akaishi
Mountains
Izu Peninsula
Source : ETOPO2
Izu-Oshima Island
Fig.7. Izu Peninsula’s location at plate margin
Izu Peninsula Geopark
10
flowering times differ compared to their colonies elsewhere in Japan. There are a number of natural species
variants within the area, making the peninsula ecologically rich. The warm temperate climate helps colonies
of ferns and several types of vascular and woody plants to flourish. The highlands near the southern coast are
rich in vegetation types such as Canopy Layer Vegetation, Sub-canopy Layer Vegetation, Understorey
Vegetation and Undergrowth Vegetation (Grassland). In the central Amagi Highland, tall Emergent Layer
Vegetation can be seen, some of the trees here are also hundreds of years old. The northern part of the
peninsula also features rich natural forests in places, such as the old-growth preserved forest in Kannami
Town, as well as special type of small vegetation colonies such as the Juniper colony on the sand-spit of
Osezaki (some trees are nearly a thousand years old).
The two bays of Sagami and Suruga are home to a diverse range of marine species due to the deep troughs
created by subduction process. The rich marine ecosystems provide a rich diversity of fish catch for local
societies, some of the well-known products of this region include the Beryx splendens (Splendid alfonsino,
locally known as Kinmedai). Many tropical and subtropical fish species inhabit or frequent the waters around
the peninsula, notable examples include Chromis notata (Pearl-spot chromis, locally known as Suzumedai),
and Chaetodon auripes (Oriental Butterflyfish or Chocho-uo in Japanese). Most of these fish species are
seasonal visitors, they arrive in flocks with the inflow of the Kuroshio, but they are unable to withstand the
temperature drop in winter. The Uchiura Inlet off Numazu City is also the northern limit of a species of reef-
building coral.
B-2 Geological Description
The main geological characteristics of the Izu Peninsula stem from the fact that a submarine volcanic massif
on the Philippine Sea Plate drifted and collided with Honshu, generating various volcanic and crustal
processes. The main geo-story of the Geopark derives from this geological event: Izu Peninsula is the only
location in the world where an ongoing collision between two island arcs is taking place. The main theme of
the Geopark: ‘Volcano Gifts from the South’—addresses the various landform, landscape, ecosystem and
cultural features of the peninsula that can be attributed to this geological history.
Suzumedai Murehatatatedai Kumanomi Minokasago lionfish
Endemic
Izuasatsuki
Endemic
Amagitsutsuji Isogiku plant Nachishida fern
(northern habitat limit)
Izu Peninsula Geopark
11
The IBA is formed due to the
subduction of the Pacific Plate
beneath the Philippine Sea Plate.
The Philippine Sea Plate moves
towards a northward direction and
itself subducts under the
continental plate margin beneath
the island arc of Honshu. The IBA
moves northward due to the motion
of the Philippine Sea plate, and this
creates the active collision zone
between IBA and Honshu island
arcs. The Izu Peninsula is located
near the northern tip of the IBA, it
is an allochthonous block that
became a part of the continental
crust due to the collision between
two volcanic arcs, as described
above. Prior to Izu Peninsula’s assimilation in the
continental crust that took place more than 1 Ma, the
Tanzawa Massif had collided and been assimilated in
the continental crust about 5-6 Ma. It is postulated that
even older collisions, those of the Misaka and
Kushigatayama Massifs, had taken place. Thus the Izu
Peninsula and its surrounding areas are not only a
location of collision between island arcs due to plate
motion, but it is a region where ‘multilayered’
collision evidences as well as repetition of collision
events, accretion of landmass and continental crust
formation, can all be seen. The region has long been
researched for tectonic processes, formation the
Japanese archipelago, and submarine volcanic
deposition. The Izu Peninsula allows a momentary
glimpse (in geological time-scale) on the ongoing saga
of multiple collisions and crustal evolution processes.
It is a special location where one can sense the
dynamic nature of our planet.
In addition, it must be noted that the multiple
collision events due to the movement of IBA at the plate margin are responsible for a number of geological
peculiarities observed in central Honshu Island such as crustal deformation, rotation and crustal uplift. For
example: the Akaishi Mountain Area (Southern Japan Alps) started to be uplifted from the early Pliocene
Epoch, and this uplift became even more pronounced since 1 Ma, after Izu’s collision with Honshu. The rate
of uplift is calculated as several thousand meters/ Myr and recent rates of 40 cm in 100 years have been
observed. Currently, landforms mainly arising out of volcanic processes dating back 20 Ma have been
confirmed in this area, and two geological periods (the Neogene and the Quaternary Periods) are represented
in the geological history of the Geopark.
Fig.9. Crustal motion of past 100 yrs. in Japan
Fig.8. Geotectonic structure of central Japan (left), collision of
island arcs (right)
Izu Peninsula Geopark
12
Most of the land forms that date back beyond 2 Ma were created out of
submarine volcanic deposition, secondary deposition layers, and
intrusive sheet formation (Dikes). These submarine volcanic landforms
are grouped into the Nishina, Yugashima and Shirahama Groups.
Fossils and paleomagnetic records from these layers clearly prove that
Izu was located in a far lower (comparatively southerly) latitude in the
geologic past. During the period of 2-1 Ma, the submarine volcanic
deposition layers become absent, indicating the period of collision with
Honshu and crustal uplift. The sandstone/mudstone layer that is found in
the central part of the peninsula (lower part of the most geologically
recent Atami Group) records deposition upto 600,000 years ago. This
was the time when the whole of the peninsula became a part of
continental Honshu. The landforms subsequent to this point are products
of terrestrial volcanism. Large scale terrestrial volcanism continued in
Izu Peninsula until about 200,000 years ago, Mount Amagi was among
the main volcanoes that erupted during this period. Polygenetic
volcanism of this period gave rise to large highlands, Mt.
Banzaburodake in Amagi (1405 m asl) is the highest peak in Izu
Peninsula today.
After this phase of polygenetic terrestrial volcanism drew to a close, a
fresh phase of terrestrial volcanism began about 150,000 years ago: this
was the beginning of the monogenetic volcanic phase, represented by
numerous small volcanoes of the Izu Tobu Volcanic Group. This phase
is still active, a moderate submarine phreatomagmatic eruption off the
Ito City coast in July 1989 was the most recent volcanic event. Frequent
earthquake swarms and crustal movements caused by magma intrusion
are observed in this region. The Philippine Sea Plate motion continues
to push Izu Peninsula further into the continental crust, as a result there
are several active faults such as the Tanna and Irozaki Faults.
Fig.10. Izu Peninsula at plate junction
Fig.11. Different periods of Izu Peninsula’s geostory
Izu Peninsula Geopark
13
Fig.12. Geological structure of the Izu Peninsula
Izu Peninsula Geopark
14
B-3 Description of Main Geosites
B-3-i Geosites Conceptualization and Management
In Izu Peninsula Geopark, ‘Geosites’ are conceptualized in a manner where they narrate about a part of the
geostory, the geosites are a combination of points which are mutually related. For this reason, there are one or
multiple ‘Geopoints’ within the same Geosite. Geosites are in turn combined to form ‘Areas’ which are the
biggest collective units of geological heritage in the Geopark. The Areas are conceptualized by keeping in
mind the range of visitor movement and management related logistics. Areas are also naturally divided among
watersheds and other types of geomorphological boundaries: there are a total of 11 areas in the geopark.
Izu Peninsula Geopark has 313 Geopoints in 114 Geosites. Geopoints also involve locations where it is not
possible for common visitors to access the site due to safety concern or specially restricted sites. While it is
not sometimes possible to utilize such sites for geotourism, many among these have particular geoscientific
and research purpose value, hence they are inscribed in the Geopoint list. Thus, the Geopark manages
Geopoints based on the ‘Use/Value Type’. A list of geopoints along these divisions are given below.
Table 4. Geopoint categories and details
Geopoint Type Details Number
General access
These sites can be visited by anyone: tourists, residents or researchers.
They pose no or little difficulty of access, visitors can get a sense of the
geostory of the peninsula. Website or pamphlet based guidance is
available, explanation panels are also present in many of these sites.
159
Limited access
These sites can be visited by anyone: tourists, residents or researchers. But
some of them pose difficulty of access or some safety concern. These are
also valued for their common geotourism purpose. Visitors can access
these sites when geoguides or tour operators are present.
27
Education
purpose
These sites have particular value for geoscience researchers. They pose no
or little access issues, but sometimes the contents/explanation are not
easily explained to all levels of visitors. Based on demand, information
about these can be provided by the geopark, and is inscribed in the
geospoint manual.
105
Research purpose
Mainly for research purpose. They have geoscientific value but most are
accessed with considerable difficulty. The geopark provides special
guidance about these sites on a case-by-case basis.
22
Total 313
Geographical Information System
(GIS) database is used to manage this
large number of sites. This database is
not available for the general public,
but the geopark provides relevant data
to engineering or construction
projects approved by administrative
authorities. The geopark also provides
training for construction workers to
prevent damage to the sites.
Fig.13. Geosite/ geopoint database
Izu Peninsula Geopark
15
B-3-ii Description of Main Geosites
A detailed list of all geosites is available at the end of chapter.
Here some key geosites and their significances are discussed.
The main Theme of our geopark reads: Volcano Gifts from the South. This overall theme describes the
formation and geological structure of the Izu Peninsula, it is in turn subdivided in to 5 themes depending on
geological periods and cultural facets of the geohistory.
1. A southern volcanic massif drifted in and collided with Honshu
2. Izu’s submarine volcanic roots
3. Formation of the peninsula and terrestrial volcanism
4. A ‘living’ peninsula
5. Dynamic local knowledge and culture related with geological change
1. A southern volcanic massif drifted in and collided with Honshu: Different types of collision
evidence
The main geological characteristic of the Izu
Peninsula is that it did not originally form
inside the Japanese archipelago, but is the
result of a collection of submarine volcanoes
in the south sea that gradually came closer to
the Japanese landmass with Philippine Sea
Plate movement and eventually collided with
Honshu Island. Two important indirect and
direct proofs of this geologic past are
paleomagnetic records and fossils in the
rocks. The study of paleomagnetism in the
rocks has proven that Izu was originally
located in a far southerly location: a chart of
the paleomagnetic property is given on the chart at the right. But this evidence is only understood by
researchers and cannot be readily ‘seen’. Fossils in the rocks of Izu are easier to understand as they can be
seen or felt directly. Limestone or Calcareous Sandstone found in the Shimoshiraiwa (Izu City at the central
part of the peninsula), Shirahama (Shimoda City in the south) and Nashimoto (Kawazu Town along the east
coast) are typical locations of marine fossils.
Geosite Name: Shimoshiraiwa Kadono Area: Nakaizu
Subtheme: A volcanic massif drifted in from the south and
collided with Honshu
Type: General Access
Geopoint Name: Shimoshiraiwa
Calcareous sandstone at Shimoshiraiwa
Fossils of marine organisms from inside the cliff are direct
evidence of Izu’s former southerly origin. The Calcareous
Sandstone cliff in Shimoshiraiwa, tilted at a 30~40°angle, yields
fossils of Lepidocyclina foraminifera, small corals, sea urchin and
shells dating 11 Ma. These fossils are found in Izu only, the rest
of the mainland Honshu was influenced by a cold climate at that
time. These fossils thus are direct proofs that 11 Ma when Japan
was located in a cold climatic zone, Izu was located in a warmer
southern marine environment.
Fig.14. paleomagnetic records
Izu Peninsula Geopark
16
The Lepidocyclina foraminifera fossils are a Shizuoka Prefecture
designated natural property. Fossils upto 5 mm diameter are
found from the cliff, these are relatively large for foraminifera
size, and are easily observed with the naked eye. Shimoshiraiwa
is an important geosite to learn about plate tectonics and land
formation.
Fossils from the sandstone cliff
In addition the ‘Last Sea’ that formed due to the collision between the volcanic massif and mainland Honshu,
deepened due to plate subduction at the continental margin and gradually became a separated body of water
and was eventually filled up by deposition layers—is a geologically important phenomenon. Mud and gravel
layer from this sea accumulated at locations like Jo and Ikada-ba in Izu city. Most of the peninsula is volcanic
in origin, so this type of distinctive sedimentary deposition layer is quite rare in Izu.
Geosite name: Yokoyama Umegi Area: Nakaizu Kita
Subtheme: A volcanic massif drifted in from the south and
collided with Honshu
Type: Research oriented
In the Yokoyama Umegi Geosite, the mudstone/gravel layer that
was deposited under the ‘Last sea’ can be observed and the gradual
filling up of this water body can be inferred. 1.2 Myr fossils of
organisms that were living in the old seabed are found in these
deposition layers. This type of sedimentary deposit is rare in Izu:
where most of the land was created due to volcanism or volcanic
fallout. This is also the final landform that had a marine origin in
Izu. All subsequent layers are products of terrestrial volcanism.
This indicates that about 1 Ma, Izu became an integral part of
Honshu and the final stretch of water body located between them
filled up.
Silt layer of Yokoyama
2. Izu’s submarine volcanic roots: Submarine volcanic deposits and volcanic necks
Most of Izu was a submerged volcanic massif before of 2 Ma. Submarine volcanic products can be seen in the
dynamic and beautiful coastline of Izu that is a product of crustal uplift and terrestrialization of submarine
volcanic deposits. These strata form the bedrock of the peninsula at various stages: they are grouped into
Nishina, Yugashima and Shirahama Strata Groups (oldest to youngest in geologic age).
The oldest of these strata, the Nishina Group, is found in the middle to downstream parts of the Nishina River
in the western part of the peninsula. The main component of this layer is early Miocene volcaniclastic deposits,
which take the form of subaqueous lava and subaqueous debris flow. Basaltic pillow lava indicating underwater
eruption is also found within this strata.
Izu Peninsula Geopark
17
Geosite Name: Nishina Hozoin Area: Nishiizu
Subtheme: Izu’s submarine volcanic roots Type: General access
Geopoint Name: Ishiki
Pillow lava of Ishiki
The Ishiki area in Nishi Izu Town has an outcrop of basaltic pillow
lava belonging to the Nishina Group. This is a very important geosite
as it enables us to know about the submarine rots of the peninsula. The
pillow lava here is composed of 30~80 cm tubes of aphyric basalt of
pale ash-green color. Minerals like Chlorites fill in the gaps in the
basaltic tubes to form an amygdaloidal structure. Such mineral fillings
give a distinct coloration and pattern to the rock, and fragments are
often used in the bathtubs of hot spring resorts or washing areas. Dikes
that cut across pillow lava layers are also observed in this area.
The Yugashima Group strata are found mainly along the valleys that radiate across the central part of the Izu
Peninsula. Volcaniclastic products from early to mid-Miocene are common and deep marine deposition forms
such as Turbidites are seen. Many of such deposits have subsequently undergone hydrothermal weathering.
Many hydrothermal ore deposits were previously mined at locations like Toi, Seigoshi, Mochikoshi, and
Nawaji.
Geosite Name:Hinata Area: Nakaizu Kita
Subtheme:Izu’s submarine volcanic roots Type: Research oriented
Geopoint:Turbidite of Kajiyama
Turbidite outcrop at the right bank of Kanogawa
Very good examples of Turbidite outcrops are seen in
the lowland areas in along the Kanogawa and Omigawa
Rivers. These belong to the Yugashima Group. A
prominent turbidite outcrop is seen on the other side of
the Kanogawa bank at Izu City. The bedding pattern is
clear due to differential erosion of different particle
sizes, and one can confirm the graded bedding pattern in
the outcrop.
The Shirahama Group Strata is common in Izu Peninsula. It forms the ‘bedrock’ of the peninsula. This strata
is volcaniclastic deposition formed on the older Yugashima layer in the late Miocene and early Pliocene. Its
origin is similar to the Yugashima layer but the Tuffaceous sandstone with cross lamina patterns yield fossils
of shallow marine environment, proving that the layer accumulated in a shallow marine stage of land
formation. This indicates that along with the progress of the collision between the Izu massif and the
continental Honshu, the intermediary water body had shrunk and become shallow. This layer forms many of
the beautiful and varied landscapes in the coastline, crafted through wave action and erosion.
Geosite name: Dogashima, Nishina Port Area: Nishiizu
Subtheme:Izu’s submarine volcanic roots Type: General Access
The surroundings of the Dogashima Area in Nishiizuis a location
where subaqueous debris flow remnants, volcanic ash and pumice
layers that accumulated on top of the flow, and hyaloclastic lava
are seen along the coast. This is a major research site for
exploring submarine volcanism as one can see different stages of
submarine volcanic activities.
Izu Peninsula Geopark
18
Geopoint name:Dogashima Coast South
Beautiful tuff cliff with cross lamina
Tuff deposition on subaqueous
volcaniclastic flow
In the southern part of the Dogashima Coast, tuff cliffs with cross
lamina patterns, and gradually flowing layers of subaqueous
debris flow located underneath can be seen. The submarine debris
flow shows an overall graded structure, staged thermal
demagnetization experiments on the gravel inside the debris flow
indicates a temperature of 450~500°at formation. The top part
of the subaqueous debris flow meshes with the cross lamina,
indicating the possibility that the two depositions were related.
Volcanic bombs with chilled margin are lodged within these
deposits, offering a glimpse at the intense submarine volcanism
that gave birth to these products. The coast of Nishiizu is also a
famous tourist area.
In addition many sea caves were later created through wave
action in these deposits. Boat ride from Dogashima allows
visitors to enter such caves, a particularly large sea cave with an
open top (known as ‘Tenso-do’ or open top cave) is particularly
popular.
In the Yugashima and Shirahama layers, many volcanic necks and magmatic dikes are seen. These were
revealed through erosion after Izu became a part of the continental Honshu. Some of the low rising mountains
are actually volcanic necks, with fascinating examples of columnar joints.
Geosite Name:Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Area: Nishi Izu
Subtheme:Izu’s submarine volcanic roots Type: General access
Geopoint name: Senganmon
Senganmon
The southern part of the southwest coast of Izu Peninsula is a
nationally famous tourist area, it has numerous locations where
intrusive rock formations add variety to the coastline. Senganmon is
one of these intrusive formations. Later a sea cave opened up due to
erosion, creating a gate-like structure. The Japanese word Senganmon
can be roughly translated as ‘Priceless Gate’. The rock mass shows
intricate columnar jointing, indicating that it was a passage of magma
flow in the past. It is possible to cruise right up to the Senganmon
either from Dogashima or from Matsuzaki cruise line. Senganmon is
also a famous sunset point.
3. Formation of the peninsula and terrestrial
volcanism: Terrestrial Volcanoes and the
Backbone of Izu Peninsula
Large terrestrial volcanoes like the Amagi and
Daruma began activity after the collision between the
Izu massif and Honshu and after Izu became a
peninsula. It is estimated that these polygenetic
volcanoes once rose up to 2000 m. These large
volcanoes stopped activity about 200,000 years ago,
and subsequent erosion has reduced their size. Their
summit cones collapsed due to erosion, so today Fig.15. the ‘spine’ of Izu
Izu Peninsula Geopark
19
identification of the crater in many of these volcanoes difficult. However, as one looks at the long ridge that
runs along the Izu Skyline, and the highland that stretches from Amagi through Nekko-dake to Darumayama—
one is able to get a sense of the once majestic mountain chain that forms the spine of the peninsula today.
Geosite Name:Uomizaki Area: Atami
Subtheme: Formation of the peninsula and terrestrial volcanism Type: General Access
Geopoint name: Nishiki-ga-Ura
Nishiki ga Ura
Hotels stand on the cliffs at Uomizaki
The deeply serrated coast of Uomizaki is actually a part of the
eroded Taga Volcano (active 800,000 to 300,000 years ago). One
can see the initial stage of the Taga volcanism in this area.
Because breccia from phreatomagmatic eruption is present, the
site yields the important insight that the Taga volcano began its
activity during the shallow marine stage of the evolution of the
peninsula.
These days, hotels and resorts have been developed in the area,
some of these facilities are located directly on the precipitous
cliffs. These hotels and resorts allow visitors to get a first-hand
experience of volcanic deposits and the steep terrain. Some wave
cut platforms are used as open air spring baths (Roten-buro):
these are great example of local societies and tourist facilities
harmonizing with the geological heritage.
The gently sloped mountain valleys and foothill areas created during this terrestrial volcanic phase are used as
tourist spots, orchards, pasture-land in the Nakaizu and Kitaizu (in the center and north of the peninsula)
areas. These volcanoes are also the highest elevation points in the peninsula which attract rainclouds.
4. A ‘living’ peninsula:
Although Izu is now assimilated into the continental plate
landmass of Honshu and the activity of large terrestrial
volcanoes stopped long ago, the event of the ‘collision’ is
not over yet. The motion of the Philippine Sea Plate at the
continental plate margin continues to push Izu further into
the continental crust. In addition as the peninsula is
located near the Pacific Plate subduction margin, active
volcanism continues.
Izu Tobu Volcanic Group: Small-scale volcanism
creating diverse landforms
About 150,000 years ago, a distinct new form of
volcanism began in Izu Peninsula. The Izu Tobu Volcanic
Group (literally East Izu Volcanic Group) is a collection of
relatively small monogenetic volcanoes spread on the
peninsula from central to eastern parts and in the
Fig.16. Izu Tobu Volcanic Group
Izu Peninsula Geopark
20
submarine area between Izu and Izu Oshima Island. A group of monogenetic volcanoes is a rare occurrence in
the Japanese archipelago, where most volcanoes are created due to compressive stress field mechanism: apart
from Izu Tobu, the Abu Group in Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Fukue Group in Nagasaki Prefecture are the
only examples of active monogenetic volcanic fields. In Izu, this type of volcanoes creates diverse landforms
such as scoria cones, maars and lava domes. Lava from these volcanoes flowed into the sea or into steep
gorges and created, flat plateaus or plains in the peninsula. These newest phase of volcanism has resulted in
diverse and beautiful landscapes in the peninsula.
Geosite Name: Omuroyama Area: Ito
Subtheme: A Living Peninsula Type: General Access
Geopoint name: Omuroyama
Omuroyama Scoria Cone
Panorama from Omuroyama Summit
The Omuroyama Scoria Cone is the largest scoria cone of the Izu
Tobu Volcanic Group, it was created in a 4000 year old eruption.
From the summit, one can see a panorama of the many volcanoes in
Ito Area and the land created by this type of volcanism: it provides
a vantage point to see the small monogenetic volcanoes.
A large amount of lava issued from the volcano during its eruptive
phase and filled out the jagged area near the sea shore—this is
known as the Jogasaki Plateau today. The lava flow that reached
the Sagami bay created a beautifully varied coast at Jogasaki. The
lava was mostly spewed out from the flank of this cone. A lava
dome formed at the crater during the last stage of the eruption as
the lava became increasingly viscous. The Omuroyama Scoria
Cone is protected as a national natural monument, and we can
enjoy the beautiful shape of the cone due to the long practice of
yearly vegetation burning.
Geosite Name: Kawazu Nanadaru (Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu) Area: Kawazu/Higasiizu
Subtheme: A Living Peninsula Type: General access
The lava from the Izu Tobu Volcanic Group created many a scenic
waterfall across Izu. The Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu are one among
these. About 25000 years ago, a volcano called Noborio-minami
erupted at the southwestern section of the Amagi area. The lava from
this eruption flowed for about 2 km along the Kawazu River valley,
blocking the Kawazu gorge. Water flowing subsequently on the layer
cascade through the elevations created by the lava, creating the 7
waterfalls. These are the Kamadaru, Ebidaru, Hebidaru, Shokeidaru,
Kanidaru, Deaidaru, and Odaru, from upstream to downstream.
Columnar joints are visible in nearly all of the falls. Different angles
of columnar jointing are exposed at different locations, creating a
dynamic scene. This area was the backdrop of the famous novel ‘The
Dancing Girl of Izu’ by Yasunari Kawabata and the Odoriko
(Dancing Girl) Trail is popular among hikers.
Other notable waterfalls created due to the lava flows from the Izu
Tobu Volcanic Group are Joren Waterfalls and Namesawa Gorge
Rapids—many of them are also backdrops of famous literary works.
Kamadaru waterfall
Izu Peninsula Geopark
21
The Changing Face of the Earth due to Crustal Motion and Fault Movement
Izu continues its momentum of pushing into the Honshu Island today, and as a result the land is pushed in
northwest direction, causing landform changes in this region of Honshu. Active faults are the most readily
recognizable forms of crustal motion. A number of active faults are located in Izu, the Tanna and Irozaki
Faults are probably the most famous of these. Together they give a sense of the changing face of our planet.
Geosite Name: Tanna Basin Area: Kannami
Subtheme: A Living Peninsula Type: General access
Geopoint name: Tanna Fault Park
A part of the Tanna fault
Lateral movement at Tanna fault park
On 26 Nov 1930, a large earthquake rattled the northern part of the
peninsula. This is the Kitaizu earthquake (Magnitude 7.3). This
large earthquake caused lateral movements in the Tanna and
Himenoyu Faults (Himenoyu is located southeast of Tanna). The
movement was by as much as 2m. One can see the lateral
movement of the fault by visiting the Tanna Fault park, the
displaced section is preserved as a national natural monument. It is
thought that the Tanna Fault moved by 1 km horizontally and by as
much as 100 m vertically from the location where it was first
created. Tanna Fault was a subject of intense geological research on
lateral fault movement and some of the pioneering lateral fault
research in the world took place here. In this sense the Tanna Fault
has a global level geological significance. The lateral movement of
the fault during the Kitaizu quake directly affected the construction
of the Tanna Tunnel. Due to the tunnel construction, groundwater
(springwater) from the Tanna area was affected and horseradish
(wasabi) farming took a hard hit. Compensation from the railway
construction project was used to turn the area into a dairy farming
hub.
5. Dynamic local knowledge and culture related with geological change
The local society is the core of the 5th subtheme: how people of the
peninsula related to and utilized parts of this geological heritage.
Use of land features, volcanic ejecta, ore deposits,
geothermal energy and water
Izu Peninsula is a place where a volcanic massif (Izu massif) moved
into Honshu with the motion of the Philippine sea plate, collided at
the continental plate boundary and eventually became integrally
attached to the continental crust. Crustal motion and earthquakes are
still observed in this geologically dynamic peninsula. Izu is a land of
steep mountains and jagged coastlines. The erosion processes have
not yet taken a major toll on the volcanic rocks, which are regularly
found on the thin topsoil layer. Unique vegetation characteristics are
observed here due to these land features, warm climate and lots of
rainfall.
Hot spring melon farming
Tanna
Fault
Park
Izu Peninsula Geopark
22
The groundwater that enters the soil layers come out as ‘springs’ due
to the fissures in the lava layers in many places. A part of the
groundwater is geothermally heated and comes out as ‘hot spring’
(onsen in Japanese). Some farming products use this geothermally
heated spring water. Hot springs and geothermal heat also contribute
to accumulation of hydrothermal ore reserves. Many such reserves,
notably gold reserves—were mined in the past.
Thus many of the geological characteristics of the peninsula also
formed integral parts of the local life. Though the general
topography is jagged, newer lava flows filled in gorges and steep
terrains to create relatively flat land: these areas were later used for
living, farming and grazing animals, they are also developed into
golf courses and resorts recently. Furthermore, the beautiful
landscape and rock patterns visible in the coastline and cliffs are
major tourist capitals.
Geosite Name: Mishima Area: Numazu Mishima
Subtheme: Dynamic local knowledge and culture related with
geological change
Type: General Access
Geopoint Name: :Komoike Pond, Shirataki Park
Water issuing forth from fissures
in the lava at Shirataki Park
Mishima City is located in the northernmost area of the peninsula, this
is also a location of the Kisegawa River alluvial fan deposit (Kisegawa
flows southward from the eastern flank of Mt. Fuji). Tagata Plain—the
only large plain in Izu—is created by the Kisegawa deposition.
Lava from a major eruption of Mt. Fuji about 10000 years ago is
widely distributed over Mishima City. This lava is called Mishima
Lava. The porous Mishima Lava layer is directly attached to the many
springs that issue forth in the city and behind the flow of many small
rivers. This water-landscape provides a unique atmosphere to the city,
and is deeply related to the local culture. The Mishima Eel, a famous
local delicacy, is highly rated for its lack of exces fat and smell,
properties that can be attributed to the springwater of Mishima.
A number of igneous rocks were used as attractive ‘stones’ in the past, still one can see many old stone
quarries in the peninsula.
Fig.17. Major goldmines in Izu
Izu Peninsula Geopark
23
Geosite Name: Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Area: Nishiizu
Subtheme: Dynamic local knowledge and culture related with
geological change
Category: General Access
Geopoint name: Muroiwado
Quarrying marks are left on the mine
walls, volcanic bombs can be seen
lodged in the Tuff.
From olden times the ‘Izu Stone’ or stones quarried from the
peninsula were prized as construction material. There are 2types
of ‘Izu Stone’: a ‘hard’ form that is mostly terrestrial volcanic
ejecta and intrusive dike parts and a ‘soft’ variety which is
actually older, tuff formation as represented in the Shirahama
layer. The Muroiwado abandoned quarry was used till the end of
the Edo Period (1603-1868). Stone quarried at this location was
used in as far away as Shinagawa in Tokyo, where the Odaiba
Battery Ground was constructed with this type of stone. Quarries
where this ‘soft’ stone was cut and processed are found all over
Izu; but Muroiwado is the only location where visitors can access
the full site.
Advanced Disaster Prevention and Disaster Reduction Measures
The geological characteristics of the peninsula sometimes cause natural disasters. For example: the steep
terrain and heavy rainfall cause frequent flooding and landslides. Among the recent large scale disaster events,
the 1958 Kanogawa Typhoon can be cited. This extreme rainfall and flooding caused widespread damage in
the central and northern parts of Izu. Plate dynamics and fault movements cause large earthquakes throughout
the peninsula. Two recent examples are the Kitaizu earthquake (caused by the Tanna Fault) in 1930 and the
Izu-hanto Oki earthquake in 1974 (caused by the Irozaki Fault). There are two deep troughs off the coasts of
Izu caused by plate subduction: the Suruga and Sagami Troughs—these had time and again caused
catastrophic earthquakes known as Tokai and Kanto Earthquakes respectively. The earthquakes caused violent
shakings and tsunami waves that devastated the region in the past. In addition frequent volcanic eruptions in
and around Izu is continuing. The submarine eruption off the Ito coast in 1989 is a recent example. This was a
modest eruption, but the event had a far-ranging effect on the society. The magma that caused this eruption is
still active, causing earthquake swarms time to time.
One of the main characteristics of the geopark is the presence of disaster reduction and disaster prevention
programs. Izu Peninsula Geopark has a number of tsunami and flood prevention structures, and many geosites
provide lessons of past natural disasters. Together, these provide us the opportunity to understand about the
local knowledge used to prevent natural disasters, even while enjoying the beautiful panorama presented by
the dynamic earth.
Geosite Name: Izu Nagaoka Area: Nakaizu Kita
Subtheme: Dynamic local knowledge and culture related with
geological change
Type: General Access
Geopoint name: Mamanoue
The mouth of the drainage canal
The Kanogawa River receives a lot of silt and debris from the
quaternary volcanoes of Izu, as well as debri from Mt. Fuji and
Hakone. This causes frequent flooding and landslides that affect the
Tagata Plain. The Kanogawa Drainage Canal is the result of a 14 year
long project to divert the flood wave from the narrow lower part of the
watershed directly to the sea. The drainage canal can bypass a peak
flow of 2000 m3/s. A document repository of the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is located at this site, it
provides opportunity to learn about the nature of Kanogawa River and
its history of flooding.
Izu Peninsula Geopark
24
Nature and Local Beliefs
The natural disasters of the past also left an indelible mark on the culture and beliefs of the local society. The
chief deity of Izu, Oyamatsumi or Mishima Daimyojin (worshipped at Mishima Shrine, the most important
Shinto Shrine in Izu)—is a god with a volcanic connection. Thus, whenever there was an eruption, the deity
was seen as important. There are a number of shrines along the coast that worship the gods and goddesses of
the Izu Islands (group of volcanic islands located east and south east of Izu). Though more research is required
to fully understand the spread of this kind of religious belief, it is thought that the deities were installed in
order to pacify the fiery nature in the Izu Islands. Such beliefs show that the local society, while reaping the
benefits of dynamic nature, also had a sense of awe for the natural forces.
In addition to the fiery deities, there are numerous deities that protect the locals on marine voyages and look
after fishermen. This kind of belief arose due to Izu’s position as a gateway to the seas and the local
connection with the marine world. There are many historic ruins, shrines, and stone engravings, especially in
areas adjacent to ports and capes,--which testify about this unique local culture.
Geosite Name: Shirahama Area: Shimoda
Subtheme: Dynamic local knowledge and culture related with
geological change
Type: General Access
Geopoint name: Shirahama Shrine
The Shirahama Shrine gate facing
Miyakejima Island
The Shirahama Shrine in the Shimoda City in south Izu has a peculiar
feature: a shrine gate (torii) stands facing the Miyakejima Island over
the sea in the backyard. It is thought that this gate was erected to
commemorate the arrival of Goddess Ikonahime in the Shirahama
Shrine. Ikonahime is a goddess of the volcanic Miyakejima. Every
year, a large festival to mark this event is held at the shrine in October,
a key feature is the fire-festival or the Hitachi-matsuri that makes
offerings to the deities of the Izu Islands.
B-4 International, National and Local Importance of the Geosites
One of the important stories of Izu Peninsula Geopark is the collision between a submarine volcanic island
and Honshu. Such collision events are known to have occurred elsewhere, but all other cases date much
farther back in geologic time. If the geologic time boundary is narrowed to 15 Ma when the Sea of Japan
formed, only two events of such ‘collision’ are left: the collision of Tanzawa massif and Honshu about 6 Ma
ago and the collision of Izu. Collision between volcanic island masses is thought to be an important process of
evolution of the continental crust. Izu peninsula is the only location of its kind in the world, where a currently
ongoing process of collision between two island arcs can be observed: for this reason the region is well
represented in international geological research. It is also an internationally well-known region for plate
movement and associated processes.
There are a number of geoparks within Japan that explore volcanism as themes. If the definition of an active
volcano is determined according to the Japan Meteorological Agency standard (volcanoes which are either
active now or have been active within the past 10000 years)—then the following geoparks feature active
volcanoes: Toya-Usu Global Geopark (Mt. Usu), Itoigawa Global Geopark (Yakeyama), Mt. Unzen Global
Geopark (Mt. Unzen), Aso Global Geopark (Aso), Bandaisan Geopark (Bandaisan), Hakone Geopark
(Hakone), Izu Oshima Geopark (Izu Oshima), Hakusan Tedorigawa geopark (Mt. Hakusan), Kirishima
Izu Peninsula Geopark
25
Geopark (Kirishima), Sakurajima-Kinkowan Geopark (Mt. Sakurajima). There are many geoparks where
quaternary and tertiary volcanoes (non-active) are featured.
The Izu Peninsula Geopark explores tertiary submarine volcanism, quaternary terrestrial (polygenetic)
volcanism and the recent, ongoing monogenetic volcanism (Izu Tobu Volcanic Group). This is a diverse range
of volcanic activity, spread over multiple geologic eras. Old volcanic landforms such as volcanic necks and
dikes and submarine deposition, as well as new, diverse topography due to lava flow—can all be seen on the
peninsula. Visitors can see a range of submarine volcanic deposition, terrestrial volcanic deposition and land
formation patterns, and can learn about the movement of plates and land formation events. At this geopark,
visitors are not only acquainted with volcanoes, but as the themes are related to larger geological processes
like plate movement, they can learn about the planetary dynamics and enjoy related land features.
As noted earlier, the Izu Tobu Volcanic Group is a rare occurrence of an active independent monogenetic
volcanic field in Japan. This makes Izu Peninsula the only geopark in Japan which features an active
monogenetic volcano field. The Vulkaneifel Global Geopark in Germany is a prominent international geopark
that features a monogenetic volcano field.
In addition, there are a number of crustal motion events on the peniunsula, such as active fault movement. In
this sense, Izu Peninsula is a unique geopark where one can get an understanding of both volcanism and
crustal motion as parts of the larger set of dynamics involving tectonic motion of plates. This interrelationship
between phenomena and geostories allow the visitor to grasp the mechanisms of our dynamic planet.
Re-evaluation of the natural landform and landscapes through both globally and locally valuable geosites is
also a novel experience for local societies. For locals, the usual utilization of an attractive landscape was as a
tourist resource, so the geopark helps locals cultivate a new set of values about the heritage of their place, by
connecting land features with culture, history and beliefs, and also by reflecting upon the wisdom of co-
existing with natural disasters.
Izu Peninsula Geopark
26
Fig. 18. Geosite/Geopoint Map
Izu Peninsula Geopark
27
Area Geosite Geopoint Category Details
Ajiro Tateiwa Coast Limited access Dike and magma sputter
Atami Atami General access Landscape of hot spring town
Atami Tanna Tunnel General access Tanna tunnel and dev elopment at Atami
Cape Uomizaki Nishikigaura Coast General access Early phase submarine v ilcanic deposit f rom Taga v olcano
Hatsushima Island Hatsushima Island General access Terraced terrain and uplif t
Izusan Hashiriy u Spa General access Hot spring
Cape Shiof ukizaki, Kawana Eky oin Temple Education purpose Tsunami relief stone
Cape Shiof ukizaki, Kawana Kaizoji Temple Education purpose Tsunami run-up height marker stone
Cape Shiof ukizaki, Kawana South Cape Shiof ukizaki Limited access Sea cav es, crustal uplif t releif , wav e cut bench, v olcanic neck
and dike
Futo Coast, North Jogasaki Coast Cape Kadowakizaki General access Cross section of Omuroy ama lav a, Jogasaki coast
Futo Coast, North Jogasaki Coast North Futo corst General access Omuroy ama lav a f low and columnar joints
Futo Coast, North Jogasaki Coast South Futo Limited access Old eroded clif f lodged in Omuroy ama lav a f low, stone quarry
remnant
Futo Coast, North Jogasaki Coast South Futo General access Old eroded clif f lodged in Omuroy ama lav a f low, top lay er of
lav a f low
Futo Coast, North Jogasaki Coast Une General access Omuroy ama lav a f low and columnar joints
Hachigakubo Volcano, Ogawasawa Babanotaira Volcano Education purpose Babanodaira scoria cone and cross section relief , v iew towards
Izu Kogen highland
Hachigakubo Volcano, Ogawasawa Hachigakubo Volcano Education purpose Hachigakubo crater and ejecta, v iew towards Izu Kogen
highland
Hachigakubo Volcano, Ogawasawa Ogawasawa Riv er Education purpose Hachigakubo eruption induced Kasekiko lake collapse and
legend of the red bull
Hachigakubo Volcano, Ogawasawa Suidoy ama waterspring Research purpose Dikes and water springs, Hachigakubo scoria cone
Ike Ike community center General access Water drainage tunnel and Ike area history , Omuroy ama lav a
f low
Ike Sanjinja Shrine General access Landscape and history of Ike area, lav a domes of Yahazu
y ama, Ananoy ama and Dainoy ama
Ioy ama Volcano, Akakubo Volcano Akazawa Port Education purpose Ioy ama lav a f low and cross section relief
Ioy ama Volcano, Akakubo Volcano Cape Nakanosaki Education purpose Ioy ama lav a f low and cross section relief
Ioy ama Volcano, Akakubo Volcano Ioy ama Volcano Education purpose Ioy ama scoria cone and panorama f rom summit
Ioy ama Volcano, Akakubo Volcano Kouy oudai v illa Education purpose Akakubo tuf f ring landscape
Ioy ama Volcano, Akakubo Volcano South Yawatano Port General access Ioy ama lav a f low and cross section relief
Ito Spa Butsugenji Temple Education purpose Tsunami relief stone
Ito Spa Matsukawa Riv er General access Ito onsen town landscape
Ito Spa Monomigaoka Hill Education purpose Uchino v olcano landscape, ejecta and hot springs
Ito Spa Old air‐ raid shelter of Daitokan Limited access Hachigakubo Babadaira scoria
Joboshi Akasaka Education purpose Joboshi lav a
Joboshi South Akasaka Education purpose Akasaka Minami Maar and related ejecta
Joboshi Sports ground f or Citizen of Ito
city
Education purpose Joboshi crater
Komuroy ama Volcano Komuroy ama Park General access Komuroy ama scoria landscape, Komuroy ama
Komuroy ama Volcano Komuroy ama Volcano General access Komuroy ama scoria hill, Izu Kogen highland panorama
Lake Ippekiko, Umenokidaira
Volcano
Ippekiko Parking General access Ippekiko and Numaike maars, ejecta and lav a f low in to
Numaike
Lake Ippekiko, Umenokidaira
Volcano
Ippekikojinja Shrine General access Ippekiko maar, Omuroy ama lav a f low and Junirento islets
Lake Ippekiko, Umenokidaira
Volcano
Umenokidaira Volcano Education purpose Umenokidaira, Chikubo v olcano ejecta and landscape
Okuno, Kadono Jonohira Education purpose Lav a f rom Kadono and Omuroy ama v olcanoes
Okuno, Kadono Kadono Education purpose Lav a plateau of kadono and Ogi v olcanoes
Okuno, Kadono Okuno Dam General access Dam and society , surrounding landscape
Okuno, Kadono Upstream of Okuno Dam Research purpose Submarine v olcanic ejecta
Omuroy ama Volcano Mt. Iwamuroy ama General access Omuroy ama scoria cone, Iwamuroy ama lav a dome &
landscape, v iew f rom summit
Omuroy ama Volcano Near Ito wax museum Limited access Omuroy ama scoria lay er, ev idence of simultaneous
v olcanism at Hakone and Ippekiko
Omuroy ama Volcano Near Omuroy ama Parking Education purpose Volcanic ash f rom Kozu shima v olcano AD 838
Omuroy ama Volcano Oakland Villa Limited access Omuroy ama scoria lay er
Omuroy ama Volcano Omuroy ama Volcano General access Omuroy ama scoria cone, v iew f rom summit
Omuroy ama Volcano Sakura no Sato General access Open top of lav a tunnel, cross section of lav a f low and scoria
raf t
South Jogasaki Coast Hashidate General access Cross section of Omuroy ama lav a f low, columanr joints and
Jogaski coast panorama
South Jogasaki Coast Igaigane General access Top lay er structure and cross section of Omuroy ama lav a
f low and Jogasaki coast landscape
South Jogasaki Coast Kannonhama Limited access Pothole in Omuroy ama lav a f low and round stone inside
South Jogasaki Coast North Yawatano Port General access Omuroy ama lav a f low landscape and cross section
Teishi Sea-Knoll Teishi Sea-Knoll Limited access 1989 v olcanism remnant and ongoing v olcanism
Usami, Oishigasawa Cape Osaki Research purpose Lav a f rom Usami Volcano
Usami, Oishigasawa Gy orenji Temple General access Tsunami relief stone
Usami, Oishigasawa Oishigasawa General access Stone quarry ruin
Yahazuy ama Volcano Ananoy ama Volcano Education purpose Ananoy ama lav a dome and landscape
Yahazuy ama Volcano Yahazuy ama Volcano Education purpose Yahazu y ama lav a dome, landscape and rocks, use of
springwater
Gekko Astronomical Observ atory Gekko Astronomical Observ atory General access Astronomical observ atory , Fuji Hakone Ashitaka mountains
Ikenoy amatoge Pass Ikenoy amatoge Pass General access Fault v alley landscape
Jikkokutoge Pass Jikkokutoge v iewing spot General access Tanna f ault, Tanna Tashiro basin landscape, Fuji Hakone
Ashitaka and Amagi mountains
Karuizawa Karuizawa Education purpose f ault v alley and stream capture landscape
Atami Area
Ito Area
Kannami Area
Table 5. Geosite/Geopoint List
Izu Peninsula Geopark
28
Kashiy a Kashiy a ancient grav es General access Py rocalstic deposition of hakone and tunnel tombs in the lay er
Mt.Kurotake Nishitanna Parking General access Tanna f ault, Tanna Tashiro basin landscape, Fuji Hakone
Tanna Basin Oratche General access Tanna landscape, transition to dairy f arming af ter Tanna tunnel
Tanna Basin Tanna Fault Park General access lateral slip during Kitaizu earthquake, underground preserv ation
of f ault structure, Tanna f ault model
Tashiro Basin Karaijinja Shrine General access Kitaizu earthquake f ault slip, Tashiro basin landscape
Amagitoge Pass Kanten bus road Research purpose Kanten f orest road v olacno lav a and lahar f low
Atagawa, Hokkawa Anagiri coast trail General access Amagi v olcano lav a f low and f low pattern marks, sea cav es,
v iew of Omuroy ama and Izu Kogen plateau
Atagawa, Hokkawa Hokkawa Spa General access Engrav ed stone, v iew of Izu Kogen plateau
Hachinoy ama Volcano North Hachinoy ama Volcano General access Hachinoy ama scoria f all, v olcanic bombs, landf orm base and
scoria slope
Hachinoy ama Volcano Saganogawa Riv er Trail General access Lav a f low f rom Hachinoy ama v olcano and columnar joints
Hachinoy ama Volcano South Hachinoy ama Volcano Education purpose Lav a f low f rom Hachinoy ama v olcano
Hachinoy ama Volcano Summit of Hachinoy ama Volcano Education purpose Hachinoy ama scoria cone, smmit and crater
Hachinoy ama Volcano West Hachinoy ama Volcano General access Landscape of Hachinoy ama scoria cone, scoria f all and
Kawagodaira ash
Hachinoy ama Volcano West Hachinoy ama Volcano Education purpose lav a f rom Hachinoy ama v olcano and debris f low f rom Amagi
v olcano
Hosono Plateau Hosono Marsh General access Lahar f low and wetland
Hosono Plateau Southeastern slope of
Mt.Misujiy ama
General access Southeastern slope of Amagi v olcano and surrounding
panorama
Inatori Cape Kuronemisaki General access Inatori v olcano lav a f low, v iew of Inatori cape
Inatori Hasamiishi Rocks General access Amagi v olcano lav a and erosion landscape
Inatori Inatori Port Education purpose Inatori scoria cone, lav a f low and landscape
Inatori Mt.Sengensan General access Amagi v olcano landscape
Inatori North Inatori highschool Limited access Inatori scoria cone cross section and v olcanic bombs
Inatori South Cape Inatori Education purpose Amagi v olcano lav a f low, Nagano Daichi, Suzaki cape
(landscape)
Inatori West Cape Inatori General access Lav a f low of Amagi v olcano, platy joints dikes and stone
quarry ing ground
Kawazu Sev en Falls Deaidaru Waterf all General access Noborio Minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints
Kawazu Sev en Falls Ebidaru Waterf all General access base of lav a f low
Kawazu Sev en Falls Hebidaru Waterf all General access Noborio minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints, submarine
v olcanic deposition cov ered in lav a f low
Kawazu Sev en Falls Kamadaru Waterf all General access Noborio minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints, submarine
v olcanic deposition cov ered in lav a f low
Kawazu Sev en Falls Kanidaru Waterf all General access Noborio Minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints
Kawazu Sev en Falls Noboriominami f orestry road Research purpose Noborio minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints, submarine
v olcanic deposition cov ered in lav a f low
Kawazu Sev en Falls Odaru Waterf all General access Noborio minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints, submarine
v olcanic deposition cov ered in lav a f low
Kawazu Sev en Falls Satuta Gorge General access Noborio minami v olcano lav a and columnar joint
Kawazu Sev en Falls Shokeidaru Waterf all General access Noborio Minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints , dancing girl
of Izu (nov el setting) and Amagi Pass
Mine, Sawada Mine Hot Springs Water Spout General access Mine gey ser park
Mine, Sawada Sawada Limited access Stone quarry remnant
Mt. Kannony ama Mt. Kannony ama Education purpose Buddha engrav ings on submarine ash deposits
Mt. Kannony ama Northwest Hachinoy ama Volcano Education purpose Lav a f low of Ohira v olcano
Mt. Kannony ama West Mt. Kannony ama Education purpose Lav a f low of Ohira v olcano
Nashimoto, Yugano Nashimoto Education purpose Nashimoto limestone
Nashimoto, Yugano Nashimoto Education purpose Hachino y ama v olcano lav a and columnar joints
Nashimoto, Yugano Yugano Spa General access Valley and thermal springs created by submarine v olcanic
ejecta
Nawaji Nawaji Research purpose Nawaji glod deposit and mine
Nawaji Shobusawa coast Education purpose Ore deposit at topsoil lev el
Numanokawa Riv er East Numanokawa Riv er Education purpose Numanokawa Minami Volcano and columnar joints
Numanokawa Riv er Oginoiri f orestry road Research purpose Cross section of Numanokawa Minami scoria cone and lav a
f low
Numanokawa Riv er Oginoiri f orestry road Research purpose Numanokawa Minami Volcano and columnar joints
Oike, Koike Koike Volcano Education purpose Koike maar, v olcanic grav el f all
Oike, Koike Oike Volcano Education purpose Oike maar and land use
Oike, Koike West Oike Volcano Education purpose Oike Koike maars and grav el f all sites
Okusagano East Sandandaki waterf alls Research purpose Tuf f ring at Kannony ama East (cross section), cater lake
deposit, py roclastic f low f rom kawagodaira v olcano
Okusagano Kamisagano f orestry road Research purpose Cross section of scoria cone at upstream Sagano Riv er
Okusagano Kamisagano f orestry road Research purpose Saganogawa Jory u v olcano lav a and scoria f all, Grav el
deposit f rom Kannony ama Higashi v olcano
Okusagano Sandandaki waterf alls General access lav a f low f rom upstream Saganogawa Jory u v olcano
Sekiguchi, Kawakubogawa Riv er Ichinosawa f orestry road Education purpose Kawakubogawa scoria cone cross section and lav a f low
Sekiguchi, Kawakubogawa Riv er Sekiguchi Education purpose Sekiguchi scoria cone cross section and lav a f low
Sekiguchi, Kawakubogawa Riv er Yogaibashi bridge Education purpose Rocks, boulders and cany on
Shiranutanoike Pond Shiranutanoike Pond General access Freshwater pind at land slip area
Source of Shiratagawa riv er Junction of Shirata f orestry road Education purpose Sekiguchi Jory u Scoria Cone and lav a f low
Source of Shiratagawa riv er Shirata f orestry road Limited access Shirata sulf ur mine and ore
Ay utsubo Falls Ay utsubo Falls General access Cross section of Mishima lav a, lav a tree mold and loam lay er
Ay utsubo Falls Harabun ancient tomb General access Stone sarcophagus f rom Shirahama tuf f , stone house built
with Mishima lav a
Ay utsubo Falls Warikozuka-Inarijinja Shrine General access Mishima lav a f low
Kakitagawa Riv er Kakitagawa Riv er General access Spring water env ironment and ecosy stem f rom Mt. Fuji
Kakitagawa Riv er Mt.Honjoy ama General access Yokosegawa alluv ial f an and Kakitagawa, Kanogawa f low
Kitaizu Area
Kannami Area
Kawazu
Higashiizu Area
Izu Peninsula Geopark
29
Kiy ozumi Green Area, Maruike Pond Maruike Pond General access Mishima springwater and use
Kiy ozumi Green Area, Maruike Pond Sakaigawa Kiy ozumi Green Area General access Mishima spring water
Kubo waterspring Kubo waterspring General access Springwater f rom Mt. Fuji, and Gotenba mudf low
Mishima Komoike Pond, Shirataki Park General access Springwater
Mishima Mishima Taisha Shrine General access Local belief associated with v olcanoes
Mishima North Mishima Station General access Cross section of Mishima lav a
Mishima Rakujuen Park, Genbeigawa Riv er General access Top section of Mishima Lav a and spring water
Momozawagawa Riv er Suijinja Shrine General access spring water f rom Ashitakay ama v olcano and belief s
Momozawagawa Riv er Tsurubeotoshi waterf all General access waterf all on platy joints created by Ashitaka v olcnism
Momozawagawa Riv er Yato watersprings Education purpose Ashitakay ama spring water site used f or school trip
Mt. Kanukiy ama Mt.Kanukiy ama Trail General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta
Mt. Kanukiy ama Summit of Mt.Kanukiy ama General access landscapes of Numazu area
Nagakubo Ushigaf uchi gorge General access waterf all on Mishima lav a
Nagakubo Yoroigaf uchi gorge General access waterf all on Mishima lav a
Nishiura Nishiura Education purpose Flank of Darumay ama v olcano
Ohira Deziroy ama Education purpose lock gate
Ohira Flood bank of Kanogawa Riv er Education purpose Embankment structure, history of Ohira region, landf orms of
Taga and Hakone v olcanoes
Ohira Himoriy ama Education purpose lock gate
Senbonhama, Ushibusey ama East Ushibusey ama General access Submarine lav a dome of rhy olite at seaside clif f , tsunami
related local belief s at Oasa shrine
Senbonhama, Ushibusey ama Gany udo Education purpose Old f ishing v illage, Kanogawa riv ermouth and By uo v iew, cros
relief of submarine v olcanoes
Senbonhama, Ushibusey ama Senbonhama, Numazu Port General access By uo and tsunami prev ention structures, v iew f rom
Senbonhama, Ushibusey ama Shimokanuki Education purpose Lake created by the Ansei Tokai earthquake
Senbonhama, Ushibusey ama West Ushibusey ama Research purpose Submarine lav a dome of rhy olite at seaside clif f
Sizuura, Uchiura Awashima Island General access Volcanic neck
Sizuura, Uchiura Kuchino Limited access Volcanic ash, pumice, and crosslamina deposited in submarine
Sizuura, Uchiura Shishihama Limited access Submarine v olcanic neck and columnar joint, tsunami
Sizuura, Uchiura Tabi Education purpose Submarine v olcanic deposition, dike, and quarry ing marks
Sizuura, Uchiura Uchiura Education purpose Outlet of Kanogawa drainage canal
Southern f oot of Ashitakay ama
Volcano
Kawakubo Education purpose Relict of Ansei Tokai earthquake
Southern f oot of Ashitakay ama
Volcano
Kumado Education purpose Temple that recorded the most recent eruption of Mt. Fuji and
Meiji era document repository
Southern f oot of Ashitakay ama
Volcano
Numazu IC Education purpose Alluv ial f an at Darumay ama f lank, v iew towards Izu
Southwest f oot of Hakone Volcano Fuy odai Education purpose Secondary tuf f ring at py rocalstic deposition of Hakone
Southwest f oot of Hakone Volcano Tsukahara Education purpose Py roclastic f low and crosss section of Hakone v olcanic
products, Mishima pumice and land use of py roclastic
Surugadaira Surugadaira General access Alluv ial f an at v olcanic f lank and v iew of Izu Peninsula
Cape Hagachizaki North Cape Hagachizaki General access large clif f of thermally weathered rocks
Irozaki Fault Irozaki Fault Education purpose Activ e f ault and Izu Hanto Oki earthquake
Irozaki, Ikenohara Irojinja Shrine General access Erosiv e landscape of submarine v olcanic deposits and local
Irozaki, Ikenohara Irozaki Port General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and landf orm
Irozaki, Ikenohara Okuiro coast General access Cross section of submarine v olcano, cross section of Nanzaki
Irozaki, Ikenohara Yusuge Park General access Nanzaki v olcano landscape
Mera, Koura Cape Nagahaimisaki Limited access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and cross lamina
Mera, Koura Cape Ry uzaki General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and dikes
Mera, Koura Cape Shirasaki General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and bedding pattern
Mera, Koura Koura 33 Kannnons General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and stone Buddha
Mera, Koura Mera General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and dike, v olcanic neck, landscape
created by Jaishi v olcano
Mera, Koura Mera Pass Education purpose Jaishi v olcano and landscape, contrasting landscape
Okuiro Coast Cape Mitsuishimisaki General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and dike
Okuiro Coast Iruma General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta, v olcanic necks, possible tsunami
Okuiro Coast Iruma Senjojiki General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and wav e cut bench
Okuiro Coast Nakagi General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and v olcanic neck, remnannt of
Izu Hanto Oki earthquake
Okuiro Coast Tosakaiwa Rocks General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and dike
Okuiro Coast Yoshida General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta
Shimogamo Spa Kano Limited access Stone quarry ing ground (tuf f )
Tenjinbara, Jaishi Icchoda Education purpose Jaishi v olcano and land use
Tenjinbara, Jaishi Ihama Education purpose Jaishi v olcano and landscape submarine v olcanic ejecta
Tenjinbara, Jaishi Jaishi General access Hebiishi (strange stone f ormation)
Tenjinbara, Jaishi Ochii Education purpose Jaishi v olcano and landscape, submarine v olcanic ejecta
Tenjinbara, Jaishi Oike Marsh Education purpose Undulated landscape and wetland abov e Jaishi v olcano
Tenjinbara, Jaishi Tenjinbara Education purpose Jaishi v olcano and land use
Yumigahama Beach East Yumigahama General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and cross section and erosiv e
Yumigahama Beach Midakutsu General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta and sea cav e
Yumigahama Beach Shimogamo Spa General access Hot spring and geothermal energy use
Yumigahama Beach Yumigahama Beach General access Sand spit and sand beach f ormation
Cape Koganezaki Cape Koganezaki General access panorama at Koganezaki cape: thermally weathered clif f , dike,
Dugashima, Nishina Port Cape Ajomisaki General access Submarine scoria cone and pumice stone
Dugashima, Nishina Port Cape Toumy ogasaki, Tago General access Cross sectionof submarine v olcano
Dugashima, Nishina Port Futo Coast General access Dikes
Dugashima, Nishina Port Kareno Park General access Lav a f low of submarine v olcano, submarine debris f low and
Dugashima, Nishina Port Near Nishina elementary school Limited access Pillow lav a of Nishina Group
Dugashima, Nishina Port North Dogashima Coast General access Tombolo af f ect at Sanshiro island, submarine v olcanic ash
Dugashima, Nishina Port Sawada Park General access Engrav ed mural at Shiraiwa, debris f low and pumice f rom
Dugashima, Nishina Port South Dogashima Coast General access Debris f low and pumice f rom submarine v olcanoes, open
Kitaizu Area
Nishiizu Area
Minamiizu Area
Kitaizu Area
Izu Peninsula Geopark
30
Ikeshiro, Chokuroy ama Volcano Chokuro f orestry road Research purpose Submarine v olcano deposit and dike
Ikeshiro, Chokuroy ama Volcano Chokuro f orestry road Research purpose lav a f low f rom Chokuro
Ikeshiro, Chokuroy ama Volcano Ikeshiro Education purpose Submarine v olcanic ejecta, Mangan mine
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Iwachi General access Oumice lay er f rom submarine v olcano and inlet
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Iwachitoge Pass General access Submarine v olcanic ejecta, Iwachi Pass f ault and clastic dike
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Kumomi Port General access Pumice of submarine v olcano and Eboshiy ama
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Mt. Eboshiy ama General access Volcanic neck and panorama
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Muroiwado General access Pumice and lav a f rom submarine v olcanoes, stone quarry
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Near Kumomi Campingsite General access landscapes near Eboshiy ama and Senganmon
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Senganmon Rocks General access Crosss section of submarine v olcano
Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi South Ishibu General access Groundwater of Jaishi v olcano and rice terrace
Kadono Kadono Research purpose Kadono f ault landscape, land use
Koshimoda Koshimoda coast Education purpose Cross section of andesite of Koshimoda
Koshimoda Near Koshimoda Education purpose Andesite of Koshimoda
Matsuzaki, Sakurada Bentenjima Island General access Subaqueous lav a and tsunami prev ention measure
Matsuzaki, Sakurada Ena Education purpose Ena limestone
Matsuzaki, Sakurada Sakurada Education purpose v olcaic turbidite
Nishina Pass, Nekkodake Volcano Nishi Amagi highland Education purpose Volcanic land f ormation and land use, v iew towars Ugusu
Nishinagawa Riv er, Hozoin Temple Ishiki General access Pillow lav a of Nishina Group, dike
Nishinagawa Riv er, Hozoin Temple Near Deai Education purpose Turbidite and microf ossil
Nishinagawa Riv er, Hozoin Temple Nikkeikogy o stone pit Research purpose Debris f low and ash f rom submarine v olcanism,
Nishinagawa Riv er, Hozoin Temple West Hozoin Temple Research purpose Turbidite and crustal motion induced clif f f ormation
Nishinagawa Riv er, Hozoin Temple West Hozoin Temple Research purpose Hozoin limestone, Unconf ormity between Shirahama and
Odoi Odoi Coast Education purpose Daruma v olcano lav a, pumice f rom other(external) source
Ojiro, Miy agahara Miy agahara Education purpose large sacle land slip and Miy agahara basin, deep later water
Ojiro, Miy agahara Ojiro Education purpose large sacle land slip and Miy agahara basin
Seigoshi Mine Seigoshi Mine Limited access Goldmine remnant
Toi Gold Mine Gantsuki Tensho Goldmine General access Goldmine remnant
Toi Gold Mine Near Kamay ashiki Research purpose Alkali basalt and intrusiv e rock (dike) f ormation
Toi Gold Mine Toi Gold Mine General access Goldmine remnant, repository
Ugusu mine Ugusu mine Limited access Silica stone, and ore
Darumay ama Volcano Darumay ama Highland General access landscape panorama
Darumay ama Volcano North Darumay ama Volcano General access landscape panorama
Funabara Amagi Dome Education purpose Lav a plateau of Funabara v olcano
Hiekawa, Kashiwatoge Pass Kashiwatoge Pass Education purpose Lav a dome and obsidian
Hiekawa, Kashiwatoge Pass Mukai Education purpose Submarine pumice lay er, submarine lav a dome
Hinata Kajiy ama Education purpose Remnants of collapse caused by Kitaizu earthquake
Hinata Kajiy ama Turbidite Education purpose Turbidiet and ash f low f rom Kajiy ama
Hinata South Lake Sagiriko Education purpose Hinata tuf f ring and activ e f ault
Izunagaoka Kitaema Ancient Grav es General access Kitaema tunnel tombs, submarine v ocanic products, v olcanic
neck and columnra joints
Izunagaoka Mamanoue General access kanogawa drainage canal and repository
Izunagaoka Minamiema General access Markings of the Kitaizu Erathquake
Kitaomi Nakaizu winery Education purpose Usami v olcano lav a f low landscape
Kitaomi Upstream of Nishikawa Riv er Research purpose Lav a f rom Usami Volcano
Mt. Joy ama, Mt. Katsuragiy ama Mt. Joy ama General access Volcanic necks and surrounding landscapes
Mt. Joy ama, Mt. Katsuragiy ama Mt. Katsuragiy ama General access Volcanic necks and surrounding landscapes
Mt. Joy ama, Mt. Katsuragiy ama Mt. Shiratoriy ama Limited access Volcanic neck and columnar joints
Mt. Joy ama, Mt. Katsuragiy ama Omuro Education purpose Volcanic neck and columnar joints
Mt. Joy ama, Mt. Katsuragiy ama Yuhidaki waterf alls General access Columnar joint and waterf all
Ohito, Shuzenji Kumasaka Education purpose Kanogawa memorial park, Kanogawa Ty phoon, Kumasak and
adjacent areas
Ohito, Shuzenji Mt.Suishozan Education purpose Kanogawa and pearls
Ohito, Shuzenji Ohitobashi Bridge Education purpose kanogawa Ty phoon and Ohitobashi bridge history , f lodding
relics and f lood control schemes
Ohito, Shuzenji Shuzenjibashi Bridge General access Shuzenji bridge and Kanogawa ty phoon
Ohito, Shuzenji Ury uno Limited access Ohito goldmine remnant
Shimoshiraiwa, Kadono Kadono Education purpose Turbidite
Shimoshiraiwa, Kadono Shimoshiraiwa General access calcareous sandstone clif f
Shimoshiraiwa, Kadono Tashiro Education purpose Turbidite, sill
Shuzenji Spa Asahidaki waterf all General access Volcanic neck
Shuzenji Spa Shuzenji Spa General access Pumice f rom submarine v olcanism, unique hot spring town
South Niray ama Pass South Niray ama Pass Education purpose Taga v olcano lav a f low
South Niray ama Pass West Niray ama Pass Education purpose Ukihashi f ault landscape, f ault lake
Takatsukay ama Volcano,
Sukumoy ama Volcano
Chojagahara Volcano Education purpose Chojagahara maar, ejecta and Sukumoy ama scoria cone
Takatsukay ama Volcano,
Sukumoy ama Volcano
Sukumoy ama Volcano General access Cross section of Sukumoy ama scoria cone, v olcanic ash
f rom Chojagahara
Takatsukay ama Volcano,
Sukumoy ama Volcano
Tawarano basin Research purpose Tawarano basin, pumice and ash f rom Hakone
Ukihashi North Ukihashi Education purpose Volcanic ash f rom Hakone and Ky ushu
Ukihashi Ukihashi Education purpose Ukihashi basin
Yokoy ama, Umegi Umegi Education purpose Sandstone/mudstone f rom the last sea of Izu
Yokoy ama, Umegi Yokoy ama Research purpose Sandstone/mudstone and grav el f rom the last sea of Izu
Funay ama Funay ama Coast Education purpose Daruma v olcano lav a f low
Heda Cape Mihamamisaki General access Sand spit, marine aquarium of Suruga bay , anchor of Diana
(Russian ship) , lav a f low and eroded landscape of Daruma
v olcano
Heda Heda General access Sand spit, Daruma v olcano deposition landf orm, Spider carb
catch
Heda South Mihama Education purpose Daruma v olcano lav a f low
Nishiizu Area
Osezaki Heda
Area
North Nakaizu
Area
Izu Peninsula Geopark
31
Ita North Ita Education purpose Ita v olcano lav a f low, sand spit and My ojin pond
Ita South Ita General access Ita v olcano lav a f low, sand spit and My ojin pond
Osezaki Cape Osezaki General access Sand-spit and f reshwater lens (kamiike)
Osezaki South Cape Osezaki Limited access Osezaki v olcano lav a and Osezaki v ent
Sanagiy ama, Kinkanzan Mt.Kinkanzan General access landscape panorama
Sanagiy ama, Kinkanzan Mt.Sanagiy ama Education purpose Cross section and cross sectional lay er of v olcano
Cape Tsumekizaki Takanba coast General access Coastal uplif t, erosion of sea cav e, disatnt v iew of
Cape Tsumekizaki Tsumekizaki coast General access Submarine debris f low
Cape Tsumekizaki West Tsumekizaki General access Sill and columnar joints
Kisami, Toji Kisami Beach General access Submarine debri f low and v olcanic bombs with chiiled
Kisami, Toji Ry ugu Sea Cav e General access Open top sea cav e, submarine scoria lay er, pothole
Kisami, Toji Toji Sand Ski Area General access Sand acculumation on slope, submarine debris and lav a,
v olcanic bombs with chiiled margin. Dikes, landscape of
Rendaiji Rendaiji Spa General access Mine remnant, ht spring town
Shimoda Port Kakisaki Bentenjima Island General access Cross lamina, trace f ossils, wav e cut bench, history of
Shimoda Port Mt. Nesugatay ama General access Volcani neck, View of Shimoda port and Suzaki cape
Shimoda Port Mt. Shimodaf uji General access Volcanic neck
Shimoda Port Shimoda Port General access Shimoda Fuji and Nesugata y ama, v iew of Suzaki cape,
Shimoda Port Urban area of Shimoda city General access Stone walls of submarine v olcanic deposits, history of
Shirahama Coast Shirahama Coast General access Calcareous sandstone and open top sea cav e
Shirahama Coast Shirahamajinja Shrine General access Volcanic legend associated with 832 AD Miy akejima eruption
and 838 AD Kozujima eription
Suzaki Ebisujima Island General access Subaqueous v olcaniclastic f low and ash f low, ritual site
Amagitoge Pass Hacchoike Pond General access Fault slip lake
Amagitoge Pass Hacchoike trail Limited access Scoria cone at Kanten f orestry road
Amagitoge Pass Hontani f orestry road Limited access Lav a and platy joints of Amagi v olcano
Hachikuboy ama Volcano Joren Falls General access Lav a f low and lav a plteau of Hachikuboy ama
Hachikuboy ama Volcano Noguro Education purpose Lav a and lahar f low f rom Hachikuboy ama
Hachikuboy ama Volcano Southern f oot of Marunoy ama
Volcano
Education purpose Cross section of Maruy ama scoria cone
Hachikuboy ama Volcano Southwestern f oot of
Hachikuboy ama Volcano
Limited access Hachikuboy ama cross section and lav a, pumice f rom
Kawagodaira
Kawagodaira Volcano Jy abamigawa Riv er Limited access Cross section of Kawagodaira py roclastic and lahar f lows.
Obsidian at riv er v alley
Kawagodaira Volcano Kawagodaira Volcano Education purpose Pumice lay er near and at the kawagodaira crater
Kawagodaira Volcano South Ikadaba Limited access Remmant of Kanogawa Tuy phoon, Kawagodaira lahar
Kawagodaira Volcano South Ikadabashinden Education purpose Pumice lav a lay er and py roclastic f low of Kawagodaira
Kokushigoe Pass Kokushigoe Pass Education purpose Kokushigoe maar and explosion breccia
Kokushigoe Pass Nagano General access Kokushigoe Minami v olcano lav a plateau
Maruno Highland Iwanoy ama Volacano Education purpose Explosion breccia and lav a dome of Iwanoy ama, maars
Maruno Highland Manten no y u Spa Education purpose Kunoy ama scoria cone and Amagi v olcano lav a plateau
Mochikoshi mine Mochikoshi mine Limited access Goldmine remnant
Namesawa Namesawa Gorge General access Lav a and lahar f rom Namesawa v olcano, Esashinomine
v olcano lav a
Namesawa Roadside Station "Amagigoe" Education purpose Esashinomine v olcano lav a plateau, landscape created by
Hachikuboy ama scoria cone, Jindai sugi tree
Nishina Pass, Nekkodake Volcano Amagi stock f arm General access Volcanic landscape, land use pattern and pumice of
Kawagodaira
Nishina Pass, Nekkodake Volcano Nishina Pass to Nekkodake
Volcano
General access Volcanic landscape and lav a
Togasay ama Volcano Togasay ama Volcano Education purpose Lav a f low of Togasay ama v olcano, v iew towards Izu Kogen
plateau
Yugashima Nihy akumai Education purpose Volcanic ash and turbidite
Yugashima Seko Waterf alls General access Submarine v olcanoes and dikes
Yugashima Yoichizaka Education purpose Lav a plateau of Yoichizaka v olcano
Osezaki Heda
Area
Simoda Area
South Nakaizu
Area
Izu Peninsula Geopark
32
C. GEOCONSERVATION
C-1 Current and Potential Pressure on the Geopark
Due to the geopark’s proximity to the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, a section of the geological heritage face the
threat from urban development and population related pressure. Population and development related pressure
affected the mountains, the seas, ecosystems and landscapes of the region in the past. Also, as Izu is a
prominent tourist destination near the capital city of Tokyo, ongoing mass tourism trends remain a worry, the
geopark must strive for making travel more environmentally friendly and reduce anthropogenic impact on the
natural environment.
C-2 Conservation Measure at Geosites
The concept of geological heritage is a holistic one: it unifies all cultural, landscape, and ecological heritage
systems as parts of the planet’s heritage. This concept allows us to understand that the earth itself, with its
land formation and various geodynamic processes, provides the basis for all diversity we see in the living and
non-living nature. Therefore, it is important to understand and evaluate the interrelationships between land,
ecosystems and culture—in order to effectively address the issue of geoconservation. It is also important to
evaluate the various traditional knowledge systems, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage components,
along with the scientific evaluation of natural processes. The interrelationship between ecological and social
systems have been explored
through ‘Social-Ecological
System’ (SES) research. A
newer, more comprehensive
‘Geosystem’ concept is now
being discussed by many
scholars to unify the living
nature and non-living nature as
an interrelated system. The key
component of the Geosystem
concept is ‘geodiversity’—the
idea that all diversity we
encounter in life are interrelated
as parts of the same planet.
Fig. 21. Image of Geosite and adjacent nature/culture heritage (left) and
database screenshot (right)
500m Buffer from
Osezaki Geosite
Diving Spot
Zostera
community
Specific Plant
Community
Monitoring
Surveyreseach
Academic researchPlans
Implementation
Fig.20. Adaptive governance cycle Fig.19. Image of geosystem
Izu Peninsula Geopark
33
At Izu Peninsula Geopark, there is ongoing effort to understand the interrelationship between geological
heritage and local society, this is reflected in the research and evaluation of geological heritage that the
geopark has undertaken. The 2013 Survey of Conservation and Utilization of Natural and Cultural Resources,
conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, created a database of all types of natural and
cultural resources around the geosites of Izu Peninsula. This database includes information of intangible
heritage and local beliefs.
Based on the documentation, the geopark is currently drafting a Conservation Manual, scheduled for
completion in March 2015. Efforts are being made to make this manual flexible, so that it can incorporate new
research findings and feedback. The idea is to create an ‘Adaptive Management’ platform for conservation of
geological heritage.
C-3 The Current Status of Geosite Management and Related Data
In this section, we will introduce the management status of geosites and geological heritage based on the
following three categories:
i. Legal protection of geological heritage
ii. De-facto protection as result of nature restoration and
traditional management
iii. Geopark initiative and related schemes.
C-3-i Legal protection of geological heritage
The Izu Penisnula Geopark includes a 224 km2 stretch of the Fuji-
Hakone-Izu National Park. This area is protected under the
National Park Conservation law (national level). The Fagus
crenata forests of central Amagi Highland, some of the most
valuable indigenous ecosystems, and coastal reliefs are main parts
of this protected area. 132 Geopoints (among 313) are protected
under this law. Among these, 110 Geopoints are subject to ‘Special
Zone’ status, while the Haccho-Ike Pond Geopoint is given the
‘Specially Protected Land Feature’ status. Stringent legal
stipulations safeguard these sites from pressures such as
development, conservation or removal of soil strata.
Advising committee consists of Ministry of the Environment, Local resident and other stake holders.
Bibliographic survey
and
Interviews to
Investigation and Listing
Natural and Cultural Heritage
Drafting
Conservation Plan
Implementing
conservation plan
Deliberating on methods to conserve natural and cultural heritage related to geosites.
Implementation, monitoring
2013 2014
2015-
Geopark Promotion Council Ministry of the Environment
Geopark Promotion Council Advising committee for Conservation
Responsible parties
Conservation Plan Database Holistic conservation of
geological heritage
Fig.22. Current and future initiatives for geoconservation
Fig.23. National park and geopoints
Izu Peninsula Geopark
34
Table 6. Cultural properties within the geopark
In addition there are 750 ‘Cultural
Properties’ designated by the ‘Cultural
Property Protection Act’, 40 of these
are designated as Geopoints. Apart
from these, there are a number of
locations where unique plant colonies
or ecosystem features are subject to
special protection status. There are
many instances of historical town
landscapes (parts of Shimoda, Atami,
Mishima, Izunokuni cities) and
environment-related features
(Nagaizumi town) that are protected as
cultural properties. Finally, coastal
management plans and forestry plans
effectively protect natural reliefs
located in these areas.
C-3-ii De-facto protection as result of nature restoration and traditional management
A number of conservation efforts predate the geopark activity in the area: some of these are nature restoration
projects run by local residents, and there are cases where parts of the natural environment have been
traditionally managed as a form of ‘commons’—effecting their protection and renewal.
a. Nature restoration
This type of protection stems from the efforts to ‘restore’ the natural environment or landscapes that suffered
serious deterioration in the past. While most of these efforts are oriented towards the biotic aspects of the
environment, the overall effect is the protection of the geological diversity (as ecosystems are important part
of the geological diversity). A table listing some major initiatives is given below:
Table 7. Nature Conservation/Restoration: Major Examples
Kakitagawa
River (Shimizu
Town)
1.2 km long river entirely composed of springwater from Mount Fuji, habitat for precious biota.
The freshwater environment had deteriorated during the economic growth years, but 40 years of
restoration activity improved the environment. Kakitagawa Midori-no Trust, one of the first
National Trust for environment in Japan, played a key part. Later, the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism set up a plan for restoring the Kakitagawa natural
environment in 2011. The site continues to be a focal point for nature conservation today.
Mishima
Springwater
(Mishima
City)
The Mishima City has a unique environment: natural springs form little rivers all over the city. A
porous lava layer from Mount Fuji (10000 years old) is the key mechanism behind this. Citizens
of Mishima, led by NPO Groundwork Mishima and Mishima Yusuikai have led an ongoing
effort to clean up industrial pollution and restore freshwater environment.
Ishibu Rice
Terrace
(Matsuzaki
Town)
A series of rice terraces, 370 in total with 42000m2 area, is a rare landscape in east Japan. The
region is affected by aging society, but locals have made efforts to retain this landscape, and
recover some damaged paddies. The ‘paddy owing system’ allows urban residents to own and
invest in these rice paddies. Agri-product development, collaboration with industry and schools
are other features. The area has been recognized as a ‘good practice’ locality for managing
natural resources through agriculture by the Ministry of Environment.
National
designation
Regional
designation
Local
designation
Total
National Treasures 8 - - 8
Tangible Cultural Properties 106 82 259 447
Structures 6 5 25 36
Fine Arts and Crafts 100 77 234 411
Intangible Cultural Properties 0 0 0 0
Folk Cultural Properties 2 14 48 64
Important Tangible Folk
Cultural Properties 2 3 10 15
Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Properties 0 11 38 49
Monuments 36 45 148 229
Historic Sites 17 7 75 99
Places of Scenic Beauty 1 0 4 5
Natural Monuments 17 38 69 124
Natural Monuments &
Places of Scenic Beauty 1 0 0 1
Total 144 141 455 740
Izu Peninsula Geopark
35
b. Landscape management as ‘local commons
Traditional landscape management by local societies since olden times is another important part of
conservation of the heritage of the geopark. Some of these practices are geared for securing ‘ecosystem
services’ and renewal of resources (for example, periodic grassland burning and regeneration) and some
practices have philosophical or religious significance. The result in both cases is the effective protection and
renewal of parts of the natural ecosystems, which can be seen as form of ‘local commons.’ A number of
geosites and geopoints can be associated with this type of protection, a list of some most prominent examples
is given below. This type of traditional management of natural resources also have profound lessons for
sustainability.
Table 8. Traditionally Managed Landscapes: Major Examples
Geosite Details
Omuroyama
(Ito City)
Omuroyama (581 m asl) is one of the largest scoria cones in Japan. Created through a
monogenetic eruption 4000 years ago, the mountain retains a beautiful pudding-like shape
due to a long tradition (700 years old) of vegetation burning. This prevents large trees from
growing; the pampas grass on the mountain was earlier used for compost and roofing houses.
Mt. Misuji
(Hosono Plateau,
Higashi izu Town)
Mt. Misuji is a gentle highland, a part of the former large volcanic system of Amagi. This
plateau was created by the collapse of the southeastern slope, the area is covered in pampas
grass. Like Omuroyama, periodic cutting and burning of vegetation allow a good look at the
landscape features.
Marine resources
(‘commons’)
Izu peninsula is surrounded by two deep bays of Sagami and Suruga. These seas provide
habitats for a very large number of marine organisms. The regional fishing cooperatives
have devised traditional informal resource management such as stipulation of catch amount
and no-fishing seasons, in order to preserve coastal fisheries.
Sacred groves
There are many gigantic and old trees in Izu. Most of these were preserved as parts of
‘sacred groves’ or shrine forests. This is a very good example of how local beliefs and
tradition can help retain valuable ecosystem features.
Shiranuta-no-Ike
(Higashiizu Town)
The Shiranuta ni Ike pond is a rainwater accumulated pond in a naturally hollowed cavity
(landslide induced) in the Kawakubo river basin. The area is also a part of the Amagi
volcanoes which were active 800,000 to 200,000 years ago. The site is surrounded by natural
forests and the pond in itself is the habitat of the green tree frog. As the area is hard to access,
the environment is effectively secure from human impact.
C-3-iii Geopark initiative and related schemes
The geopark has given an opportunity for re-evaluating the geological heritage of the region. Programs of the
geopark have succeeded in creating impetus for conservation of outcrops and preservation of strata specimen.
In addition, the geopark provides training program for construction personnel, forestry workers and farmers in
the Shizuoka Prefecture. A short list is given below:
Kakitagawa environment Ishibu rice terrace Shirataki Park spring
Izu Peninsula Geopark
36
Table 9. Major Examples of Geopark-induced conservation
Geosite Details
Ishiki Pillow
Lava
conservation
(Nishiizu Town)
An outcrop of an old submarine lava formation (pillow lava) in Ishiki of Nishi izu Town is the
oldest land outcrop in the peninsula. This outcrop became a focus for conservation after the
geopark was established. A committee for preserving this outcrop was established in 2012.
Surface peel of
actual outcrop at
Komuroyama
(Ito City)
This surface peel of Komuroyama provides a record of the volcanic activity here. This surface
peel was created by the geopark researchers, NPO Machikon Ito and Ito Historical Guide Group
in March 2012. The original outcrop was discovered during a road construction project. The
outcrop is now exhibited on the Komuroyama in a space provided by the Tokai Automobiles
group. This surface peel provides a record of 40,000 years of monogenetic volcanism in the area,
and is therefore a very valuable geological specimen.
Multiple
locations
Training program for civil engineering, agriculture-forestry and technical workers:
Many geosites are located along steep gorges or terrains, and these are vulnerable to construction
of roadways and check weirs. The geopark promotion council provides training for civil
engineers, construction and agroforestry workers in Shizuoka Prefecture in order to minimize
construction impact on geosites and prevent damage from lack of knowledge. New construction
activities are supposed to address these concerns. The training program has continued for three
years now, and succeeded in expanding the awareness of geological heritage among these
workers.
In addition, there are various cleaning, trail management and garbage removal programs that help the geopark
to maintain its heritage.
Table 10. Other notable conservation activities
Type Details
Cleaning of marine
bed
(Minamiizu Town)
The NPO Izu Mirai Juku is engaged in seabed cleaning with support of divers and locals.
Efforts are ongoing to evaluate marine landscapes.
Nature research by
citizens
There are many citizen groups that engage in informal research on the natural environment.
A good example is the Atami Shizen Gakko, an NPO in Atami City that undertakes various
observation, survey and experience based activities to evaluate the local natural environment.
Snorkeling, marine classrooms and observation cruise are notable activities.
Sociocultural
landscapes
Many old historical artifacts and cultural landscapes are preserved in Izu. A part of these are
registered as cultural monuments under relevant laws. Many of such artifacts are related to
the geological heritage. Mishima Taisha Shrine (Mishima Daimyojin fire god) and Kakisaki
Bentenjima Shrine (Ryujin god of the sea) are examples from local belief. There are many
literary reliefs and plaques from famous writers who visited Izu in or around geosites.
Examples of preservation of historic buildings or objects are also present.
C-4 Non-Geological Sites and Explanations
The geopark has a number of non-geological sites that relate to the nature, local society, culture and
beliefs. Some of these sites are related to the geological heritage and these sites are used in geotours and
educational programs of the geopark. As there are many such sites spread throughout the geopark, we
introduce some of the notable sites in the list below:
Izu Peninsula Geopark
37
Table 11. List of non-geological sites used in geotourism activities
Category Site Details
Natural
landscape
Kannami Old-growth
Forest
The old growth forest at the foothill of a quaternary volcanic system
has been preserved since Edo Period for its water retention value.
Gigantic trees, such as 500year old Quercus acuta are seen in this
forest.
This place is near the Tanna and Kokushi Pass geosites and is
frequently used for observation of nature.
History, culture,
tradition
Nirayama Reverbatory
Furnace
This furnace was created by Egawa Tanan to build cannons. A
section was built with the Izu stone. The site is a candidate for
UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Property.
Hirugakojima
Ganjojuin
Kanogawa River
Izu was a place where many historical figures were exiled.
Minamoto-no Yoritomo is among the most famous historical
characters who were exiled here. The Hirugakojima was the place
where Yoritomo arrived. Though today the place is surrounded by
rice paddies, it was the old channel of the Kanogawa River. The
history of Yoritomo and his wife Hojo is subject of many tours.
Salted bonito factory
The salted bonito (Shio-katsuo) is a local delicacy as well as a
tradition in the Tago area of Nishiizu. Tago is an area where good
quality bonito was caught, the catch was processed through several
stages and the final product is the salted bonito. This trade is
practiced through generations at Tago, and the salted bonito was
once popular as a new year offering. Touring traditional salted
bonito factories is a local attraction.
Town-landscape Old townscapes Traditional buildings or stone-cobbled walls like the Izu stone or
Namako-kabe walls are related to the geology of the area.
Art
Naranda no Sato
(Nanzenji Temple)
Hotoke no Sato Art
Museum,
Other Historical and
craft museums, and
antique repositories
Many nationally and locally important Buddha engravings, antiques,
and historical artifacts are found in Izu Peninsula. Izu was a traditional
marine route hub and Buddha engavings or statues came here from
Kyoto/Nara. Famous personalities exiled here brought artifacts from
their areas. Many of such artifacts are regularly used in geotours and
other tourism activities.
Hot springs Many locations
Hot springs are found everywhere in Izu. But only a small number of
these are registered as parts of geosites. Hot springs that are not parts
of geosites are also routinely used for various tourism activities.
Works of
literature,
Plaques and
buildings
Many locations
Many historical towns, hot springs, and inns were used by famous
writers. These locations appear in many literary works. A number of
plaques and engravings are found throughout the peninsula. These
are parts of the historical and cultural attractions of the peninsula
and are regularly used in tours.
Izu Peninsula Geopark
38
D. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND BUSINESS PLAN
D-1 Economic Activities of the Geopark:
D-1-i Background of local industries
Industries in the peninsula can be divided into two broad zones: the northern part enjoys good traffic
infrastructure and network while the southern part is relatively rural and scenic. The Tokaido Shinkansen
(Bullet Train Line), the Tomei and Shin-Tomei Expressways (Highways) are major traffic infrastructures that
connect the northern part to urban hubs like Tokyo, Yokohama and Nagoya. The area is only 1 hour of train-
ride away from Tokyo, and due to the presence of abundant water resource, manufacturing industries have
flourished in the region. The area has also been developed as a suburban commuter hub for people working in
the Tokyo metropolitan region. The central and southern parts of the peninsula are famous as tourist
destinations. These
areas attract a lot of
tourists throughout
the year. For this
reason, tourism is
also the biggest
industry in the
peninsula. The
services industry
occupies 69.4% of
employment, higher
than the national
average of 66.5%.
If the plains and
traffic hubs of the
north are excluded,
Izu has >70%
services industry
employment rate
among residents.
D-1-ii Tourism
Izu attracts a total of 37
million footfalls (number of
visits to the area carried out
by a person at a time: this
count includes multiple visits
by one person) per year,
although the long-time trend
is towards a net decline of
visitor numbers consistent
with other tourist destinations
in Japan. 80% of the tourists
are overnight visitors
(meaning they stay at least
one night per visit). A 2012
City/Town Total
working
population
primary
industry
workers
Secondary
industry
workers
Tertiary sector
of industry
workers
Tertiary sector of
industry
employment rate
population population population population
Numazu City 100,487 2,818 30,943 64,589 64.3
Atami City 18,047 286 2159 15,102 83.7
Mishima City 54,802 1,230 15,173 37,181 67.8
Ito City 32,277 810 4,312 26,207 81.2
Shimoda City 11,863 566 1,519 9,630 81.2
Izu City 17,079 1,129 3,928 11,848 69.4
Izunokuni City 24,569 1,361 6,347 16,562 67.4
Higashiizu Town 6,961 595 849 5,503 79.1
Kawazu Town 3,927 517 535 2,862 72.9
Minamiizu Town 4,330 499 560 3,204 74.0
Matsuzaki Town 3,578 256 626 2,691 75.2
Nishiizu Town 4,280 249 919 3,102 72.5
Kannami Town 18,554 705 5,294 12,404 66.9
Shimizu Town 16,072 191 5,084 10,536 65.6
Nagaizumi Town 20,323 455 7,261 12,495 61.5
Total 337,149 11,667 85,509 233,916 69.4
田方平野
畜産
畜産
0
10,000,000
20,000,000
30,000,000
40,000,000
50,000,000
60,000,000
70,000,000
198
9
199
0
199
1
199
2
199
3
199
4
199
5
199
6
199
7
199
8
199
9
200
0
200
1
200
2
200
3
200
4
200
5
200
6
200
7
200
8
200
9
201
0
201
1
201
2
Population
FY
Fig. 24. Tourist numbers
Table 12. Industrial workers and employment rate
Izu Peninsula Geopark
39
survey conducted by the Shizuoka Prefecture found that 70% of the overnight visitors are from the Kanto area
(generic term for the areas around major metropolitan hubs like Tokyo, Yokohama and adjacent metropolitan
prefectures mainly located along the Pacific Coast). The Shizuoka Prefecture has recently embarked on a
project of introducing local attractions to visitors and create a tourism base that provides a cause of pride for
the locals. Izu Peninsula Geopark is a part of the focal areas of the tourism revitalization plan of Shizuoka
Prefecture, the Tourism Basic Plan of March 2014 mentions the geopark as a major focal area for tourism
development in the future.
D-1-iii Agriculture, Forestry and Animal Husbandry
Izu Peninsula is mostly mountainous. As a result,
apart from the Tagata Plain in the north and
narrow strips of plainland in the valleys, land
suitable for rice agriculture is limited. Many local
farm products use the soil conditions of the gentle
slopes of quaternary volcanoes. Notable products
from the eastern part of the Tagata Plain, and
southern and western extensions of the Hakone
volcanic area include: potato, radish, watermelon,
and shiitake mushroom. Kannami watermelon,
Mishima vegetables are some of the well-known
local brands from these areas. Citrus lime is
cultivated in the mountainsides facing the sea.
Dairy farming is popular in the Tanna and West
Amagi areas. Horseradish (wasabi) cultivation is
practiced on the sections of quaternary volcanoes
that are cleft and partially eroded by natural
agents. The wasabi plantations cover full streams
at places, and intensively use the spring water to
cultivate the crop.
Flower growing with the help of warm climate
and ‘hot-spring melon’ farming with the use of
geothermal heat are some other notable farming
activities. Daisies and carnation are notable
among flower varieties. The Agriculture Research
Institute of Shizuoka Prefecture has recently
started a program of cultivating 11 traditional
vegetables of the peninsula that can be used as
local alternatives to imported vegetables.
Sunlight dried radish at
Hakone flank West Amagi Plateau Horseradish farm in
Ikadaba Flier of traditional
vegetables
Fig.25. Land use patterns
Izu Peninsula Geopark
40
D-1-iv. Fisheries
The deep Suruga and Sagami Troughs and the overlying bay waters are rich fishing grounds, yielding catch of
a very large variety of shallow marine and deep marine fish. The spider crab, the largest crab species in the
world, is caught off the coast of Heda cape in Numazu. In addition special local products like Torohanpen
(processed fish flesh) of deep-water varieties such as the Megisu (Pseudochromidae family) are notable local
products. In the east coast, the Kinmedai (Beryx splendens) is caught widely and products like canned
Kinmedai are popular. The Geo-don (geopark seafood dish) is a specialty of the Ito City Fishing Cooperative:
a variety of fish are caught by lowering fixed nets. The catch is served fresh on a rice bowl. This type of catch
involves anticipation of tidal patterns and understanding of geological properties of the coast.
The fishing of sweetfish (ayu or Plecoglossus altivelis) is popular along the Kanogawa or Kawazu Rivers, but
the fishing season and locations are controlled by fishing cooperatives. Many people head off to these rivers to
catch sweetfish during the fishing season (June to December).
D-2 EXISTING AND PLANNED FACILITIES OF THE GEOPARK
D-2-i EXISTING FACILITIES
Main facilities of the geopark are listed in the table below. Our geopark does not possess a full-scale nature
museum. The geopark utilizes ethnological museums, aquariums, botanical parks, and Michi-no-eki road
stations in each locality for guidance and tourism purposes. The geopark promotion council is building a
Central Operation Unit (tentative name) as well as visitor centers in each of the cities/towns.
Table 13. Important facilities of the geopark
Museum name Several type of halls Roadside Station
MOA Museum of Art Plaza Verde Ito Marine
Sano Art Museum Numazu City Cultural Hall Kaikoku Shimoda Minato
Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art Sun-well Numazu Amagigoe
Uehara Museum of Buddhism Art Senbon Plaza Izunoheso
Uehara Museum of Modern Art Mishima City Cultural Hall Shimogamo Spa Yunohana
Numazu City History and Folklore Museum Citizen of Mishima Lifelong
Learning Center
Hnano-Sanseien Izu Matsuzaki
Numazu City Archives of Meiji History Ito City Hall for Tourism
Heda Shipbuilding and Local Data Museum Citizen of Ito Lifelong Learning
Center
Mishima City History and Folklore Museum Shimoda City Cultural Hall
Izu Mito Sea Paradise Izu City Cultural Hall
Musée Bernard Buffet Shuzenji Grand Hall
Display gallery Amagi Hall
Izu Glass & Craft Museum Toi Grand Hall
Izu Shaboten Park Nagaoka Grand Hall
Shimoda Aquarium Nirayama Cultural Hall
Atagawa Tropical and Alligator Garden Nagaizumi Town Cultural Hall
Mishima Taisha Treasure Museum
D-2-ii Central Operation Unit and Visitor Centers
At 1585 km2 of land surface, the geopark is spread over a large area. There are multiple entry points and
lodging facilities or geosites belonging to different city or town areas. For this, the geopark is planning to open
visitor centers in each of the cities and towns (15 visitor centers in total). Out of these, 7 visitor centers are
already operating (see Table14).
Izu Peninsula Geopark
41
However, it is difficult to manage research and information through these small visitor centers. Therefore the
geopark is constructing a core facility, tentatively named the Central Operation Unit. This facility will be
located at Izu City (near the center of the peninsula) and it will be responsible for overall management of the
visitor centers and all types of information exchange, outreach, research and monitoring activities. the facility
will come in operation in 2016, at the 1st floor of Shuzenji Sogo Kaikan hall. This will also be the future
location for the Geopark Promotion Council Office (see table). The geopark aims to provide information to the
visitors and relay feedback from geopark visitors in an efficient manner by operating through this network
system of core and satellite facilities.
Table 14. Visitor centers
City/Town Name Location Year
Co
mp
lete
d
Minamiizu Town Minamiizumachi Visitor Center Aiai Misaki 2012
Mishima City Mishima Visitor Center Mishima Station Tourist Guide Center 2013
Izu City Amagi Visitor Center Showa no Mori Visitor Center 2013
Higashiizu Town Higashi Izu Visitor Center Atagawa Hot Spring Tourism Section 2013
Matuzaki Town Matsuzaki Visitor Center Nakazetei 2013
Kawazu Town Kawazu Nanadaru Visitor Center Entrance to Seven Waterfalls of Kawazu 2014
Shimoda City Shimoda Visitor Center Kaikoku Shimoda Minato 2014
Pla
nn
ed
Izunokuni City Part of Izu no Heso or Izu Chuou-do Tourist Information Center 2015
Numazu City Part of Heda Regional Revitalization Center Kurura Heda 2015
Atami City Tourist Information Center in modified Atami Station 2015
Nagaizumi City Part of ‘Community Nagaizumi’—local facility 2015
Kannami Town Michino eki Road Station near Kannami Tsukamoto Interchange 2016
Shuzenji Central Operation Unit
open within a few years
Matsuzaki
Minamiizumachi
Higashiizu
Izunoheso
Shimoda
already open
Central Operation Unit
(2016 open)
Mishima
Kawazu
Amagi
Visitor Center
Fig. 26. Location of visitor centers and planned central operation unit
Izu Peninsula Geopark
42
D-3 Analysis of Geotourism Potential
The Izu Peninsula Geopark began its activities in January 2011. The Promotion Council was yet to be born at
that stage, and the activities followed the guidelines prepared by Dr. Masato Koyama of the Center for
Integrated Research and Education of Natural Hazards, Shizuoka University. The guideline was prepared
upon the request of the Shizuoka Prefecture Office. In 2014, the Basic Plan for geopark operation was
prepared, and currently geopark management is being conducted on the basis of this Basic Plan. A web-based
questionnaire was implemented among 350 local residents and responses about the awareness and expectation
of geopark activities were analyzed. A workshop was subsequently conducted for information exchange
between the geopark personnel and local people. 100 people participated in this workshop, including local
residents, administrative workers, traffic system employees, guides and high school students. The result of the
questionnaire survey and the workshop is discussed below.
D-3-i Geotourism Strength
Possible to witness different types of volcanism in the forms of submarine volcanoes, terrestrial volcanoes
and monogenetic volcanoes—resulting out of tectonic motion of three plates around the peninsula. Izu’s
position at the boundary of three plates makes it a unique location on the planet.
Due to its relatively warm climate, the geopark can be visited throughout the year. Geotours take place all
over the peninsula, across the four different seasons.
Izu was a favorite among writers of early modern times due to its hot springs. The area is one of the most
well-known hot-spring destinations of Japan, attracting 37 million footfalls per year. Walking trails and
toilets are well-managed, and touring the peninsula is possible with minimal trouble.
There are a number of ecotourism activities, as well as interesting local variants of tourism such as: geo-
walk and hot-springs, geopark and literary tours, geopark and local cuisine, and marine sports and geopark.
Such collaborative projects add to the variety of tourism.
70% of the respondents were hopeful that the geopark will have positive effect on tourism promotion and
80% were hopeful that the geopark will have positive effects on nature conservation.
D-3-ii Geotourism Weakness
There is no large natural history museum.
Only 30% of the respondents were aware of the geopark’s various activities, though 50% responded that
they had heard about the geopark in some manner. This leaves ample room for further popularizing the
geopark among locals.
Lack of geoguides who can communicate in foreign languages.
Fig. 27. Web questionnaire results
Izu Peninsula Geopark
43
D-3-iii Ongoing Activities and Future Vision
Based on the findings of the survey and the discussion at the workshop,
the following three areas of activity can be outlined:
a. Attracting Visitors to Geotours
Apart from creating geopark ‘fans’ who visit the geopark as their main
destination, it is necessary to attract other types of visitors to the
geopark using a diverse range of strategies.
As far as increasing the number of geopark fans is concerned, Machikon
Ito, a Non Profit Organization (NPO) has led the ‘Learn about Izu’
program. In addition, the hot-spring tourism promotion group
Kakaritsuke-no-Yu brings together Japanese hot-spring inns under the
common theme of health and wellness tourism. This group conducts a
series of tours themed ‘hot-springs with geoguides.’ These tours are
succeeding in increasing geopark fans. The activity of the NPO
Machikon Ito is worthy of a special note in this regard. The NPO
conducts 10 tours in a year in Izu Peninsula and takes its members for
excursion to other Japanese geoparks once a year. The excursion
allows the members to tour other geoparks, learn from those areas and
compare activities—resulting in renewed enthusiasm to learn about
and promote their land, Izu, even further.
Initiatives by travel magazines such as Rurubu and Mapple to feature
the geopark in some editions, and installation of geopark explanation
panels in some prominent tourist spots are notable activities that seek
to popularize the geopark among non-geotourist visitors who are not
geotourists. The Geopark Promotion Council Bureau collaborates with
the Prefecture Government and local tourism boards to expand the
geopark’s appeal, and regularly provides briefings to the media about
its activities. Bilingual explanation panels in Japanese and English are
available throughout the geopark. These panels provide brief and easy
to understand explanations about the geology, and can be used by
visitors and guides to explain about the geological heritage. These
explanation panels are set up with assistance from local administration,
industries and NPOs, a total of 101 such panels in 86 locations were set
up as of March 2014. The design and contents of the panels are
prepared by Researchers and Academic Advisor of the Promotion Council, and efforts are made to reflect the
opinion of local guides and incorporate information from historical documents. Yusuke Suzuki of the
Promotion Council Bureau edits and designs the final layout. These explanation boards have location specific
designs, as well as maps to direct visitors to adjacent locations and QR codes that can direct the user to the
geopark website.
b. Raising Resident Awareness for Welcoming Tourists
In order for geotourism to expand in an area, it is necessary that local residents have a good understanding of
geotourism. Many lecturers and demonstrations are organized by the Promotion Council, cities/towns, and
geoguides to popularize the geopark among residents. The number of such lectures, explanation meetings,
demonstrations and study-meets reached 272 as of February 2014. A total of 11000 people participated in
these events.
Workshop for master plan
Example of explanation panel
at Asahidaki geopoint. The
panels provide information not
only on geology but also on
history and culture.
Izu Peninsula Geopark
44
c. Multilingual Support
The geopark has Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean websites. Geopark maps and DVDs are available in
Japanese, English, Chinese (mainland Putonghua and Taiwanese versions) and Korean since 2013. In March
2014, the Geo-Izu smartphone and I-phone application was released. This application targets individual
tourists, and is available in Japanese and English. The application features 12 videos running simultaneously
on the screen: it directs the user to the routes to geosites. The geopark will strive to implement special walking
tours for foreigners that introduce aspects of geology as well as Japanese culture, by collaborating with travel
agencies that specialize in conducting international tours.
D-4 Overview and Policies for Sustainable Development
D-4-i Geotourism and Local Economy
a. Geotours
Many geotours are conducted by various organizations across the peninsula. These tours have different
objectives. Since the establishment of the Geopark Promotion Council a total of 357 geotours were conducted
by the Promotion Council and officially recognized geoguides. These tours attracted total of 15000
participants (figure updated till February 2014). Geoguides also conduct tours on their own, or collaborate
with other organizations to design tours. The sightseeing cruise company Dogashima Marine operates geosite
cruise tours of 50 minute duration every Saturday; geoguides provide explanation of sites in this tour. More
specialized tours include photo-tours of geosites, hiking tours from visitor centers, bicycle and sea-kayak
tours, and walking tours. In future, the geopark will introduce a series of themed tours by geoguides and strive
to secure channels to promote these tours.
b. Product development
One of the major attractions of the geopark is a variety of products developed by the locals. The ideas of these
products and unique selling strategies reflect the innovativeness of the local people. The most famous product
is the Geo-gashi (Geological sweets), detailed information about these is provided in the following section.
There are other products such as ‘Geo-don’ (geofood rice bowl by fishing cooperatives), Geopark bread
developed by Danke Bakery (Izu no kuni City), ‘lava-candy’ developed by Tokai Automobiles—all of these
image geosites or landscapes. Pottery modeled on geological landforms is another notable local product. The
geopark visitor centers are actively involved in promoting and selling geo-gashi and other geopark related
products as souvenirs. Attractive
geosites, geotours or geopark
related products are also
frequently featured in the
programs aired on local cable
television channels.
Geopark related
pamphlets (left),
Geopark bread (right)
Publications (left),
Bilingual「Geo IZU」
application(right)
Izu Peninsula Geopark
45
The geopark is also positively committed to promote local agriculture, fisheries or processed food products such
as: wasabi horseradish and eels (related closely to the water environment), catch from the seas, and vegetables
growing in the volcanic soils. Apart from these items which are directly related to the geology of the land, we
are committed to promote traditionally famous food products like the seaweed of Matsuzaki or Shio-katsuo
(salted bonito) as attractions of the geopark.
c. Geoguides
The training of geoguides is a key part of the geopark development because these guides introduce the attractions
of the land to visitors and promote education and geotourism. A yearly geoguide training program is run by the
geopark every year since 2011 (since 2013, the training program requires enrollment fee), every year around 50
aspirants apply for the training. The current system is to train potential geoguides through a series of lectures
and field demonstrations and conduct a test that includes simulation of field guiding after 2 months. 117
geoguides are currently ‘recognized’ (as of May 2014) by the geopark as ‘certified guides’ who have
successfully passed the final test. In 2012, the Izu Peninsula Geoguide Organization was established by the
certified geoguides. This is a voluntary organization and it helps geoguides to interact among themselves. The
organization provides a platform for geoguides with knowledge about different areas to communicate and
develop guiding skills that can be used across the peninsula, conduct emergency rescue drills and develop
other related guiding skills. In D-6 information is given about some activities of geoguides.
Since 2013, a program of developing ‘Geoguide-associates’ is underway. This is mainly aimed at nature
guides who also want to guide some parts of the geopark. It is currently not possible to organize lecture or
training trips for these guiding associates but the program will have the effect of expanding the geopark to
other areas of nature tourism. A notable development has been the establishment of the ‘Ito Geomarine Club’
that conducts geo-snorkeling and geo-diving for diving enthusiasts.
D-4-ii Geoscience Education and Disaster Prevention Education
In order to achieve long term sustainable economic development, it is important to educate the next generation
(i.e. children) about the geopark. Along with this children’s education, adult education of natural disasters
such as earthquakes, volcanoes, storms and flooding is important. Moreover, such knowledge must be
transmitted effectively and disaster response measures must be developed. The section below introduces some
notable education and natural disaster response efforts of the geopark.
a. Geoscience Education
The Izu Sogo High School became the first prefecture administered school to gain the UNESCO School
status. The school was recognized for its curriculum of geopark related activity that started even before the
geopark gained a Japanese Geoparks Network (JGN) member status. The Sogo High School science division
prepares geosite leaflets and fliers and provides special lecturers for elementary school students. The school
children are also involved in guiding geosites with local support. Geopark education is mandatory for the 2nd
year students enrolling for general education.
The Matsuzaki High School has recently started collaborative learning programs with the Izu Sogo High
School. Geosite trips and conservation activities are parts of club-activity for students of this school. Students
Sand-spit plate (left),
actual sand-spit (right)
Izu Peninsula Geopark
46
from this school have already started collaboration with locals to help in conservation activities and foster
geopark related products.
The Ito High School Arts Section developed a birds-eye view representation of the land created by the lava
flow from Izu Tobu Volcano Group. Panels of such views are made and distributed to elementary and middle
schools of the locality. This project is a result of a collaboration between the Ito High School and the local
Rotary Club, and there is evidence that initiatives such as this are helpful in deepening the interaction between
schools and local residents.
It is also important that teachers also have a good understanding of the geopark and the geology of the land.
The Geopark Promotion Council Bureau provides expert support for the volcano experiment toolkit (‘kichin-
kazan jikken) and data about past disasters. Guidance is provided to school teachers who are interested in
geological science and natural disaster prevention. In this way the geopark is conducting various educational
outreach activities.
In addition, the geopark runs booths and exhibitions in various local events with the support of geoguides.
Simple experiments and quizzes are arranged for children and their parents who visit the booths. In this way,
the geopark aims to popularize geoscience among visitors. In August 2013, the ‘Earthquake-Volcano Summer
School for Children’ was organized in Shimoda and Minamiizu (southern part of the peninsula). A total of 33
children from different parts of Japan participated.
b. Disaster prevention measures
Geoparks are places to enjoy about the earth’s heritage, but they are also places where visitors can learn about
past natural disasters. Education about such disasters allow us to assimilate knowledge gained from the past
and prepare ourselves to respond effectively in the case of any future disaster. Thus, this type of education
helps to develop local level disaster-preparedness.
The Izu Peninsula is a land of active volcanoes (Izu Tobu Volcano Group), steep mountains, and heavy
rainfall, so the potential of a natural disaster striking the region is high. The geopark runs a variety of disaster
preparation programs as a key part of its activity. We make efforts to teach people about the geological
structure of the land as well as past natural disasters through the explanation panels and geotour contents.
Remains from past natural disasters and disaster prevention infrastructure are also featured in our geosites.
Such measures are helpful for spreading natural disaster awareness more directly.
In the aftermath of typhoon induced landslides in the nearby Izu Oshima Geopark, our Researcher Yusuke
Suzuki visited the Oshima geopark and conducted a survey on geopark network support for the affected
region. The President of Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council later handed over the donations to the
mayor of Oshima at the annual convention of Japanese geoparks.
In 2012, the Volcanic Disaster Prevention Council was set up to monitor the Izu Tobu Volcano Group and
design effective response in the case of any emergency. This council is currently preparing evacuation plans
and other related emergency responses. The disaster management plans of Shizuoka Prefecture, Ito City and
Izu City clearly mention that respective administrative units will liaise with the Izu Peninsula Geopark
Promotion Council and disseminate volcanism related information to tourists and concerned parties. The
Promotion Council is a member of the Volcanic Hazard Prevention Council and various programs of
involving the geopark in disaster prevention are currently being designed and implemented.
Tour by Izu Sogo High School Birds eye view of landscape Children summer school
Izu Peninsula Geopark
47
D-4-iii Geomorphological and Geological Heritage
Geoparks are places to conserve geological heritage but they are also places where local societies can use a
part of that heritage for sustainable development. We have already provided detailed information about
conservation in Section C of the application document. Here we introduce about sustainable utilization of the
geological heritage.
As the geological heritage is a matter of local pride, it is utilized in the various tours and learning activities in
the geopark area. Natural landscapes and ecosystems provide the basis for living for many people, especially
for those in the coastal areas.
The geopark promotion council runs many types of programs such as awareness programs for common
people, human resource development (geoguide training and collaboration with schools), surveys and research
programs. In addition, the geopark is committed to promote sustainable resource use by local communities. In
2012, a survey of volcanic gas release at Teishi Sea Knoll off the Ito coast was conducted in collaboration
with the Center for Integrated research and Education of Natural Hazards, Shizuoka University. In 2013, Dr.
Nemesio Perez from Canary Islands visited the area. We conducted a joint lecture of Dr. Perez and Dr. Motoo
Ukawa of Nihon University, this lecture was about continuing undersea volcanism. At that time, we provided
support for Dr. Perez’s field survey. In the future, the geopark will provide research results for public use
through its academic activities.
D-5 Development of Local Society
The administrative heads of 13
cities and towns that initially
established the geopark
promotion council have
organized a ‘Meet of
Administrative Heads’ that
addresses regional issues, town
planning (machizukuri) and
disaster prevention. The ‘Izu
Peninsula Grand Design’ was
adopted by this group in April
2013. A SWOT analysis of the
peninsula, where tourism is the
main industry, was conducted,
and a collective pledge was
made to make the geopark a
‘leading project’ of regional
development. The pledge called for
increased collaboration between
different areas of the peninsula,
based on the concept of a common
heritage of beautiful yet at times
dangerous nature. Planning
documents of different
administrative units feature geopark related aspects, this raises the
hope that the geopark will be a key to tool for local development in
the future.
Ties with local business and industries are also being developed. Local bus companies or cruise line
companies are collaborators for developing geotours and guide training programs. We have bus drivers who
are certified as geoguides, too.
Present condition Future condition
Go
od
influ
en
ce
Strength
Short distance from Tokyo
Warm climate
Natural resources are abundant
Tourism and lodging facilities
History and literature influence
Local brands with long history
Opportunity
Traffic infrastructure development
GGN membership
World heritage designation (Fuji,
Nirayama (under assessment))
Haneda International Airport, Shizuoka
Airport development
Medicine industry development
Active seniors, development of Asia
Ba
d
influ
en
ce
Weakness
Internal communications not ideal
Traffic network issues
Natural hazards
Depopulation and aging
Threat
Plate movement and earthquakes
Typhoons and rainfall
Decline of tourism industry
Cheap airports, maglev development
Large scale tourist facilities near Tokyo
Activity item 2011 2012 2013 2014
Geotour bus provision
(Tokai Jidosha Co. Ltd.)
(Izubus Co. Ltd.)
Aug.
Geo Photo Train
(Izukyu Holdings Co. Ltd.)
Mar.
Planning of geotour
(Kakaritsukeyu Association)
Aug.
Fig. 28. SWOT analysis from Izu Peninsula Grand Design
Fig.29. Periodic cooperation with
local business
Izu Peninsula Geopark
48
D-6 Efforts to Raise Public Awareness
As the geopark is about local people, geoguides who know about the geological heritage of the land are a most
valuable asset for the geopark. They take the central role in promoting the geopark within and outside its
immediate locality. Several innovative efforts by our geoguides to promote the geopark have attracted
widespread attention.
The Geogashi Ryokodan (Geological sweets travel group), a guiding group consisting of two local women
(Haruna Terashima and Michiko Suzuki), has developed novel sweets that replicate landforms and landscapes
of the geopark. The sweets are made with local ingredients and each package includes Japanese and English
description of the landform/landscape. This brand is now famous, and the activities of Geogashi Ryokodan are
featured in the media regularly. These sweets can be bought as souvenirs, but their main use is as guiding
tools. The idea of the Geogashi Ryokodan is to inspire people to visit the actual sites while enjoying the food.
Geogashi sweets became an instant hit at the APGN general convention. The Geogashi Ryokodan is involved
in designing geogashi tours, joint product development with local schools (Izu Sogo High School) and several
other efforts to promote the geopark.
Yumiko Suzuki, a geoguide based at Mishima, designed a unique Ikebana flower arrangement style that
depicts geosites. Ikebana is a traditional Japanese flower art, and is also an intangible heritage. A day of this
Ikebana exhibition attracted 347 participants. During this event 9 geoguides gave explanations about the
geosites.
Local business units are becoming increasingly attached to the geopark. The Izukyu Cable Network and
Izukyuko group (cable car and railway) has started to run ‘geo-trains’ with geopark logo and geosite
photographs.
In addition, the Ito fishing cooperative is marketing local seafood dish on the geopark concept and the
Geomarine Divers’ group has followed suit, the two groups operate on the common catchphrase, ‘Umi-no-
naka-mo Jio’ (Taking the Geopark under the sea). These activities were detailed in an earlier section.
Among the initiatives directly run by the promotion council bureau the following worth mention here: special
lectures for residents and locals schools, Geopark Aptitude Test (1755 people took this simple web-based test
in 3 years), demonstration booths in various programs and lectures/demonstrations upon request.
Geogashi Geoikebana Geotrain guidance
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E. REASONS FOR JOINING THE GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK
The Izu Peninsula Geopark is committed to make full utilization of the ideals of a geopark and contribute in
conservation of the nature, history and culture of the area, and promote tourism, local development, education
and prevention of natural hazards. The geopark is engaged in interaction with other Japanese and international
geoparks, and we aim to bring benefits to our area as well as to enrich geoparks in general in the process. As
the peninsula is located at a short distance away from Tokyo and is popular as a tourist destination, Izu
Peninsula Geopark has a unique opportunity to spread geopark awareness among a large number of people,
and to develop a new value system for Japanese people who live on a geologically active and dynamic land.
We are motivated to attain new goals of research, education, disaster prevention and conservation of
geological heritage by implementing global level geopark activities and communicating about activities of
geoguides and local residents to the world.
We have the following three contributions in mind upon joining GGN.
The first contribution is that we bring the heritage of Izu Peninsula, a land of globally important
geological heritage, to the network.
Izu Peninsula originated as a submarine volcanic massif in the south sea. It collided with Honshu and created
new landforms through volcanism and crustal motion due to the tectonic motion of the Philippine Sea Plate.
Izu’s geological history and ongoing volcanism and crustal motion allow us to gain insight about the planetary
processes of land formation and evolution. Izu Peninsula in this sense is a unique place in the world, which is
not otherwise represented in the geopark network. In all areas of the peninsula evidences of this geological
heritage can be found. The geological story of the peninsula can be followed in the following order: ancient
submarine volcanism in deep marine environment and transition to submarine volcanism in shallow marine
environment, collision with Honshu, assimilation to continental crust and terrestrial volcanism, and finally the
ongoing monogenetic volcanism (itself rare in Japan). The foremost aim of our geopark is to provide
knowledge about such process of evolution of the earth’s crust through our geological heritage.
The second contribution is the value system of living in a geologically active location, utilization of
geological heritage and advanced disaster prevention initiatives.
The people of Izu have used volcanic gifts like hot springs, horseradish plantations that use abundant
springwater of the central Amagi mountains, and spectacular natural scenery of seaside cliffs—these resources
have provided tourism and economic base for the local society. But on the other hand, Izu has suffered from
serious natural disasters. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to ongoing crustal motion, flooding and
landslides due to heavy rainfall and steep terrain—these are some typical examples of natural disasters in this
land. A geopark in this region is therefore a tool for raising natural hazards awareness among locals, by
extending understanding of nature and the cause of natural hazards. Several structures like floodwave bypass
channel in a flood-prone river, massive tidal surge lock-gate with observation facility and volcanic activity
observation apparatus are all used in geotours here.
We believe that by promoting our region as a geopark, and by communicating about local efforts to use the
benefits of nature and respond to natural hazards; we can reach out to people who suffer from similar disasters
and share useful information.
The third contribution is that at our geopark there are ongoing efforts of sustainable development by
the local societies.
Whatever landform and landscape appears before our eyes have a special meaning, and the world appears a
different place when we are able to understand the deeper significance of our everyday experiences with
planet earth. Local people of the Izu Peninsula have started to feel a sense of wonder by knowing more about
their geopark, and knowing about the earth in the process. The geopark allows local inhabitants to re-evaluate
the landscapes they are naturally familiar with, and geopark activities have begun to communicate about the
heritage of Izu to visitors and future generations. The geopark contributes to a deeper sense of pride among
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the local people, and geopark activities are successfully cultivating a common resolve of developing Izu in a
sustainable way, by paying close attention to the characteristics of the land and by preserving cultural
traditions that continue since historical times.
Yasunari Kawabata, the Nobel Prize winning author, described Izu as ‘a huge park in itself’. We, as Izu
Peninsula Geopark, will continually strive to develop this ‘huge park’ in a sustainable manner.
Opening lines from “Introduction to Izu” by Yasunari Kawabata
People say Izu is a land of poets.
Historians say Izu is a miniature of Japan.
I add: Izu is a land resembling the south.
Izu is an art gallery that has every possible landscape of mountains and sea in its possession.
The whole Izu Peninsula is one large park...