This Japanese Peninsula Is Considered the Birthplace of Wasabi-and It Has Stunning Waterfalls, Too

"The scent of wasabi wafted faintly in the air as I walked by terraces filled with the distinctive plants of Japan's Izu Peninsula. The cool, shady mountain slopes were ideal for hiking, and the area's abundant natural springs provide just the right environment for growing the famed wasabi. During the trip, my trekking companions and I didn't just admire wasabi growing-we ate it just about every way possible, from a freshly grated dollop atop vanilla soft-serve ice cream to sprinkled over bowls of steaming soba buckwheat noodles with mountain yam and local vegetables."

"To reach the Izu Peninsula, my group met our guide at Tokyo Station and hopped a train to Izu-Kogen, where we explored a small geological museum before heading out on our first hike. We walked and saw clifftop pine trees shaped by the wind-reminiscent of Japanese artwork-and listened to waves crashing on the rocks and reverberating through sea caves. That night, we soaked in an open-air onsen with views of the Pacific."

"Each day, we walked with constantly changing scenery, from terraces of growing wasabi plants to gorgeous coastal cliffs and into a gorge with a seemingly endless parade of falling water known as the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. On the fifth day of our trip, we summited a mountain to a viewpoint where we saw a tiny glimpse of Mt. Fuji's flanks poking out from behind a shroud of clouds. The rest of the sacred mountain-Japan's tallest peak-was hidden, but our guide encouraged us to be patient. Find a spot to rest"

Walk Japan led a weeklong hiking trip across the Izu Peninsula, highlighting natural springs, wasabi terraces, coastal cliffs, waterfalls and onsen. Trekkers traveled from Tokyo to Izu-Kogen, visited a geological museum, and hiked among wind-shaped clifftop pines and sea caves. Daily routes shifted from mountain slopes and wasabi farms to rugged coastlines and the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls gorge. Nights included soaking in open-air onsens with Pacific views. On the fifth day, hikers summited for a partial glimpse of Mt. Fuji while their guide encouraged patience for clearer views.

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