Volcano Gifts from the South -...

Izu Peninsula Geopark

Volcano Gifts from the South


APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP OF

GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK

Izu Peninsula Geopark Promotion Council, Japan


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


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


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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


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


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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


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


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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


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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


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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

mailto:[email protected]

http://izugeopark.org/


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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


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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)


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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)


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


13

Fig.12. Geological structure of the Izu Peninsula


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


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


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.


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.


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


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


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


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


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


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


23

Geosite Name: Iwachi, Ishibu, Kumomi Area: Nishiizu


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


geological change


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.


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


geological change


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


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.


26

Fig. 18. Geosite/Geopoint Map


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


Volcano

Ippekikojinja Shrine General access Ippekiko maar, Omuroy ama lav a f low and Junirento islets


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


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


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


Kawazu Sev en Falls Odaru Waterf all General access Noborio minami v olcano lav a and columnar joints, submarine


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


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


Volcano

Kumado Education purpose Temple that recorded the most recent eruption of Mt. Fuji and

Meiji era document repository


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


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


Sukumoy ama Volcano

Sukumoy ama Volcano General access Cross section of Sukumoy ama scoria cone, v olcanic ash

f rom Chojagahara


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


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


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


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


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


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


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:


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.


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


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


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).


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


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


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.


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)


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)


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


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


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


49

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...

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