Yesterday I thought summer came earier this year, but today's rain brought winter back...

Last week we were in the middle of Mount Amagi woods, heading to one of my favourite spots in Western Izu.

It is called Mount Fukino 21th Century Forest.

It is not easy to reach as it is really in the middle of the woods on the top of a mountain, in a very few populated area.

It can be reached from the Nishina Pass or the West Coast of Izu, by following some narrow roads that goes up into the mountains. The indications are very few and only in Japanese, so it is better to follow the Google Maps instructions.

Once you will reach there there is a small parking area (where I didn't find any car both the two times I went).

2 minutes walking from the small parking you will find a closed Buddhist temple and walk between more than 100 old buddhist images on the ground.

There you won't hear anything except for the voices of the singing birds.

It is a very mystic experience, especially in foggy and cloudy days! I won't suggest to go there at night...

From the parking you can see one of the best views of the entire Izu Peninsula, in my opinion:

Leaving this mysterious place you will go "back to the civilized world" in two directions, or west to Matsuzaki or east to Nishina Pass.

Well, we've ended our trip through the Izu Peninsula, but I will write again next week about the area between Mishima and Gotenba, very close to Mount Fuji and very beautiful to drive through!

Alberto