Izu is for Cyclists

Nice article by Rob Gilhooly about Shizuoka's promotion of cycling tourism in Izu, in the Japan Times today. These efforts are in high gear after the Olympic cycling centered on Izu (and nearby Gotemba). I've said it before, but Nishi Izu offers rides that are up there with some of the best in the rest of the world. More cycle tourism could only help the economy and support additional accommodations for existing regular cycle visitors such as myself.

Now if they will only do something to make the Eastern side of Izu less congested, with roadways that are generally unkind to cyclists.

The perfect room at a Japanese Inn (ryokan)