Matsuzaki, Coastal town in Kamo District, Japan
Matsuzaki is a coastal town on the southwest coast of the Izu Peninsula, with a ria coastline facing Suruga Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The settlement stretches along this scenic coast and is characterized by traditional buildings and the interplay between water and the built environment.
During the Edo period, the town served as a key port for transporting stones used in building Edo Castle in present-day Tokyo. This role as a supply point made it an important trading center of that era.
Traditional Namako wall houses line the streets, displaying black diamond patterns that reflect the region's merchant building style. These structures give the town its distinctive look and connect visitors to its past as a trading center.
The Nishi Izu Kanko Free Pass available at the local bus station offers unlimited travel on regional buses throughout western Izu. This pass makes exploring the broader area easy without purchasing individual tickets.
The area around Matsuzaki is heavily forested, with natural vegetation covering much of the landscape and creating a striking contrast with the historic structures by the water. This green environment shapes the overall character of the place in an unexpected way.
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