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Fuji-Hakone-Izu NP, Shizuoka
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Clownfish and other warm-water fish swim at Hirizo, where the nearby Hirido–Tonai–Nakagi waters lie near the northern edge of reef-building corals’ range. Prefectural records note many coral species in this unusual boundary zone.
Even from Nakagi harbor, Hirizo is hidden behind the great offshore Daikon Island. The short ferry rounds the island before the cove comes into view—one reason this shore stayed so difficult to reach.
A local ferry captain recalls a huge typhoon breaking up a once-large coral colony at Hirizo. Small patches are recovering, he says, but rebuilding the former growth could take decades—a fragile side of the beach’s beauty.
The Hirizo ferry captain told local schoolchildren that takabe are plentiful in these waters and delicious, too. Around Nakagi, coastal fishing is part of everyday life, with local catches including abalone, turban snails and spiny lobster.
Shizuoka Prefecture records an older name, 「日入り洞浜」; a Nakagi guide gives 「日入堂浜」 and 「ヒリド浜」, linked to a small hall at the landing. In the guide’s account, 「ヒリゾ」 stuck after mistaken publicity.
In 1997, Nakagi’s young fishers began promoting Hirizo on a website, sharing photos of blue water and schooling fish when internet use was still low. Their early online effort helped turn a little-known cove into a snorkeling destination.
After the last ferry leaves, local teams clean Hirizo each day; divers also record coral locations, types and numbers. Before the season, local schoolchildren join cleanup and observe the shore’s small marine life.
Hirizo’s summer ferry service grew into a local team effort: 8 fishing boats coordinate trips, with unified reservations and a watch boat during the season. Ferry staff also take lifesaving courses to help prevent accidents.
