【JA22W Jimny】Unplanned Izu Peninsula Trip! Part 2【Ocean View Camping at Cape Irōzaki Edition】

I went on a trip around the Izu Peninsula in a Jimny that has completed various repairs. I had no set plans other than driving through scenic spots. I drove along the Izu and Nishi-Izu Skyline, planning to camp in the car at a nice spot, which was almost a no-plan trip. This second part features episodes from camping at Cape Irōzaki.

Dream come true with sun-dried fish and stunning views while camping in the car!

Starting from the Izu Skyline, I hardly ate anything and didn’t decide on a lodging spot, but I finally feel like I can settle down. I made some purchases at the nearby roadside station and direct sales shop at the fishing port before checking in.

▼The first part is here
【JA22W Jimny】No Plan Car Camping in the Izu Peninsula! Part 1【Perfect Jimny and Izu Skyline Edition】<

The reason I was able to have this spontaneous trip is that I can easily camp in my car. I surely wouldn't have been able to travel in such a relaxed manner if I had to book a guesthouse or hotel.

In my Jimny, I can fold down the passenger seat and place a box, and if I lay down an air mattress and sleeping bag, the bed is ready. The somewhat over-spec thick synthetic sleeping bag for this time of year serves to flatten out any unavoidable bumps and acts as a cushion, which has been very useful.

While burning wood for grilling the sun-dried fish, I toasted with some pickled wasabi stems! It seems wasabi is also a specialty here, so I decided to buy some. The sweet and sour seasoning spreads a refreshing flavor, soaking deeply into my tired body with its rich taste.

Although I had planned to eat out, I was saved by having brought a small amount of firewood and a campfire stand when I considered changing my plans. However, the wind along the coast was strong, making it difficult to keep the fire stable and its heat escaping, so cooking over a campfire was not suitable at all. Anticipating this, I chose a vertically arranged fire pit known as a wood stove.

The wood stove is designed so that heat rises straight up without spreading out, making it easier to cook than a typical campfire pit. Normally, burning firewood to create embers would allow for slow cooking of ingredients, but the harsh sea breeze consumed the flames before they could become embers. What I realized from this experience was that charcoal is more suitable than firewood, and a shichirin, which withstands wind better than a campfire pit, would be more appropriate.

I didn't want to expose the surface to the intense flames because it would char, but there was no choice for thorough cooking. After some effort, I finally grilled the sun-dried mackerel pike. The flesh is firm with a texture similar to mackerel, and the more you chew, the more umami spreads. The saltiness was also just right for my tired body.

With little firewood left and having bought some more sun-dried fish, I had to give up because they burned up in the strong winds... There have been constant troubles and things not going well, but there’s a sense of adventure and a remarkable feeling of fulfillment in traveling. Now, after lounging while looking at the sea, I decided to have some instant noodles and get some sleep.

I was able to see the morning without any issues and enjoyed tea while looking at the sea. The forecast called for even stronger winds that day, but here, I felt less wind than expected and the weather was slightly chilly.

I cooked a curry udon set I found at the roadside station for breakfast. Ready-to-eat food is a camper’s best friend. For dessert, I had a New Summer Orange. I’m all set for an energy boost!

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