The Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka is famous for its beaches, hot springs and water sports. It is also home to well-known and popular beaches such as Atami, Ito and Shimoda. Smaller towns like Minami-Izu and Nishi-Izu are also becoming more popular. Mount Fuji can be seen to the northwest of the Izu Peninsula, which is also part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The mountains and plateaus of the Izu Peninsula attract many hikers and nature lovers, and you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients such as wild boar and mountain vegetables. The Izu Peninsula is also an important center for Japan's international relations: the first U.S. Consul General in Japan negotiated a trade agreement here, ending Japan's long-term isolation.