jib, one more question for you if you don't mind --

The more I research the Izu Peninsula, the more I think an added night on the southern coast might be useful. I'm thinking somewhere between Cape Irozaki and Shimoda/Shirahama Beach. That might afford some more time to explore the Eastern Jogasaki Coast.

1) Do we need to rent a car to really explore the peninsula properly or can we get around quickly and conveniently by bus? I know the routes and schedules are avail. online but from a practical point of view, what's the best method to get around the peninsula and what would you recommend? Are taxis an option?

2) Do you have a suggestion for where we should stay, if adding an extra night? Considering we'll be spending 2 nights at Asaba in Shuzenji, what would be most ideal in terms of sightseeing and exploring, to easily get around while also ticking off the obvious requirements of being a nice area, preferably scenic and coastal, good lodging, etc?

Is Shimoda the answer or is there something around Irozaki or Tarai? Bear in mind that we'll be traveling mid-to-late-November, so I'm not sure if that impacts the addition of a night on the southernmost point.

If you feel that it's completely unnecessary and that 2 nights is more than enough time to enjoy the serenity of our ryokan and onsen, explore the town of Shuzenji, stroll along the Katsura River and through the Chikurin no Komichi bamboo grove, visit the Mt. Amagi area along Route 414 near Yugoshima Onsen, the Jyoran Waterfalls and Kawazu Nanadaru (seven waterfalls), continue on to Toi Kinzan and the west coast, visit Koibito-Misaki Cape at sunset, take a sightseeing boat around the Dougashima/Futo Coast and Tensoudou Cave, on to Toji Beach, etc. etc. etc.??

Seems like a heck of a lot to cover in 2 days but then Hakone was similar and it turned out that everything was so conveniently situated and transit was so efficient that we basically did everything we'd intended without feeling rushed. The peninsula seems to be a much larger area though, as best I can tell.

Would love your feedback and thoughts on the perfect amount of time to spend and where (apart from Asaba) to spend it?

Thanks again!!