shiitake. During the Edo period, the area was also known for its production of gold and other ores; however, the last commercial mining operations were closed in the 1960s. Education Izu has seven public elementary schools, four public middle schools and one combined elementary/middle school operated by the city government. The city has two public high schools operated by the Shizuoka Prefectural Board of Education. Transportation Railway Izuhakone Railway – Sunzu Line – Highway Izu-Jūkan Expressway Local attractions Shuzenji Romney Railway Toi gold mine Jōren Falls Kamishiroiwa ruins, Jomon period settlement trace, National Historic Site Sister city relations – Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, from August 18, 2005 – Hope, British Columbia, Canada, from August 18, 2005 – Minamiminowa, Nagano, Japan, from February 25, 1991 Notable people from Izu Naoko Ken – singer, actress Yurika Hase (Yurika Ochiai) – voice actress Sōsuke Kaise – manga artist Hon'inbō Shūwa – professional go player External links Izushi Tourist Association References Cities in Shizuoka Prefecture Populated coastal places in Japan