Izu no Odoriko, also known as The Dancing Girl of Izu, is a famous novella written by the Japanese author Yasunari Kawabata. The story is set in the Izu Peninsula, a beautiful region in Japan known for its hot springs, scenic landscapes, and traditional arts.

The protagonist of the story is a young student who travels to Izu for a school trip. During his journey, he encounters a group of travelling performers, including a young and beautiful dancer named Kaoru. Despite their age difference, the student becomes fascinated by Kaoru's grace and elegance, and develops a close relationship with her.

The novella explores themes of youth, love, and beauty, and is renowned for its lyrical and poetic prose. It has been adapted into numerous forms, including a film, a play, and an anime series.

The character of Kaoru, the dancing girl of Izu, has become an iconic figure in Japanese literature and culture. Her name has inspired numerous works of art, music, and fashion, and has even been used as the name of a luxury cosmetics brand.

Overall, Izu no Odoriko is a timeless masterpiece that captures the beauty and spirit of Japan's traditional arts and landscapes, and continues to inspire and enchant readers and audiences around the world.