Ito

Ito is a premier historic spa town nestled along the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Blessed with more than 700 thermal spring sources, the city channels tens of thousands of liters of mineral-rich hot water every minute into traditional ryokans, communal neighborhood sento, and scenic footbaths. Its hot spring heritage dates back hundreds of years, gaining national prominence during the Edo period when local waters were transported to the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).

Beyond its therapeutic thermal waters, Ito is surrounded by extraordinary geological topography shaped by prehistoric volcanism. Mount Omuro, a near-perfect extinct volcanic cinder cone resembling an inverted green bowl, commands the skyline, offering 360-degree views across Mount Fuji, Sagami Bay, and the Amagi Mountains. Along the rugged shoreline, the Jogasaki Coast features towering basalt cliffs created by lava flows thousands of years ago, linked by dizzying suspension footbridges over churning ocean waves. Blending outdoor adventure with authentic ryokan culture, Ito remains an essential retreat from urban Japan.

Reasons to Visit

• World-Class Geothermal Springs: Experience the incredible volume and purity of Ito's thermal onsen waters across historic wooden bathhouses and luxury oceanfront ryokans.
• Iconic Volcanic Landscapes: Ride the chairlift up Mount Omuro to walk around the crater rim with sweeping views spanning Mount Fuji to Sagami Bay.
• Dramatic Coastal Hiking: Cross the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge suspended 23 meters over jagged volcanic sea cliffs along the scenic Jogasaki Coast.
• Deep-Sea Culinary Delicacies: Savor regional kinmedai (alfonsino) and freshly caught seafood sourced directly from the pristine currents of Sagami Bay.
• Preserved Historical Architecture: Step back into the Showa era by visiting Tokaikan, a magnificently preserved wooden hot spring inn along the willow-lined Matsukawa River.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid walking onto Mount Omuro's volcanic slopes on foot; walking outside designated summit paved trails is strictly forbidden to protect fragile turf vegetation.
• Avoid wearing shoes or sandals inside ryokan tatami rooms and hot spring dressing areas; always use the provided slippers or walk in socks.
• Do not bring large rolling luggage onto standard Tokai local buses; store bulky bags in coin lockers at Ito Station before taking excursions.
• Avoid approaching wild sea cliffs during rough surf conditions or typhoon warnings, as sudden rogue waves frequently crash over outer basalt rocks.

Local Transportation Tips

Ito Station serves as the primary transportation hub, connecting the JR Ito Line with the private Izu Kyuko Line heading south towards Shimoda. To reach Mount Omuro, Lake Ippeki, and the Jogasaki area, Tokai Bus operates regular routes from the terminal outside Ito Station. Purchasing a 1-day or 2-day Tokai Bus Ito Sightseeing Pass offers unlimited bus transit to major landmarks. Within downtown Ito, the historic river walk and shopping arcades are compact and entirely walkable, while rental cars provide the greatest flexibility for exploring rural peninsular coastlines.

Travel Etiquette

• Onsen Hygiene: Always wash and rinse your entire body thoroughly at the seated washing stalls before stepping into shared hot spring pools.
• Towels in Baths: Keep your modesty towel out of the bath water; place it on your head or set it on the dry stone edge.
• Trash Management: Carry your rubbish with you until you find designated sorting bins, as public street garbage cans are rare across Japan.
• Quiet Public Spaces: Keep mobile phones on silent mode and avoid loud phone conversations on local trains and buses.

Recommended Age Group

Ito provides a serene coastal atmosphere with activities spanning scenic hikes, historic soaks, and family-friendly wildlife parks.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. Paved town areas and quiet ryokan rooms are accommodating, but mineral hot springs may be too hot for infant skin, and buses lack stroller space.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children love the capybara open-air baths at Izu Shaboten Zoo, the chairlift ride up Mount Omuro, and exploring the pirate ship history.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The exhilarating Kadowaki Suspension Bridge, coastal sea-cliff paths, and cycling routes offer exciting active outdoor adventures.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Outstanding seafood dining, restorative onsen culture, and tranquil ryokan stays make Ito a premier adult getaway.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Highly accessible hot spring resorts, gentle summit paths accessed via chairlift, and peaceful historic walks make this an ideal relaxing retreat.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Ito Station features elevator access, barrier-free ticket gates, and multi-purpose accessible restrooms.
• The Mount Omuro chairlift accommodates travelers with limited mobility, though the summit rim path contains slight undulations.
• The Kadowaki Suspension Bridge approach has paved sections, but the wider Jogasaki coastal trail features uneven volcanic rock roots and steps.
• Modern seaside hotels generally offer wheelchair-accessible rooms, whereas historic traditional ryokans often have step entrances and multi-level wooden stairs.

Did You Know?

English navigator William Adams, the real-life inspiration for James Clavell's novel Shogun, built Japan's first western-style sailing ships right here in Ito at the mouth of the Matsukawa River in 1604 under the commission of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Cool Statistics

• 700+ active geothermal spring sources throughout the Ito municipal basin.
• 31,000+ liters of natural thermal spring water produced every single minute.
• 580 meters: The elevation of Mount Omuro's iconic volcanic crater rim.
• 23 meters: The height of the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge hanging above ocean waves on the Jogasaki Coast.