Ito

Ito sits on the eastern shoulder of the Izu Peninsula where active volcanoes of the Izu-Tobu Volcanic Group meet the Sagami Nada Sea. You navigate the city along two distinct axes: the coastal railway line and mountain bus routes climbing into the hills. Onsen bathhouses feed directly from thermal springs into riverside wooden inns. Expect steep terrain outside the central flats and distinct travel speeds between train and bus transit.

Ito's food scene depends directly on the Sagami Nada bay. Fisherman dishes prioritize raw and simmered deep-sea catches over complex sauces. Mago-chazuke mixes raw horse mackerel with green onion and ginger before hot dashi broth cures the fish at your table.

• Order simmered kinmedai

  Red bream is the primary local catch. Diners simmer the head and fillets in a dark, sweet soy reduction.

• Eat mago-chazuke for lunch

  Port-side eateries near Ito Harbor serve this quick horse-mackerel tea-rice dish straight from morning landings.

• Drink local guri-cha green tea

  Izu produces deep-steamed guri-cha tea with rounded leaves. Its low astringency suits traditional bean-paste sweets.

Ito developed from an isolated fishing bay into an onsen retreat during the Edo period. Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered thermal water shipped to Edo Castle in sealed wooden barrels. In 1604, English navigator William Adams built Japan's first Western ocean-going ships along the Matsukawa River estuary.

1. 1604

   William Adams Shipyard

   English navigator William Adams constructs two European-style sailing vessels for Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu along the Matsukawa River.

2. 1928

   Tokaikan Built

   Master carpenters construct the Tokaikan ryokan, establishing the town's classic wooden architectural style.

3. 1938

   Ito Line Rail Link

   The JR Ito Line reaches the town, connecting local hot springs directly to Tokyo's rail network.

Choose your base by transit convenience. Ito Central puts you steps from public bathhouses, seafood restaurants, and rail connections. Izu Kogen offers quiet wooded retreats and crater trail access but requires bus connections or rental cars after dark.

• Hot spring traditionalistsIto Central — Historic riverside ryokan tap directly into natural thermal springs.
• Hikers and nature loversIzu Kogen — Direct access to Mt Omuro trails and quiet forest air.
• Coastal walkersFuto & Jogasaki — Walk straight from your door to basalt cliffs and ocean trails.
• Beachgoers & surfersUsami — Sand bays and calm water separate from dense town traffic.

Ito Station serves as the primary transit hub. JR lines terminate here from the north, while Izu Kyuko tracks run south toward Shimoda. Tokai Bus routes connect the stations to inland points like Mt Omuro and Shaboten Zoo.

• Inland buses to Mt Omuro add up quickly. A local 1-day pass saves money after three rides.

• Suica and Pasmo work on local Tokai buses. Tap when entering the rear door and exiting at the front.

• Southbound trains to Izu Kogen run every 20 to 30 minutes. Express trains skip smaller coastal stops.

• Taxis rank outside Ito Station. Take one if your lodging sits on the steep residential hills.

Lodging costs drive most travel budgets in Ito. Historic ryokan meals add value to night rates, while public bathhouses keep daytime expenses low.

• Public bath entry: ¥300–600

  Communal neighborhood bathhouses offer thermal soaking at local entry prices.

• Tokaikan museum ticket: ¥200

  Self-guided entry to inspect Showa-era carpentry costs under two dollars.

• Mt Omuro chairlift return: ¥1,000

  Round-trip tickets include the open-air chairlift up and down the volcanic cone.

• Kinmedai meal set: ¥2,500–4,000

  Fresh red bream set dinners at harbor izakayas include fish, rice, and miso soup.

• Bathing rules apply

  Wash thoroughly at side taps before stepping into natural thermal pools. Keep small hand towels out of the water.

• Tattoos in hot springs

  Public municipal baths accept tattoos, but traditional ryokan may require waterproof cover patches.

• Coastal trail footwear

  Basalt rock along Jogasaki Coast is uneven and sharp. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.

• Carry Japanese Cash

  Small mountain bus routes and seaside eateries do not accept credit cards or digital passes.

• Typhoon season delays

  Late summer storms can temporarily halt rail service along the coastal Izu Kyuko Line.