Ito Travel Guide

Itō is centered on Itō Station and the short shopping streets that run down to the harbour and Marine Town rest area; most ryokan line the coast south and north of the station. Travelers usually base themselves near the station or in seaside ryokan along the coast for easy access to onsen and the Jōgasaki Coast trails.

Costs: Rough daily costs vary widely depending on accommodation and meals. - Budget travellers can find hostels and simple ryokan; midrange rooms and kaiseki meals push costs higher.

Safety: Generally safe - Low crime but watch wet, slippery coastal paths after rain and heed tsunami/earthquake warnings.

Best Time: March-May, October-November - Spring and autumn offer mild weather and clearer views; summer is hot and wet with a rainy/typhoon season peak in September.

Itō sits on the northeast corner of the Izu Peninsula, facing Sagami Bay, with a hilly, heavily indented coastline that is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The landscape, steep terraces and rocky shores make it a popular onsen and coastal-resort destination for Tokyo residents.

Historically Itō grew from fishing and farming hamlets; tourism expanded in the 20th century after rail connections improved. The city is known for its many hot springs, a working fishing harbour and roadside Michi-no-Eki Itō Marine Town, all set in a volcanic zone with scenic promenades and coastal cliffs.

Visiting Itō feels like a classic small Japanese resort town - ryokan-lined bays, seafood restaurants, quiet shopping streets around the station and dramatic coastal walks such as the Jōgasaki Coast. The town is a practical base for exploring the eastern Izu Peninsula and nearby national-park attractions.

People come for the hot springs, the dramatic Pacific coastline and the relaxed seaside town atmosphere an easy train ride from Tokyo. Itō’s mix of coastal walks, seafood and traditional ryokan makes it an appealing short-break destination. It’s also a convenient base for exploring the rest of the Izu Peninsula and parts of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Itō has hot, humid summers and mild winters, with the wettest month in September. Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for walking the coast and sightseeing.

Itō is straightforward to reach from Tokyo by rail or car, and makes a popular weekend break for city residents. Plan for about 1.5-2.5 hours from Tokyo depending on the route and service.

• By Air: Haneda Airport (HND): Fly into Haneda, then transfer to the rail network (Keikyu/JR connections) and continue to Itō - total door-to-door time is usually around 2-2.5 hours. Expect fares and transfers to vary depending on route and services chosen.
• By Train: from Tokyo: Take JR or limited-express services toward Atami and transfer to the JR Itō Line or take direct Odoriko/limited-express trains when available; Typical travel time is about 1.5-2 hours; fares vary depending on service and seat reservations.
• By Car: Driving via Route 135 along the coast takes about 2-3 hours from central Tokyo depending on traffic; expect expressway tolls and parking fees when staying near the waterfront.

Getting around Itō is easy: the town is compact for walking, and local trains and buses handle longer coastal journeys. Taxis are available from the station and rental cars are useful for exploring the wider Izu Peninsula.

• Walking: The station, shopping streets, harbour and many ryokan are within easy walking distance; coastal trails like the Jōgasaki walk are best done on foot.
• Local buses and trains: JR Itō Line and local buses connect neighbourhoods and nearby seaside towns; use trains for reliable coastal hops and buses for some of the smaller stops.
• Taxis and rental cars: Taxis are convenient for short trips or late arrivals; renting a car is recommended if you plan to explore remote parts of the Izu Peninsula at your own pace.

Seafood dominates Itō’s dining scene - fresh fish, sushi and local specialties appear at small restaurants, izakaya and ryokan kaiseki dinners. The Marine Town market area and the streets near the station are good places to find casual eateries and takeaway seafood snacks.

Nightlife is low-key: small izakaya, sake bars and ryokan lounges are the norm rather than clubs. Evenings are best spent over a multi-course kaiseki meal or a quiet drink at a local bar.

Look for local seafood products, preserved fish and onsen-themed souvenirs in shops around the station and Marine Town. Small craft shops and food stalls in the Izu-Kōgen and harbour areas sell local sweets and gifts.