Ito

About Ito

Ito is best known for its onsen and for being the port where Miura Anjin (Will Adams) built Japan's first Western-style vessel.

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  Izu Shaboten Zoo

  伊豆シャボテン動物公園

  ★4.3(9,791)

  Animal park with spider monkeys, parrots & capybaras living on islands accessed by small boats.

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  Mount Omuro Climbing Chairlifts

  ★4.4(8,897)

  Ropeway ride up the flank of an extinct volcano, offering distant views of Mount Fuji from the top.

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  Izu Granpal Park

  ★4.1(7,684)

  Amusement park with a 3D maze, zip lines & walk-on-water balls, plus gentle rides for young kids.

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  Jogasaki Coast

  ★4.3(5,952)

  Rocky clifftop trail featuring seasonal flowers, a suspension bridge & a lighthouse viewing deck.

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  Izu Teddy Bear Museum

  ★4.2(2,767)

  Eclectic collection of teddies & stuffed animals, including a 1904 Steiff bear & Totoro exhibits.

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  Komuroyama Park

  ★4.1(2,233)

  Seasonal azaleas & camellias, plus mountain & sea views from a lookout accessed by lift or on foot.

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Getting around Ito

Ito is best navigated by the local Izu Kyuko Railway, which connects the coastal town to nearby onsen resorts and scenic spots along the peninsula. Buses also serve the city center and surrounding areas, though service typically runs until around 9 p.m. Pay using an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo, available at convenience stores and train stations, or purchase individual tickets (around ¥200 - ¥400 per ride); day passes offer decent savings if making multiple trips. The compact city center is easily walkable, with most historic sites including the Will Adams monument and local temples within a 20 - 30 minute stroll. Rental bicycles are available near the station and provide a pleasant way to explore the coastal promenade and quieter neighborhoods. Taxis are readily available but generally unnecessary given the town's manageable size, though they can be useful for reaching hillside onsen accommodations in the evening.

Best time to visit

The ideal months to visit are late March through early April for cherry blossoms and October through November for autumn foliage, both offering mild temperatures and clear skies perfect for exploring the Izu coastline. Avoid the rainy tsuyu season from June to early July, typhoon season in late August and September, and the intense summer heat of July and August, which also brings peak tourist crowds. The Ito Yosakoi Festival, typically held in early August despite the heat, showcases traditional dancing and local culture with impressive street performances. If cherry blossom season feels too crowded, consider visiting in late April or early May when spring weather remains pleasant and accommodations are more available. The shoulder seasons reward visitors with comfortable weather and fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed experience of the city's onsen facilities and historic maritime heritage.

Where to stay

Ito's compact size makes most neighborhoods convenient for exploring the onsen-lined coast and historical shipyard sites. The central Ito Station area offers easy access to attractions and typically features business hotels and mid-range ryokan with rates around ¥8,000 - 15,000 per night for a double room. For a more traditional experience, the waterfront neighborhoods near Ajiro Beach cluster several established ryokan with onsen facilities, usually commanding ¥12,000 - 20,000 nightly and providing direct beach access. The quieter residential zones slightly inland offer vacation rentals and smaller family-run inns at lower price points, though they require short bus rides to reach the Will Adams shipyard museum and main onsen districts. Capsule hotels appear occasionally but are less dominant than in larger cities. Most areas sit within walking distance or a brief local bus ride of the station, making transport between neighborhoods and to natural attractions straightforward.

What to eat

Ito's coastal setting makes fresh seafood the star of its dining scene, with local specialties like sakiika (marinated squid) and shirasu-don (rice bowls topped with tiny whitebait) appearing on menus throughout the city. The Ito Onsenkyo hot spring district and the covered Ito Central Shopping Street are your best bets for sampling these dishes alongside regional Shizuoka specialties. The area has a strong tea culture - Shizuoka prefecture is famous for its green tea - and several shops offer tea ceremony experiences paired with traditional sweets. For budget-conscious travelers, casual seafood restaurants and ramen shops typically charge ¥800 - 1,200 per bowl, while upscale kaiseki establishments overlooking the ocean command significantly higher prices. Don't miss the opportunity to pair your meal with local sake from nearby breweries, which have been operating in Shizuoka for centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Will Adams?▾

What is the Sakura Festival?▾

What is the Ikeda Museum of 20th Century Art?▾

Is there a natural onsen footbath?▾

What is the Izu Shaboten Zoo?▾