Ito

What to know

Ito (伊東, Itō) is a famous hot spring resort town on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula. Thanks to its easy access from Tokyo, the town is quite developed, yet it retains historic buildings in its center, such as the Tokaikan, a former ryokan open to the public. Beyond the town center, Ito boasts impressive natural scenery with its rugged coastline and hilly terrain.

Ten kilometers south of central Ito lies Izu Kogen, a popular villa district and sightseeing area with small museums, restaurants, Mount Omuro, and the beautiful Jogasaki Coast.

Ito can be reached directly from Tokyo Station via the JR Odoriko limited express (100 minutes, 4,000 yen one way, 1 train per hour) or by frequent local trains from Atami (20 minutes, 350 yen). The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, Tokyo Wide Pass, and JR East Pass.

Ito Station is located in the city center. It marks the border between the JR Ito Line heading north to Atami and the Izukyu Railway heading south to Shimoda. Since the Izukyu Railway is not JR, the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Pass are not valid south of Ito. Only the Tokyo Wide Pass is valid south of Ito thanks to a special agreement.

The train is useful for traveling between Ito and Izu Kogen, five stations south of Ito (20 minutes, 750 yen one way), but many sightseeing spots are not near train stations. Fortunately, the bus service around Ito is quite good, and two bus passes are available: the Izu Kogen Jogasaki 1-Day Pass costs 1,250 yen and covers the Izu Kogen area and Jogasaki Coast, while the Ito Izu Kogen 2-Day Pass costs 1,800 yen and also includes central Ito. Passes can be purchased at Izu Kogen Station and Ito Station, respectively.

How to get to and around the Izu Peninsula