Ito (Shizuoka) Travel Guide

Explore the culturally significant and natural attractions of Ito (Shizuoka), Japan. Discover must-visit places, local cuisine, accommodations, and transportation options in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Ito (Shizuoka)

Located in the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Ito is a quaint town that offers visitors a taste of the traditional Japanese way of life. With its idyllic landscape and peaceful atmosphere, Ito is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Ito is renowned for its hot springs, hiking trails, and sublime views of Mount Fuji. It is also a great place to explore the local culture, indulge in the delicious cuisine, and take part in traditional Japanese activities.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey through Ito’s culturally significant and natural attractions, food and drink scene, accommodation options, transportation, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Ito (Shizuoka)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Izu Teddy Bear Museum This museum displays an extensive collection of teddy bears from around the world. Be sure to snap a picture with your favorite one.

  • Izu Shaboten Zoo The zoo is home to a wide range of animals, including monkeys, kangaroos, and capybaras. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s beautiful botanical gardens.

  • Jogasaki Coast Take a romantic walk along Jogasaki Coast, famous for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Natural Attractions of Ito (Shizuoka): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Omuro This extinct volcano offers a panoramic view of the entire Izu Peninsula. For an unforgettable experience, try sandboarding on the mountain’s slopes.

  • Mt. Daruma Perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Mt. Daruma offers a challenging trail up to its summit, where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Numazu Deep-Sea Aquarium This aquarium boasts an impressive collection of marine life from the waters around Izu, including sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ito (Shizuoka)

Ito has a variety of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.

  • Shirahama Beach This popular beach is a popular spot for surfing and swimming, but it also offers an excellent hiking trail that winds its way up to the top of a nearby hill.

  • Izu Cactus Park This park features a variety of rugged hiking and biking trails that meander through the park’s lush foliage and vibrant flora.

Best Things to Do in Ito (Shizuoka): Activities and Tours

  • Take a Dip in Ito’s Hot Springs Ito is famous for its healing hot springs, so be sure to soak in one of the many onsens scattered throughout the city.

  • Enjoy Traditional Japanese Tea Ito is home to some of the best green tea in all of Japan, so be sure to sample some at one of the many tea houses around town.

  • Try Your Hand at Pottery Ito is known for its traditional pottery, and visitors can try their hand at making their own at one of the many pottery studios around town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ito (Shizuoka)

Day 1: Visit the Izu Teddy Bear Museum and Jogasaki Coast Day 2: Hike Mount Omuro and enjoy the views of the Izu Peninsula Day 3: Explore the rugged hiking and biking trails of Izu Cactus Park Day 4: Soak in one of Ito’s many hot springs Day 5: Take a pottery class and make your own traditional Japanese teacup Day 6: Visit the Numazu Deep-Sea Aquarium and learn about the marine life of Izu Day 7: Relax on the scenic Shirahama Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Ito (Shizuoka)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sashimi Fresh seafood is a staple of Ito cuisine, and sashimi is a must-try dish. The local fish market offers a wide range of fresh fish that can be enjoyed sashimi-style.

  • Wasabi Ito is also famous for its wasabi, a pungent green condiment that is used to flavor many local dishes.

  • Green Tea Ito green tea is renowned for its high quality and delicious flavor. Be sure to try some while in town.

Local Beverages

  • Sake Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine that is brewed in Ito’s many breweries. Be sure to sample some during your stay.

  • Shochu Shochu is a distilled liquor made from rice, barley, or sweet potatoes. It is often served over ice or mixed with fruit juice.

  • Beer Ito is home to several microbreweries that produce excellent craft beer. Be sure to try some during your stay.

Where to Stay in Ito (Shizuoka): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ito has a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget.

  • Kasuga Ryokan This traditional Japanese inn offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture and cuisine.

  • Ito Kowakien This modern resort hotel features hot springs, spa services, and an excellent restaurant.

  • K’s House Ito Onsen This stylish hostel is perfect for budget-conscious travelers and offers free WiFi, a shared kitchen, and a communal lounge.

What to Buy in Ito (Shizuoka): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pottery Ito is famous for its traditional pottery, so be sure to pick up a unique piece to take home with you.

  • Wasabi Products Wasabi is a staple of Ito cuisine, and visitors can purchase a variety of wasabi products such as sauces, dressings and even ice cream.

  • Green Tea Ito is famous for its high-quality green tea, and visitors can purchase it in many forms such as loose tea, tea bags, and sweets.

Local Culture and Customs of Ito (Shizuoka)

  • Onsen Etiquette When visiting an onsen, it is customary to bathe naked, so visitors should be comfortable with public nudity.

  • Respect for Elders The Japanese culture puts a heavy emphasis on respect for elders. Visitors should take care to be polite and courteous to older people they meet.

  • Remove Your Shoes In Japanese homes and many businesses, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering.

Best Time to Visit Ito (Shizuoka)

The best time to visit Ito is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ito (Shizuoka)

Do:

  • Take Off Your Shoes Before entering a Japanese home or many businesses, it is customary to remove your shoes.

  • Be Polite Be polite and courteous to those you meet and respect the local culture.

  • Try the Food Ito is known for its excellent cuisine, so be sure to sample the local dishes.

Don’t:

  • Tip In Japan, tipping is not customary, and attempting to do so may cause confusion.

  • Be Loud Japanese culture dictates that people should be quiet and respectful in public spaces and not draw attention to themselves.

  • Be Late Punctuality is highly valued in Japanese culture, so make sure to arrive on time for any scheduled activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ito (Shizuoka)

Ito is a relatively safe destination with low crime rates. Visitors should take common-sense precautions such as not leaving their belongings unattended and avoiding poorly-lit areas at night.

Health in Ito (Shizuoka)

Visitors to Ito should be up to date on routine vaccinations, and travelers should also take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during the summer months when mosquitoes are more prevalent.

Getting to Ito (Shizuoka): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ito (Shizuoka)

The nearest airports to Ito are Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to get to Ito.

Bus Stations Near Ito (Shizuoka)

Ito is well-connected by bus to many other cities in Japan. The Izu Express bus service is a convenient option for traveling around the Izu Peninsula.

Other Options

The most popular way to get to Ito is by train. The JR Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train stops at Atami Station, and from there, visitors can catch a local train to Ito.

How to Get Around in Ito (Shizuoka)

Ito is a small town that is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle. Visitors can also take buses or taxis to get around town.

Where to Go Next from Ito (Shizuoka): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shimoda This historic port town is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of Mount Fuji.

  • Hakone Known for its hot springs and natural beauty, Hakone is a popular destination for those looking to escape the city.

  • Tokyo Ito is only a few hours away from Tokyo, making it a great base from which to explore the city’s many attractions.

Conclusion

Ito is the perfect destination for those looking to experience the traditional Japanese way of life. With its beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, Ito is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Japan. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to visit Ito and experience all that this charming town has to offer.