Ito City Guide: Coastal Walks, Hot Springs & Seaside Atmosphere on the Izu Peninsula

Why Ito: A Quieter Alternative to Atami

Ito (伊東) sits on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula, about 20 minutes south of Atami by train. Where Atami is a full-scale resort town with large hotels and tourist crowds, Ito has a more relaxed, lived-in feel — a small coastal city where the pace is slower and the streets are quieter, especially in the evenings.

The appeal of Ito is its combination of natural scenery and low-key seaside atmosphere. Dramatic cliff walks at Jogasaki Coast, a volcano crater you can ride a chairlift to, a harbor with free footbaths, and a river that lights up at night — all within a compact area accessible from one train station. For travelers who find Atami too busy or too commercial, Ito offers a similar coastal-onsen experience with less noise.

For a deeper look at Ito's hot spring heritage, see our guide to Ito's onsen heritage and bathing culture. For the bigger resort town next door, see the Atami resort guide. Ito is one of several coastal destinations covered in our Shizuoka city guides.

Jogasaki Coast: Cliff Walks and Suspension Bridge

Jogasaki Coast (城ヶ崎海岸) is a 9 km stretch of rugged volcanic cliffs south of Ito, formed by lava flows from Mt. Omuro thousands of years ago. The coastline is dramatic — sheer rock faces dropping into deep blue water, with pine trees clinging to the edges and waves crashing against the base.

The highlight is the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge, spanning a gap between cliff faces high above the ocean. Walking across it gives you a direct view down into the churning water below. According to the Izu Kogen Tourism Association, the coast and bridge are open year-round and free to visit. The bridge area is accessible from 8:00 to 17:00.

You do not need to walk the full 9 km trail. Most visitors focus on the section around the suspension bridge, which takes about 1-2 hours including the walk from the bus stop. The trail is uneven and hilly — wear sturdy shoes, not sandals.

The coast is about 30 minutes by bus from Ito Station. Check bus schedules before heading out, as services are infrequent. If you are driving, parking is available near the trailhead.

Mt. Omuro: Volcano Crater with Fuji Views

Mt. Omuro (大室山) is an extinct volcano with a perfectly rounded, grass-covered cone that looks almost artificial. A chairlift carries you to the rim of the crater, where a walking path circles the top with panoramic views of the Izu coastline, Sagami Bay, and — on clear days — Mt. Fuji.

According to the Mt. Omuro official site, the chairlift costs ¥750 (~$5) for adults round trip and ¥400 (~$3) for children. Operating hours are 9:00 to 17:00 (last ride at 16:30). The mountain may close for maintenance during parts of December through February.

The crater rim walk takes about 20-30 minutes at a leisurely pace. The views are the entire point — there is nothing else at the top except the path and a small shrine inside the crater. Come on a clear morning for the best chance of seeing Fuji.

Mt. Omuro is accessible by bus from Ito Station, about 40 minutes. You can combine it with Jogasaki Coast in a single day trip — the two sites are relatively close by bus, though transfers may be required. Plan your bus times carefully.

Ito Town: River Walks, Beach & Marine Town

Matsukawa River Evening Walk

Matsukawa River (松川) runs through the center of Ito and connects the historic part of town to the ocean. According to the Ito Onsen official site, the riverside walking path is lit up in the evenings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for a post-dinner stroll.

Many visitors staying at ryokan in Ito walk along the river in yukata after their evening meal — it is one of those quintessential onsen-town experiences that feels unhurried and authentic. The path runs from near the historic Tokaikan bathhouse down to the waterfront.

Orange Beach and Ito Marine Town

Ito Orange Beach (伊東オレンジビーチ) is a dark sand beach about 10 minutes on foot from Ito Station. According to the Ito city website, summer fireworks displays are held at the beach. The beach area connects to Nagisa Park, which has outdoor sculptures along the waterfront.

Ito Marine Town (伊東マリンタウン) is a michi-no-eki (道の駅, roadside station) at the harbor, about 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot from the station. According to the Marine Town official site, the facility includes a free footbath with harbor views, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops. Hours are 9:00 to 18:00 (restaurant hours vary). Entry is free.

The footbath at Marine Town is a highlight — soaking your feet in hot spring water while looking out over the fishing harbor. Plan 30-60 minutes for a casual visit.

Seafood and Eating in Ito

Ito is a fishing town, and seafood dominates the dining options. At Ito Marine Town, seafood meals run approximately ¥1,500-3,000 (~$10-20) — expect fresh sashimi bowls, grilled fish, and seafood rice sets. The market stalls at Marine Town sell dried fish, wasabi products, and other local specialties.

Around Ito Station and along the main street, small restaurants serve similar fare — sashimi teishoku (set meals), seafood donburi (rice bowls), and grilled catches of the day. Ito is not a fine-dining destination. The appeal is fresh, simply prepared seafood at reasonable prices.

For evening dining, many ryokan and hotels include kaiseki or seafood dinners in their room rates. If you are staying overnight, this is often the most convenient option — and the quality at even mid-range ryokan tends to be good, as the seafood supply is local.

Getting to Ito and Getting Around

From Tokyo by Train

The most direct route is the JR Limited Express Odoriko from Tokyo Station to Ito Station — approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, costing around ¥3,500 (~$23) one way. The Odoriko runs several times daily and is covered by the JR Pass.

Alternatively, you can take the JR Tokaido Line to Atami (about 1.5-2 hours, depending on service) and transfer to the JR Ito Line for the 25-minute ride south to Ito. This local route is cheaper but slower.

If driving, take the Tomei Expressway to Atami IC, then the Izu Skyline south — approximately 2-2.5 hours from central Tokyo, depending on traffic.

Local Transport to Jogasaki and Mt. Omuro

Buses to Jogasaki Coast and Mt. Omuro depart from Ito Station. Services run roughly hourly during peak season but less frequently in winter. Check the current schedule at the station or at the Izu Kogen Tourism Association website before planning your day.

A rental car makes the nature sites significantly easier to access — you can visit Jogasaki Coast, Mt. Omuro, and Marine Town in sequence without worrying about bus schedules. For the wider Izu Peninsula, see our wider Izu Peninsula overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ito quieter than Atami for a relaxed trip from Tokyo?

Yes. Ito has fewer large resort hotels and a more laid-back seaside atmosphere compared to Atami. It is about 20 minutes further south by train, which helps thin the crowds. The town center and Matsukawa River area feel more like a residential coastal city than a tourist resort.

How do I combine Jogasaki Coast and Mt. Omuro in one day?

Take the bus from Ito Station to Jogasaki Coast for the morning cliff walk and suspension bridge (1-2 hours), then bus to Mt. Omuro for the chairlift and crater rim views (about 1 hour). Check bus schedules in advance — services are infrequent, especially outside summer. A rental car makes the combination much easier.

How much does it cost to visit Ito's main attractions?

Jogasaki Coast is free to visit. The Mt. Omuro chairlift costs ¥750 (~$5) round trip for adults. Ito Marine Town entry and footbath are free. Seafood meals at the harbor run ¥1,500-3,000 (~$10-20). The train from Tokyo is approximately ¥3,500 (~$23) one way on the Limited Express Odoriko.

Is Ito Marine Town worth a stop?

Yes, for a casual 30-60 minute visit. The free footbath overlooking the harbor is the highlight, and the seafood restaurants serve fresh local catches at reasonable prices. It works well as a first stop after arriving or a last stop before heading to the station.