Popular Multi-Day Tours in Ito

Ito and its surroundings offer a wealth of natural scenery and cultural sites. You can visit the magnificent Jogasaki Coast and experience the grandeur of the sea-eroded cliffs along the suspension bridge. Take the Mt. Omuro cable car to the summit for a 360-degree panoramic view of Ito city, Sagami Bay, and Mount Fuji. Alternatively, visit the Izu Oceanic Park to admire marine life. The wave-like walking path and seasonal flowers at Komuroyama Park are also very popular, adding diverse fun and beautiful scenery to your multi-day itinerary.

For a three-day, two-night trip to Ito, we suggest the following itinerary: Upon arrival on the first day, experience the traditional atmosphere of Ito Onsen Town, relax in the hot springs, and enjoy local seafood dishes. On the second day, hike along the Jogasaki Coast and brave the thrilling Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. In the afternoon, take the Mt. Omuro cable car for expansive views from the summit. On the third day, consider visiting the Izu Cactus Animal Park for animal encounters or the Teddy Bear Museum to pick up unique souvenirs before your pleasant departure. The itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted according to your preferences.

Ito and Atami hot springs each have their own unique charm. Ito Onsen is known for its diverse range of spring qualities and a relatively tranquil atmosphere, especially in the 'Matsukawa Onsen' area, which offers various types of hot springs with different therapeutic effects, ideal for travelers seeking leisurely and deep relaxation. Atami Onsen, on the other hand, is famous for its abundant spring water and lively hot spring town. It has an earlier urban development with a wide variety of tourist facilities and more vibrant nightlife, appealing to visitors who enjoy a combination of sightseeing and hot spring experiences. Both offer ocean-view hot spring experiences, but their atmosphere and surrounding activities differ.

Ito offers unique charms in every season. In spring (February-March), you can admire the early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms that dye the streets pink, and in March-April, the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms will be in full bloom. Summer (July-August) is perfect for enjoying beaches and water activities, as well as participating in local festivals. Autumn (October-November) boasts pleasant weather, with mountain foliage turning red, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter (December-February) is the best season for hot springs, where you can experience the warmth of the springs in the cold weather and enjoy the unique tranquility and comfort of winter.

The most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Ito for a multi-day trip is by train. You can take the JR Limited Express 'Odoriko' (踊り子号) directly from Tokyo Station to Ito Station, which takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the JR Ito Line to Ito. Both options are fast and comfortable ways to reach Ito and begin your multi-day journey.

For a deep exploration of Ito, we recommend a route that combines nature and culture. On the first day, focus on natural landscapes: hike along the Jogasaki Coast in the morning and climb Mt. Omuro in the afternoon to experience its natural beauty. On the second day, delve into Ito's cultural heritage by visiting local museums, historical buildings, or experiencing traditional crafts, and stroll through the hot spring town to soak in Ito's unique nostalgic atmosphere. You can choose to stay in a traditional Japanese hot spring inn and savor local delicacies to enrich your itinerary.

There are many family-friendly options for a multi-day trip to Ito with children. The Izu Cactus Animal Park is a very popular destination where children can get up close with various cute animals. The Izu Oceanic Park offers water activities and marine life viewing, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. Additionally, the Ito Teddy Bear Museum is another great choice, with its extensive collection and charming, cozy environment that will immerse children in a world of fun. These attractions are sure to add joy and wonderful memories to your family's multi-day trip.

Cost considerations for a multi-day trip to Ito primarily include accommodation, transportation, dining, and activities. For accommodation, options range from luxury hot spring inns to budget-friendly business hotels, with prices varying based on facility level and services. For transportation, using public transport is generally more economical. If you wish to explore the surrounding areas freely, you might need to consider car rental costs. Dining options include local seafood restaurants, traditional Japanese set meals, or izakayas. Overall expenses will have significant flexibility and variation depending on individual spending habits, trip duration, and quality requirements.

Ito, being a coastal town, is renowned for its fresh and abundant seafood. We especially recommend trying the local Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), which is delicious whether served as sashimi, simmered, or grilled. Ise lobster is also a representative of high-end local seafood. Additionally, there are many restaurants along the coast that serve freshly caught seafood, allowing you to savor the most authentic catches. Besides seafood, Ito also has many Japanese confectionery shops offering exquisite wagashi and specialty sweets, perfect for enjoying after a hot spring bath or as a teatime treat. We suggest trying various local izakayas or specialty eateries to truly experience Ito's local flavors.

If you plan a multi-day trip to Ito during cherry blossom season, the top recommendation is to experience the early-blooming 'Kawazu Sakura' (Kawazu cherry blossoms). Typically blooming from late February to early March, they are among Japan's earliest flowering cherry blossoms, known for their long blooming period and vibrant colors. They create a spectacular pink floral carpet along the Kawazu River. Furthermore, Ito city and surrounding parks like the Matsukawa Promenade and Komuroyama Park are planted with various cherry trees. From late March to early April, you can admire the beautiful scenery of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in full bloom. Strolling and picnicking under the cherry trees, or enjoying the blossoms from your hot spring bath window, are unique highlights of Ito's cherry blossom season.