Popular Sightseeing Tours in Ito

Ito offers many attractions perfect for family fun. The Izu Shaboten Zoo provides opportunities to interact with animals like capybaras and monkeys, and features a cactus greenhouse. Izu Granpal Park is known for its diverse amusement facilities and winter illumination events, ideal for children of all ages. Additionally, Ito Seaside Park and Ito Marine Town are great spots for families to relax and enjoy the sea breeze; the latter also has foot baths and souvenir shops to enrich your family trip.

For a three-day, two-night itinerary in Ito, we suggest a relaxed first day exploring the city center or seaside park upon arrival, followed by checking into a hot spring ryokan. On the second day, head to Izu Plateau to experience the magnificent views from Mt. Omuro via cable car, or stroll along the Jogasaki Coast to admire its unique rock formations and suspension bridge. If traveling with children, consider the Izu Shaboten Zoo or Izu Granpal Park. On the third day, indulge in local cuisine, visit historical sites like Tokaikan, and do some souvenir shopping before departing. This itinerary balances scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation.

Compared to the bustling and convenient Atami, Ito Onsen offers a more leisurely and tranquil experience. Ito boasts abundant hot spring sources with diverse types, and many ryokans provide high-quality bath experiences for complete relaxation. The surrounding natural landscapes are rich, including the spectacular Jogasaki Coast, the charming Mt. Omuro, and Izu Plateau, allowing visitors to connect with nature while enjoying the hot springs. Ito's local culture and seafood cuisine are also distinctive attractions, appealing to travelers who prefer in-depth experiences and a slower pace, offering an experience of rustic elegance different from Atami.

Ito's cherry blossom season typically runs from late March to early April. The prime spot is the Izu Plateau Sakura Namiki road, where cherry blossoms bloom profusely, creating a beautiful pink tunnel. Mt. Omuro is also adorned with cherry blossoms at certain times, presenting a unique sight alongside azaleas. When planning your itinerary, combine blossom viewing spots with nearby attractions. After admiring the blossoms during the day, you could walk along the Jogasaki Coast or enjoy the rides at Izu Granpal Park, then relax at a hot spring ryokan in the evening, blending floral beauty with relaxation for a romantic spring experience in Ito.

The most convenient way to travel from Tokyo to Ito is by taking the JR East Limited Express 'Odoriko' or 'Saphir Odoriko' trains, which offer direct service from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Ito Station, taking about two hours. This route offers beautiful scenery, especially along the coast. Another option is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the JR Ito Line to Ito Station; the total travel time is similar, but requires one transfer. Both methods are quite convenient for starting your Ito sightseeing trip with ease.

Must-visit attractions in Ito include Mt. Omuro, with its distinctive volcanic cone shape, where you can take a cable car to the summit for 360-degree panoramic views. The magnificent Jogasaki Coast is famous for its peculiar lava formations, Kadowaki Suspension Bridge, and lighthouse, ideal for hiking and enjoying coastal erosion scenery. Families should not miss the Izu Shaboten Zoo. Additionally, the historic Tokaikan, a former hot spring inn, is now open for visits as a cultural property. Ito Marine Town offers a relaxing spot with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and foot baths.

For a one-day trip to Izu Plateau, we recommend starting with Mt. Omuro, taking the cable car to the summit for spectacular views. Afterward, visit the nearby Izu Shaboten Zoo or Izu Granpal Park, choosing one based on your interests. In the afternoon, head to Jogasaki Coast, walk along the path to admire the unique rock formations, and brave the thrilling Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. Towards the evening, pause at galleries or cafes around Izu-Kogen Station, savor local specialties, and then take a train back, concluding a perfect day trip.

As a coastal city, Ito's must-try delicacies are fresh seafood, especially 'Kinmedai' (red sea bream). Whether enjoyed as sashimi, simmered, or salt-grilled, its tender texture and sweet flavor are exquisite. Various locally caught seafood rice bowls are also very popular. Furthermore, the Izu Peninsula is famous for wasabi; try the unique 'Wasabi Ice Cream.' Don't forget to sample the abundant local citrus fruits and their products, as well as traditional Japanese sweets. You can find a wide selection at places like Ito Marine Town, allowing your taste buds to embark on a journey.

Besides enjoying natural beauty, Ito offers a variety of local experience activities. For instance, many workshops in the Izu Plateau area offer hands-on crafts like pottery, glasswork, or Japanese paper making, allowing you to create unique souvenirs. In the hot spring areas, you can enjoy traditional foot baths or hand baths to experience hot spring culture. When the weather is good, consider a boat tour to admire the magnificent scenery of Jogasaki Coast from the sea. If the season is right, you can even enjoy fruit picking of local specialties, adding more fun to your trip.

When planning your budget for a self-guided trip to Ito, consider four main aspects: transportation, accommodation, dining, and activities. Transportation costs will vary depending on your chosen mode (e.g., limited express train or Shinkansen transfer). For accommodation, Ito offers a range of options from budget-friendly inns to luxurious hot spring ryokans. Dining expenses can be adjusted according to your preferences, from affordable eateries to exquisite seafood meals. Activities include entrance fees for attractions and participation in experiences. We recommend setting a daily average expenditure based on the number of days and your preferences, and including some contingency funds for a more secure and smooth trip.