About
Ito hot spring, upstream side view from Okawa Bridge. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ito Onsen is a historic coastal hot spring town on the eastern shore of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, combining the healing traditions of Japanese onsen culture with scenic ocean views and charming historic streets. 🔗 🔗
One of Japan's top three hot spring villages (alongside Atami and Beppu), Ito ranks third nationally in total hot spring water output with over 700 natural spring sources. 🔗 The town evolved into a significant resort destination after a railway connection from Atami was established in 1938, though its hot springs had been discovered and cherished since the late 16th century. 🔗
The central part of Ito is framed by hills with the Matsukawa River flowing through its heart to Sagami Bay, creating a picturesque setting where traditional shopping streets, historic wooden architecture, and seaside promenades blend seamlessly with the town's onsen culture. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
William Adams (Miura Anjin) Legacy: The town holds historical importance beyond its onsen heritage as the site where England's William Adams (known in Japan as Miura Anjin), the first Englishman to reach Japan and become a samurai, built Japan's first Western-style sailing ships in the early 17th century under commission from Tokugawa Ieyasu. 🔗 The 120-ton vessel San Buena Ventura, constructed here in 1610, even sailed to Mexico. 🔗
Tokugawa Connection: Ito Onsen gained historical prestige when its hot spring water was provided as tribute for treating the illness of the third shogun, Iemitsu Tokugawa. 🔗
Seven Deities of Good Fortune: Today, the town's hot springs remain deeply integrated into daily life, with eight unique public bathhouses associated with the Seven Deities of Good Fortune creating a cultural pilgrimage experience through the town's residential neighborhoods. 🔗
Visiting Information
Transportation:
- From Tokyo: JR Odoriko Limited Express: 100 minutes from Tokyo Station to Ito Station, approximately ¥4,500 one way, operates 1 train per hour 🔗
- Via Atami: About 2 hours total from Tokyo Station (change at Atami, 20 minutes from Atami to Ito by local train, ¥330) 🔗
- Local: Most central attractions within 5-15 minute walk from Ito Station; Ito/Izu Kogen 2-Day Bus Free Pass available for unlimited rides on Tokai Bus routes
Public Bathing Facilities:
Seven Lucky Gods Public Bathhouses: Eight historic public bathhouses (representing the Seven Lucky Gods - Hotei has two locations) scattered throughout residential neighborhoods. Each bathhouse features a statue of its associated deity at the entrance and shrines or temples nearby dedicated to that god. 🔗
The bathhouses include:
- Ebisu Arainoyu (Ebisu - deity of business success)
- Bishamonten Shibanoyu (Bishamonten - deity of war and victory; uses Ito's oldest hot spring source, active for over 400 years) 🔗
- Wada Jurojinnoyu (Jurojin - deity of longevity)
- Matsubara Daikokutenjinnoyu (Daikokuten - deity of commerce, agriculture, and prosperity)
- Yukawa Bentennoyu (Benten - deity of financial fortune, music, and art)
- Kamata Fukurokujunoyu (Fukurokuju - deity of wisdom, luck, and longevity)
- Oka Hoteinoyu and Ogawa Hoteinoyu (Hotei - deity of happiness and contentment)
- Hours: 1:00-3:00 PM (some start at 2:00 PM)
- Admission: ¥200-300
- Note: Towels sold on-site allowing "empty-handed" visits 🔗
Tokaikan Tourism & Cultural Facility:
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM); public bath 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Admission: ¥200 facility admission; additional ¥500 for public bath access
- Magnificent 1928 wooden grand hotel built with high-quality cypress and cedar 🔗
- Visitors can freely explore corridors and former guest rooms while overlooking the Matsukawa River
- Eight-minute walk from Ito Station
Ito Marine Town Free Footbath:
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed on rainy days)
- Cost: Free (towels ¥100 from vending machine)
- Waterfront complex 15-20 minutes' walk from station (5 minutes by bus) with harbor views 🔗
Hot Spring Water Quality:
- Simple springs: Slightly alkaline (pH 8.4), gentle on skin, ideal for infants and elderly 🔗
- Weak salt/chloride springs: Rich in chlorides, smooth silky texture, known as "Netsu no Yu" (minerals keep body warm after bathing)
- Unique feature: Some ryokan offer drinkable hot spring water ("insen"), considered more effective than bathing as minerals absorb directly into the body
The Experience
Seven Deities of Good Fortune Public Bathhouse Trail
Ito's most distinctive cultural experience involves visiting eight historic public bathhouses scattered throughout residential neighborhoods. Each bathhouse features a statue of its associated deity at the entrance and shrines or temples nearby. 🔗
Notable bathhouses:
- Bishamonten Shibanoyu: Uses Ito's oldest hot spring source, active for over 400 years
- Yukawa Bentennoyu: Popular with locals from 2 PM opening
Historic Streets and Architecture
Kinema-dori (Kinema Street): Nostalgic arcade-style shopping street with distinctive high-ceilinged archway, named after the many Showa-era cinemas that once operated here (1926-1989). 🔗 Features around 30 specialty stores, "Fuku Maneki no Oteyu" hand spa with natural hot spring water, and "Nuku Mall" official tourism/specialty shop. 🔗
Yunohana-dori: Traditional Showa-era-style shopping street starting near Ito Station, lined with unique local shops. Five-minute walk from station to Ideyu Bridge crossing the Matsukawa River. 🔗
Tokaikan Tourism & Cultural Facility: Magnificent 1928 wooden grand hotel converted to a museum after closing as a ryokan in 1997, reopened 2001. Visitors can freely explore corridors and former guest rooms, experiencing traditional Japanese architecture while overlooking the Matsukawa River. 🔗
Coastal Experiences
Orange Beach: 850-meter-long beach just 3 minutes' walk from Ito Station with gentle waves suitable for families. 🔗 Gray volcanic sand, becomes tranquil retreat for contemplative walks in off-peak seasons like November. 🔗
Matsukawa River Promenade: Pedestrian and bicycle path running along the river from Otonashi Shrine (with giant camphor trees) to Sagami Bay coast, passing through the heart of Ito's onsen district. 🔗
Ito Marine Town: Waterfront complex featuring free outdoor footbath with harbor views, plus dedicated free dog footbath. 🔗
William Adams (Miura Anjin) Heritage
Anjin Memorial Park: Located at the mouth of the Matsukawa River near Nagisa Bridge, commemorating the site where William Adams built Japan's first Western-style sailing ships in 1601-1610. 🔗 Features bust of Adams, monument to the San Buena Ventura ship, and 400-year construction anniversary memorial completed 2017. 🔗
Ito City Hall Ship Model: One-seventh scale model (produced 2020) of the San Buena Ventura displayed in lobby. 🔗
Annual Anjin Festival: Largest festival in Ito City and Izu Peninsula, held every August honoring Adams' achievement. 🔗
Local Food Specialties
- Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper): Ito specialty, over 100 fish types caught locally 🔗
- Uzuwa: Bonito with distinctive vortex-like ring pattern on back
- Negomeshi: Red and white fish and squid sashimi pounded on rice, topped with miso, soy sauce, green onions, and dashi broth 🔗
- Chinchin-age: Izu specialty - ground fish and squid mixed with vegetables and fried
- Numerous restaurants specializing in ultra-fresh seafood within walking distance of Ito Station
Practical Visiting Tips
Visit-Specific Information (November 8-9, 2025)
Weather: November in Ito offers pleasant conditions with daytime temperatures warmer than Tokyo and mild marine climate (average ~16°C). 🔗 After mid-November, highlands see minimum temperatures around 5°C with early autumn color changes. Clear blue skies characteristic of November provide excellent conditions for coastal walks and photography.
Clothing: Layering essential - light sweater or long-sleeve shirt with trousers/jeans for daytime, plus cardigan or light jacket for easy temperature adjustment. 🔗 Mornings and evenings require warmer layers like fleece sweaters or lightweight down jackets.
Crowds: November falls outside peak tourist season, offering quieter experience at public bathhouses and attractions while maintaining pleasant weather conditions.
Operating Hours: Mount Omuro and Izu Shaboten Zoo (nearby attractions) reduce hours November-February, closing at 4:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM. 🔗
Onsen Etiquette
General Protocol:
- Wash body and face thoroughly before entering baths 🔗
- Do not put towels in bathtubs 🔗
- Keep noise levels down, maintain quiet atmosphere
- Rinse off before entering communal baths
Tattoo Policies: Ito offers growing number of tattoo-friendly establishments, with 2 confirmed tattoo-friendly onsen. 🔗 Many ryokan catering to international visitors becoming more accepting, especially those offering private onsen baths. Some facilities require cover-up stickers for small-to-medium tattoos. Best practice: Contact onsen in advance or check for signage upon arrival.
Money-Saving Strategies
- Seven Lucky Gods bathhouse tour significantly cheaper than ryokan day-use rates (¥200-300 vs. several thousand yen)
- Ito/Izu Kogen 2-Day Bus Free Pass economical for visiting multiple outlying attractions
- Tokaikan offers authentic historic onsen experience at ¥700 total (¥200 admission + ¥500 bath)
- Free footbaths at Ito Marine Town (bring/purchase ¥100 towel)
- November off-peak season may offer better ryokan rates
Practical Visitor Tips
Tourist Information:
- Ito Tourist Association Ito Ekimae Information Center located left side after exiting ticket gates 🔗
- English and Chinese speaking staff available
- Coin lockers available at Ito Station for luggage storage
Seven Lucky Gods Bathhouse Strategy:
- Obtain map from tourist information center showing all 8 bathhouse locations
- Start early (1-2 PM opening) before local crowds, especially at popular Yukawa Bentennoyu
- Plan route to include nearby shrines/temples dedicated to each deity
- Towels sold at each location - no need to carry supplies
- Budget ¥200-300 per bathhouse plus temple offerings if desired
Budget Accommodation:
- K's House Ito Onsen: Budget hostel in 100-year-old historic ryokan (Registered Tangible Cultural Property), 7-minute walk from Ito Station, 24-hour access to 100% natural hot spring, tattoo-friendly 🔗
Photography Conditions
- Clear November skies provide excellent natural lighting for coastal and architectural photography
- Morning light ideal for Matsukawa River promenade and historic streets
- Sunset from Orange Beach or Marine Town offers dramatic ocean views
- Tokaikan's traditional architecture best captured with natural daylight through wooden corridors
- Seven Lucky Gods bathhouses located in residential areas - be respectful when photographing exteriors
Nearby Attractions
Within Ito City/Izu Kogen area (bus required for most):
- Jogasaki Coast: Rugged volcanic coastline with dramatic cliffs and scenic walking trails (20 minutes south)
- Mount Omuro: 580-meter volcanic cone with chairlift access to crater rim offering panoramic views (9:00 AM-4:00 PM Nov-Feb, ¥2,700)
- Izu Shaboten Zoo: Family-friendly animal park featuring capybaras (9:00 AM-4:00 PM Nov-Feb)
- Izu Kogen: Popular villa district 10 km south with small museums, restaurants, and coastal access
Within broader Izu Peninsula (day trip distance):
- Atami Onsen: 20 minutes north by train
- Shuzenji: Central Izu historic onsen town
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/ito-onsen.md