Ito Onsen, Shizuoka Prefecture | Complete Guide to the Charm, History, and Access of One of Japan’s Premier Hot Springs
Ito Onsen, located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of the representative hot spring destinations of the Izu Peninsula. It boasts one of the highest spring discharge volumes in Japan and continues to captivate visitors with its abundant hot spring sources and diverse water qualities. We provide a detailed introduction to the charm of Ito Onsen, where a long history spanning from the Heian period harmonizes with modern resort facilities.
Characteristics of Ito Onsen
Overwhelming Spring Discharge Volume and Number of Sources
The greatest feature of Ito Onsen lies in its remarkable spring discharge volume. As of January 2024, the abundant discharge volume of approximately 26,836 liters per minute (about 30,000 liters) ranks first in Shizuoka Prefecture and second to third in the nation.
Within the hot spring area, there are approximately 722 to 780 hot spring sources scattered about, and it is not uncommon for each lodging facility to have its own spring source. This abundant volume of hot water is a major appeal, allowing many inns and hotels to offer free-flowing hot spring bathing.
Diverse Water Quality and Temperature Range
The spring temperatures of Ito Onsen range widely from 25°C to 68°C, with each source possessing different characteristics. The primary water quality is simple hot spring, characterized by its gentleness on the skin and smooth, refreshing feel. Due to its low irritation, people of all ages from children to the elderly can safely bathe.
Simple hot springs are often colorless, odorless, and have relatively low mineral content. However, they place minimal stress on the body and are suitable for extended bathing. Benefits include relief from neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue recovery.
Abundance of Free-Flowing Hot Spring Accommodations
Leveraging its abundant hot water volume, Ito Onsen has numerous lodging facilities offering free-flowing hot springs. Being able to enjoy natural hot springs without circulation filtration or heating is a major attraction for hot spring enthusiasts.
In free-flowing hot spring baths, fresh hot water is constantly being added, allowing visitors to fully experience the original benefits of the hot spring. There is a wide range of accommodations, from luxury inns with open-air baths attached to guest rooms to casual family-run establishments.
History and Culture of Ito Onsen
Ancient Hot Spring Continuing from the Heian Period
The history of Ito Onsen is extremely old, tracing back to the Heian period. According to historical records, there is documentation of Fujiwara no Sukenori, a Kazusa no suke, bathing here during the Heian period, and it is known as an ancient hot spring with over a thousand years of history.
Having been used as a healing hot spring resort since ancient times, Ito Onsen has been cherished by many people for its therapeutic efficacy. While there are various theories about when the hot spring was discovered, it is certain that it was already recognized as a hot spring destination by at least the Heian period.
Prosperity During the Edo Period and Connection to the Tokugawa Clan
With the arrival of the Edo period, Ito Onsen flourished as a healing resort. Notably, there is a record that the hot spring was offered as a therapeutic hot spring to Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Edo Bakufu.
One of the oldest hot springs among the group called the “Seven Lucky Gods’ Hot Spring” is known as a historic hot spring inn located at a site associated with William Adams (Miura Anjin), a British navigator who became naturalized in Japan. This historically significant hot spring, which had been offered to the shogun’s family since the Edo period, continues to be beloved by many people today.
Development Since Modern Times
From the Meiji period onward, with the improvement of transportation networks, Ito Onsen developed as a tourist destination. Its good accessibility from Tokyo made it a hot spring destination visited by many intellectuals and artists.
During the Showa period, construction of large-scale resort hotels progressed, establishing its position as a hot spring resort area. Today, it has become a major hot spring tourism destination with a diverse array of accommodations, from traditional hot spring inns to modern resort hotels.
Atmosphere and Charm of Ito Onsen
Natural Surroundings Nestled Between Sea and Mountains
Ito Onsen is located on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula, overlooking Sagami Bay, making it a picturesque hot spring destination. Along the coastline spreads beautiful ocean scenery, while green mountains stretch behind it, providing an environment blessed with nature.
Along the Matsukawa River flowing through the hot spring town, cherry tree-lined banks continue, and in spring, beautiful cherry blossom tunnels entertain visitors. In the evenings, bamboo lanterns are lit, creating a magical atmosphere. Strolling along the river while listening to its murmur offers a moment of healing that allows visitors to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Diverse Lodging Facility Options
One of the great attractions of Ito Onsen is the diversity of its accommodations. There are a wide range of options to suit any budget or purpose, from modest family-run inns to luxury hot spring hotels, large-scale resort hotels, and resort hotels.
Accommodations with open-air baths attached to guest rooms allow visitors to monopolize the hot spring in a private space. Many inns feature scenic views of Sagami Bay from their large baths and open-air baths, and bathing while viewing the sea is an extraordinary experience.
Major hotel chains such as Ito Enhotel Group, Oedo Onsen Monogatari, and Kyoritsu Resort have also entered the market, and there are plenty of facilities where hot springs can be enjoyed at reasonable prices. Established old-time inns like Ito Hotel New Okabe and Hotel Danko Garden continue to be cherished locally.
Hot Spring Town Strolls and Day-Trip Hot Springs
In the Ito Onsen town, there are numerous facilities where day-trip bathing is possible. Without staying overnight, visitors can casually enjoy hot springs and can stop by while sightseeing.
The hot spring town has various restaurants and souvenir shops scattered about, making strolling enjoyable. Being close to Ito Station and with many hot spring facilities within walking distance, the convenience is excellent. Many facilities are equipped with parking lots, making access by car also convenient.
Surrounding Tourist Attractions and Points of Interest
Izu Kogen Area
Located approximately 15 minutes by car from Ito Onsen, Izu Kogen is a popular tourist area with scattered museums, galleries, and trendy cafes. Natural attractions such as Omuroyama and Jogasaki Coast are also plentiful.
Omuroyama is a bowl-shaped volcano with an elevation of 580 meters, and visitors can take a lift to the summit. From the top, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolds, offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji, the Izu Islands, and Sagami Bay.
The Jogasaki Coast was created approximately 4,000 years ago when lava from the eruption of Omuroyama flowed into the sea, creating a landscape of dramatic cliffs and rugged rocky outcrops. The view from the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge is particularly popular.
Ito Marine Town
Located approximately 5 minutes by car from Ito Station, Ito Marine Town is a complex facility sprawling along the coast. At the hot spring facility “Seaside Spa,” visitors can enjoy hot springs while taking in views of Sagami Bay.
The facility features a market handling fresh seafood, restaurants, and souvenir shops, where visitors can purchase specialties of Izu. Pleasure cruises also operate, allowing visitors to enjoy views from the sea.
Nature and Historical Sites of Ito
Throughout Ito City, there are scattered spots where visitors can enjoy nature throughout the seasons, such as Sakura no Sato and Komuro-yama Park. Particularly during spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage seasons, the areas are crowded with tourists.
Tokaikan is a facility that preserves and opens to the public a wooden three-story hot spring inn built in the early Showa period, allowing visitors to glimpse the hot spring culture of that era. The building itself is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, and its architectural beauty is also noteworthy.
Access to Ito Onsen
Access by Train
The nearest station to Ito Onsen is Ito Station on the JR Ito Line. From the Tokyo area, the typical route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the JR Ito Line.
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours (via Atami Station)
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes using the Limited Express “Odoriko”
- From Yokohama Station: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
From Ito Station to the center of the hot spring town is about a 7-minute walk, with many accommodations within walking distance of the station. Additionally, many hotels and inns operate complimentary shuttle buses from Ito Station to their facilities. Some facilities operate shuttle buses on a fixed schedule at 30-minute intervals from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, offering high convenience.
Access by Car
Access by car is also convenient, with easy accessibility from both the Tokyo area and the Kansai region.
- From Tokyo area: Approximately 90 minutes via the Tomei Expressway and Atsugi IC
- From Kansai area: Approximately 80 minutes via the Tomei Expressway and Numazu IC
From Atsugi IC, the typical route is via the Odawara-Atsugi Expressway, Manazuru Expressway, and National Route 135. From Numazu IC, routes typically go via the Izu Longitudinal Expressway, National Route 136, and National Route 135.
Traffic congestion may occur during weekends, holidays, and tourist seasons, so it is recommended to plan with extra time. Most accommodations and day-trip hot spring facilities are equipped with parking lots.
Address and Contact Information for Ito Onsen
Ito Onsen Ryokan Hotel Cooperative Association
- Address: 13-28 Chuo-cho, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture 414-0003
- Phone: 0557-37-2011
Inquiries regarding tourism information and accommodations are handled by the Ito Onsen Ryokan Hotel Cooperative Association and Ito Tourism Association. The official website provides the latest hot spring information, lodging facility availability, event information, and more.
How to Enjoy Ito Onsen and Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time
Indulging in Hot Spring Bathing
When visiting Ito Onsen, first and foremost, make full use of its abundant hot water volume and thoroughly enjoy the hot springs. Bathing multiple times a day—in the morning, afternoon, and evening—is a luxury unique to hot spring destinations.
In large public baths and open-air hot springs, visitors can enjoy hot springs in an open space. The views from open-air baths are particularly special, and open-air baths overlooking the sea allow for relaxation while listening to the sound of waves. It is also possible to bathe while gazing at the starry night sky.
By using private baths or guest rooms with attached open-air baths, families or couples can spend private time together. Relieve daily fatigue with free-flowing hot spring water.
Cuisine Using Local Ingredients
Accommodations at Ito Onsen offer dishes that showcase fresh local seafood and mountain produce. Fresh fish caught in Sagami Bay are exquisite, and kinmedai (golden-eye snapper) simmered in a pot is particularly popular as a regional specialty dish representing Izu.
A variety of dishes can be enjoyed depending on the inn, including kaiseki cuisine using luxury ingredients such as spiny lobster, abalone, and turban shells, and creative dishes using local vegetables. Since dining is a major part of enjoying a hot spring vacation, be sure to confirm your meal plan when making reservations.
Seasonal Enjoyment
Ito Onsen is a hot spring destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year, but each season has its own unique charm.
Spring is beautiful with cherry blossoms along the Matsukawa, and enjoying hot spring stays while viewing flowers is recommended. Summer allows for combining ocean bathing with hot spring bathing, and nearby beaches such as Ito Orange Beach are popular.
Autumn offers beautiful autumn foliage, and bathing in hot springs while viewing the colorful mountains is exceptional. Winter provides clear skies with excellent views of Mount Fuji, and enjoying spectacular views while warming up in hot springs is delightful. Winter is also the season when kinmedai is especially delicious.
Comparison with Nearby Hot Spring Areas
The Izu Peninsula has many hot spring destinations besides Ito Onsen. Atami Onsen, Shuzenji Onsen, and Shimoda Onsen each have their own characteristics, but Ito Onsen is differentiated by its abundant spring discharge volume and the high number of free-flowing hot spring inns.
Atami Onsen is located north of Ito Onsen and has a more urban atmosphere as a large-scale hot spring resort. Shuzenji Onsen is located in the central part of the peninsula and is known as a quiet mountain hot spring destination. Shimoda Onsen is located in the southern part of the peninsula and is a port town hot spring destination with strong remnants of Bakumatsu period history.
Ito Onsen is positioned as the middle ground among these hot spring destinations, and is gaining popularity as a well-balanced hot spring area offering good accessibility, abundant hot water volume, diverse accommodations, and rich surrounding tourist attractions.
Summary: Experience the Ultimate Hot Spring Bliss at Ito Onsen
Ito Onsen in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a hot spring destination boasting one of Japan’s highest spring discharge volumes and abundant hot spring sources. Its appeal lies in its long history spanning from the Heian period, diverse accommodations where visitors can enjoy free-flowing hot springs, and the natural environment surrounded by sea and mountains.
Its excellent accessibility of approximately 2 hours from Tokyo is also appealing, making it ideal for weekend getaways. Surrounding tourist attractions are abundant, including Izu Kogen and Jogasaki Coast, allowing for a fulfilling trip combining hot springs and sightseeing.
With abundant day-trip hot spring facilities, visitors can enjoy hot springs without staying overnight. There are many ways to enjoy Ito Onsen unique to the area, such as strolling through the hot spring town and sampling local cuisine.
Ito Onsen continues to heal and rejuvenate visitors with its abundant hot water volume, gentle water quality, and warm hospitality. Why not choose Ito Onsen as the destination for your next hot spring trip? A moment of ultimate bliss awaits you in a free-flowing open-air bath, refreshing both body and soul.
