Higashiizu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In East Ito, the top choice for families is Izu Highlands Hotel, nestled in a serene mountain valley with panoramic ocean views. The hotel features spacious family rooms, kid-friendly amenities like indoor play areas, and access to both indoor and outdoor hot springs. Guests can enjoy daily fresh seafood breakfasts and participate in hands-on activities such as tea harvesting at nearby plantations. The property is just a 10-minute walk from Nagata Beach, perfect for beachside fun, and offers complimentary bicycles for exploring the surrounding countryside. Nearby attractions include Ootaki Waterfall and East Ito Shrine, ideal for educational and cultural experiences. With its tranquil setting and warm hospitality, this hotel delivers a memorable, stress-free getaway for families seeking nature and tradition.

Another excellent option is Hoshino Yama Sato, a boutique ryokan offering private onsen rooms with garden views. Its emphasis on quiet, personalized service makes it perfect for families who value peace and connection with nature.

The best area for accommodation in East Ito is Nagata, where coastal charm meets convenience. This region hosts a cluster of high-quality onsen resorts, including East Ito Onsen Club, located steps from Nagata Seaside Bathing Beach. Guests enjoy easy access to swimming, sunbathing, and water sports during the day, while evenings offer relaxing soaks in open-air baths overlooking the Pacific. Nagata also lies along the Izu Peninsula Railway Line, providing seamless travel to nearby destinations like Shuzenji and Atami. The area preserves traditional village aesthetics, with small local shops selling handmade ceramics and seasonal snacks. It’s an ideal base for travelers seeking a balance between relaxation, culture, and accessibility in a peaceful, scenic environment.

East Ito offers authentic cultural experiences rooted in nature and tradition. Visitors can join tea-picking workshops at local tea plantations, learning how to harvest and process high-grade Shizuoka green tea, a staple of the region. These sessions often end with a ceremonial tea tasting using freshly made leaves. Another highlight is the East Ito Pottery Workshop, where guests craft their own ceramic pieces under the guidance of master artisans, creating lasting souvenirs. During festivals, travelers may witness Shinto shrine rituals, featuring traditional dances and prayers at East Ito Shrine. These events reflect the deep spiritual connection between the community and the natural world. Combined with guided forest walks and storytelling sessions, these experiences provide immersive insight into the slow-paced, harmonious lifestyle that defines East Ito.

Yes, Hoshino Yama Sato – Star Lodge is a perfect choice for solo travelers seeking tranquility. This intimate boutique ryokan features only 12 rooms, each with a private balcony and individual onsen bath. Surrounded by lush forest and overlooking the Ootaki Waterfall, the retreat offers total seclusion and a meditative atmosphere. The interior blends minimalist Japanese design with modern comfort, complete with reading nooks, tea sets, and meditation spaces. Daily guided morning forest walks allow guests to explore native flora and learn about local ecology. Located just a 15-minute walk from Nagata Station, it balances privacy with convenient access to public transport. With no crowds and a focus on introspection, this hotel provides an ideal sanctuary for those traveling alone and seeking peace and self-reflection.

The premier sea-view hotel in East Ito is Izu Misaki View Hotel, perched atop a cliff with unobstructed vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows framing the endless blue horizon, making sunrise and sunset moments truly unforgettable. The hotel boasts an open-air onsen with direct ocean access, allowing guests to soak under the stars or watch fishing boats glide across the waves. Its rooftop restaurant specializes in local seafood cuisine, particularly fresh yellowtail sashimi and uni rice bowls, prepared with ingredients sourced daily from nearby waters. For adventure seekers, the hotel offers boat tours to the Izu Islands, including snorkeling excursions to vibrant coral reefs. Located just 10 minutes from East Ito Shrine, the property combines luxury, nature, and cultural depth—perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

The hot springs of East Ito are renowned for their natural sulfur-rich and mildly alkaline mineral content, known for soothing skin conditions and easing muscle tension. The most famous source is Nagata Onsen, where the clear, warm water (around 45°C) flows directly from underground springs. Many local inns, such as East Ito Onsen Club, feature open-air baths with ocean views, enhancing the therapeutic experience with panoramic vistas. Some facilities also integrate herbal steam rooms and aromatherapy cabins, blending traditional Japanese wellness practices with modern relaxation techniques. Notably, several springs are believed to be sacred sites tied to Shinto mythology, requiring a brief purification ritual before use—a practice reflecting the deep respect locals have for nature’s healing powers. This spiritual dimension elevates the onsen experience beyond mere luxury.

East Ito is a photographer’s paradise. Key spots include Izu Misaki Lighthouse, with its striking red-and-white tower silhouetted against the ocean; Ootaki Waterfall, a 30-meter cascade surrounded by emerald-green foliage, often visible with rainbow effects in sunlight; and the colorful wooden houses along Nagata Coast, painted in pastel hues and arranged along the seaside promenade—especially stunning at golden hour. The East Ito Shrine’s vermilion torii gate framed by blue skies creates a classic Japanese aesthetic perfect for traditional photography. For a more immersive shot, visit the terraced tea fields, where winding paths cut through rows of green tea plants—ideal for spring’s vibrant growth or autumn’s golden hues. All locations are accessible via well-marked trails or short drives, making them easily reachable for both casual and professional photographers.

Must-try dishes in East Ito center around fresh seafood and local tea. Start with Izu yellowtail sushi, known for its buttery texture and delicate flavor, typically served with wasabi and pickled ginger. Next, sample uni rice bowl (Uni Gohan), where sweet, creamy sea urchin is paired with Shizuoka-grown rice and a hint of citrus. Don’t miss tea-infused miso soup, a regional specialty made with locally grown green tea leaves, offering a refreshing, umami-rich taste. At Nagata Market, grab freshly grilled sea bream or squid skewers from street vendors. For a unique flavor, try tea-marinated chicken, a local favorite prepared with steeped Shizuoka tea leaves, giving it a smoky, aromatic profile. All dishes emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the community’s deep respect for nature and culinary heritage.

Absolutely, East Ito is ideal for cycling enthusiasts. The region features dedicated bike paths like the Nagata to Ootaki Waterfall Coastal Route, a scenic 8-kilometer trail along the shoreline passing through tea plantations, quiet villages, and seaside cliffs. Many hotels, including Hoshino Yama Sato, offer free bicycle rentals with detailed maps and safety gear. Along the route, you’ll find rest stops with panoramic viewpoints, perfect for capturing photos or enjoying a snack. The Izu Peninsula Railway line also has a parallel one-way cycle track, combining rail and bike tourism. Early mornings are best for riding—cool air, soft light, and fewer crowds enhance the experience. You might even encounter local farmers harvesting tea or drying fish, adding authenticity to your journey. Cycling here isn’t just transportation—it’s a way to connect deeply with East Ito’s landscape and rhythm of life.

Nighttime in East Ito is serene and enchanting. Guests at Nagata Onsen Club can enjoy evening soaks in open-air baths under a starlit sky, occasionally spotting meteors. Some hotels host moonlight tea ceremonies, held in garden courtyards with traditional koto music and stories shared by local elders. For a unique experience, join a night-time fishing boat tour, where guides explain constellations and demonstrate traditional fishing lamps used by local fishermen. During festivals, East Ito Shrine holds a lantern-lit ceremony, with hundreds of paper lanterns floating along the path, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. These quiet, meaningful activities reflect East Ito’s philosophy of harmony with nature and time—perfect for travelers seeking stillness, reflection, and beauty after dark.