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

In Ito City, the top choice is Daiwa Hotel Ito Onsen, a century-old ryokan with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Its open-air baths use natural thermal springs rich in sodium carbonate, known for skin-soothing benefits. The hotel serves authentic kaiseki cuisine featuring fresh local seafood and Shizuoka green tea desserts. Nearby attractions include Nanyun-ji Temple and Ito City Museum, making it ideal for travelers seeking culture, nature, and relaxation.

The Ito Station area is the most convenient base for visitors. It’s close to Ito City Hall, Ito Port, and Nanyun-ji Temple, with many hotels offering free shuttle services to onsen zones. Top options like Ito Grand Hotel and Hotel Sunroute Plaza Ito combine modern amenities with traditional Japanese design. Stroll along Ito Port at dusk to enjoy sunset views and fishing boats returning—perfect for a peaceful evening.

Must-try cultural experiences in Ito City include visiting Nanyun-ji Temple, a Edo-period Buddhist temple with a unique "Kibira-dō" hall and stone stairway. The annual Nanyun-ji Festival draws crowds each spring. At the Ito City Museum, explore ancient burial mounds and maritime artifacts, plus participate in hands-on workshops to create Ito-yaki pottery. Evening guided tours highlight coastal lights and lighthouse legends—ideal for history lovers.

Ito Onsen is renowned for its pure, colorless thermal water rich in sodium carbonate and trace radon, known for relieving stress and improving circulation. The springs originate from mountain sources, channeled through underground pipes to hotels and public baths. Daiwa Hotel Ito Onsen offers ocean-view outdoor baths—rare in Japan. Some inns also provide "Onsen Therapy Packages" combining massage and herbal steam for enhanced wellness.

Recommended for families: Ito Grand Hotel, a four-star property with children’s pools, family rooms, game areas, and kid-friendly kaiseki meals. Located near Ito Port and Ito City Museum, it’s just a 5-minute walk to major attractions. The hotel features a mini garden and viewing deck for safe play. Weekends offer "Family Onsen Workshops," teaching kids about mineral composition in a fun, educational way.

Daiwa Hotel Ito Onsen stands out as the premier sea-view hotel, with rooms and open-air baths facing the Pacific Ocean—perfect for watching sunrise or evening fishing lights. The glass-roofed restaurant offers stunning ocean vistas during breakfast. Another option is Hotel Sunroute Plaza Ito, not directly facing the sea but connected via a 8-minute walking path to Ito Port. Both offer sea-view rooms and oceanfront breakfast experiences.

Must-try dishes include fresh skipjack tuna sushi and bamboo-spear fish sashimi from Ito Port, known for their tender texture. Try Ito Natto Rice, a local specialty combining fermented natto with fragrant rice and pickled vegetables. Visit Umi no Yume Izakaya at Ito Market for daily catch sets with miso soup. Don’t miss Shizuoka tea—sample it at Ito Cha-ya, where you can join a traditional tea ceremony experience.

Key historical sites in Ito City include Nanyun-ji Temple (built 1629), showcasing Edo-period architecture with its Kibira-dō hall and stone pathways. Ito Castle Ruins were once a feudal stronghold, now a park with preserved stone walls and watchtowers, hosting seasonal festivals. The Ito City Museum displays artifacts from ancient burial mounds, including bronze mirrors and iron arrowheads, revealing Ito’s role as a key maritime hub in early Japan. Guided tours enhance understanding.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for onsen visits. Mild weather enhances the experience, with cherry blossoms lining Ito Port in spring and vibrant foliage in fall. During these seasons, events like the Ito Onsen Festival and Sea Festival take place. Book accommodations early to avoid peak crowds. Perfect for quiet, scenic relaxation.

Transportation in Ito City is well-connected via Ito Station (JR Tōkaidō Main Line) and Ito Bus Terminal. From Tokyo, it takes about 2 hours by train, then transfer to bus or taxi to onsen areas. The city operates a free shuttle bus, Ito Loop Bus, linking hotels, museums, and ports. For scenic exploration, rent bicycles and ride along the Ito Coastline, stopping at Nanyun-ji Temple and Ōsaseki Viewpoint for breathtaking coastal views—ideal for slow travel.