Ito City – Explore Natural Wonders on Izu Peninsula’s Rugged East Coast

Making up a long stretch of the East Coast of Izu Peninsula, just South of Atami Onsen is Ito City – a popular tourist destination for Japanese due to the wide variety of attractions, hot spring options and spectacular nature.

The Ito City area is made up of the famous onsen area around Ito Station, Kawana (which is famous for its stunning golf course) and the Izu Kogen area that boasts Mt. Omuro and the Jogasaki Coast.

The area around Ito Station is a popular hot spring town which showcases not only touches of modern influences but retains some of its historical buildings in the centre like Tokaikan.

A former, historic ryokan, Tokaikan is one of the few remaining hot spring ryokan constructed from wood during the early Showa era.

It is now a historical and cultural sightseeing spot, where one can indulge in Japanese sweets and tea after enjoying the public baths on the premises.

The baths are only open on the weekend and public holidays at an additional cost.

Located in the Izu Kogen area, is the beautiful Jogasaki Coast, a stretch of coastline which has a popular hiking trail that traverses for about 10kilometers.

The trail showcases the stunning jagged cliffs and craggy stone formations of the coastline.

A highlight of the trail is the pretty Kadowaki Suspension Bridge (which is about 48m long and 23m high) and the lighthouse not far from it.

If you’re not up for walking the entire 10km trail, there are shorter routes available and a few parking spots in between if you want to break it up – LEARN MORE

South of central Ito, is Mt. Omuro, an extinct volcano known for its beautiful silhouette which is reminiscent of an inverted rice bowl.

The peak of the volcano offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the area, including that of Mt. Fuji & Oshima Island on clear days.

Mt. Omuro is about 580m high and its Caldera’s diameter is about 300m which you can walk around in roughly 20-30mins – to go up ot the top, take the chairlift.

If you’re feeling adventurous, participating in archery down in the bowl of the crater – LEARN MORE.

Another popular mountain to visit in Ito is Mt. Komuro which is known for its gorgeous azaleas in spring.

At the summit of 321m is Mt.Komuro ridge walk “MISORA“, a loop-shaped promenade which offers spectacular 360 degree views of Mt. Fuji, Sagami bay, Boso Peninsula, Izu islands, and Amagi mountain range.

Drinks are available at “Café 321” which also is a picturesque spot.

Izu Shaboten Zoo lies near the base of Mt. Omuro, a fusion of a botanical and zoological garden.

The botanical garden features over one thousand cactus and succulent varieties, of which visitors can select and purchase to take home.

However perhaps the most popular attraction of the Zoo is the adorable Capybara relaxing or snoozing away in their onsen baths.

Originating from South America, the Capybara is the world’s largest rodent, and has been known to squeal like a guinea pig and purr like a cat when stroked.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to see some baby Capybara happily wandering around the zoo in search of treats – LEARN MORE.