
Ito Onsen
Ito Onsen: A tranquil Japanese hot spring town offering traditional ryokan stays, unique capybara onsen, and scenic beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Ito Onsen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ito Onsen: A tranquil Japanese hot spring town offering traditional ryokan stays, unique capybara onsen, and scenic beauty.
"Experience the ultimate relaxation with private onsen baths and historic charm in Ito Onsen."

♨️ Private Onsen Options
Many hotels like Laforet Club Ito Onsen offer private onsen rooms or family baths for a more intimate experience.
🧳 Budget-Friendly Ryokan
K's House Ito Onsen offers a unique stay in a historic ryokan, providing an affordable way to experience traditional Japanese lodging.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Capybara Onsen at Izu Shaboten Zoo
Izu Shaboten Zoo
Witness the adorable capybaras soaking in hot springs, a truly unique and heartwarming sight. A highlight for many visitors!

Mount Omuro
Near Ito
Hike or take a chairlift up this distinctive volcanic cone for panoramic views of the Izu Peninsula and surrounding ocean.

Tokaikan Historic Building
Ito Onsen
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Taisho-era onsen building, offering a glimpse into historical Japanese architecture and bathing culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Onsen Culture
Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
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♨️ Private Onsen Options
Many hotels like Laforet Club Ito Onsen offer private onsen rooms or family baths for a more intimate experience.
🧳 Budget-Friendly Ryokan
K's House Ito Onsen offers a unique stay in a historic ryokan, providing an affordable way to experience traditional Japanese lodging.
🚶♀️ Explore the Town
Wander through the charming streets of Ito Onsen, discovering local shops and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
🍜 Try Local Delicacies
Don't miss out on local specialties like dried fish (himono) at the town's izakayas.
Tips
from all over the internet
♨️ Private Onsen Options
Many hotels like Laforet Club Ito Onsen offer private onsen rooms or family baths for a more intimate experience.
🧳 Budget-Friendly Ryokan
K's House Ito Onsen offers a unique stay in a historic ryokan, providing an affordable way to experience traditional Japanese lodging.
🚶♀️ Explore the Town
Wander through the charming streets of Ito Onsen, discovering local shops and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
🍜 Try Local Delicacies
Don't miss out on local specialties like dried fish (himono) at the town's izakayas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ito Onsen is praised for its relaxing atmosphere, traditional ryokan experiences, and unique attractions like the capybara onsen. Visitors appreciate the accessibility from Tokyo and the variety of onsen options, from private baths to historic public facilities. Some find the town a bit quiet outside of the main attractions, and certain accommodations might feel dated.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ito Onsen is easily accessible from Tokyo by train. The JR Ito Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station will take you directly to Ito Station. The journey typically takes around 2 hours. If you have a JR East Pass, it may be covered.
Yes, Ito Onsen can be a feasible day trip from Tokyo, especially if you focus on a few key attractions. However, an overnight stay is recommended to fully enjoy the onsen experience.
Once you arrive at Ito Station, many accommodations and attractions are within walking distance or a short bus ride. Renting a car is also an option for exploring further afield on the Izu Peninsula.
Yes, the JR Ito Line offers direct services from major Tokyo stations to Ito Station, making it a convenient travel option.
The train journey from Tokyo to Ito Onsen typically takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the specific train and connections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For popular ryokans and private onsen rooms, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official websites of attractions like Izu Shaboten Zoo for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Ito Onsen town itself does not have an entrance fee. However, individual attractions, accommodations, and specific onsen facilities will have their own admission or usage fees.
If you have a valid Japan Rail Pass, it can typically be used on JR lines, including the JR Ito Line, for travel to Ito Onsen.
Ryokan prices in Ito Onsen can vary widely. Budget-friendly options like K's House Ito Onsen can be around $40/night, while more luxurious ryokans can be significantly more.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the unique capybara onsen at Izu Shaboten Zoo, the historic Tokaikan building, and the scenic Mount Omuro.
K's House Ito Onsen is a historic ryokan transformed into a hostel, offering travelers a chance to stay in a heritage building with a unique atmosphere at an affordable price.
While many accommodations offer private onsen, there are also public onsen facilities available. It's advisable to check local listings for specific public bathhouses.
Families can enjoy the capybara onsen, exploring Mount Omuro, and staying in hotels with family-friendly onsen options like Laforet Club Ito Onsen.
To truly experience Ito's onsen culture, consider staying at a traditional ryokan, booking a private onsen, or visiting a historic onsen building like Tokaikan.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ito Onsen is known for its himono (dried fish), which can be enjoyed at local izakayas. You can also find fresh seafood and other Japanese delicacies.
Many onsen hotels and ryokans in Ito Onsen offer dining services, often featuring traditional Japanese cuisine as part of the stay.
Given its coastal location, Ito Onsen offers opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood. Exploring local markets and restaurants near the coast is recommended.
While traditional Japanese cuisine can be meat and fish-heavy, some restaurants may offer vegetarian or vegan options. It's best to inquire directly with establishments.
Dining experiences can range from casual izakayas serving himono to more formal meals at ryokans, often featuring multi-course kaiseki dinners.
📸 📸 Photography
Photogenic spots include the historic Tokaikan building, the scenic views from Mount Omuro, and the charming streets of the onsen town.
Photography is generally not permitted inside public onsen bathing areas for privacy reasons. However, common areas, lobbies, and exteriors of ryokans are usually fine for photos.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) often provides beautiful lighting for capturing the town's atmosphere and scenic views.
While you can't photograph the bathing itself, you can capture the traditional architecture of onsen buildings, steam rising from hot springs (if visible), and the serene atmosphere of ryokan gardens.
A versatile lens for landscapes and street photography, along with a tripod for low-light conditions or capturing architectural details, would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Onsen Experience
Beyond private baths, the town boasts historic onsen facilities like Tokaikan, a beautifully preserved Taisho-era building that allows visitors to experience onsen bathing in a grand, historical setting. This offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the architectural beauty and bathing rituals of a bygone era. For a more budget-friendly yet historically rich onsen experience, K's House Ito Onsen provides lodging in a registered tangible cultural property, allowing travelers to live within Japanese history.
When visiting an onsen, remember to familiarize yourself with the etiquette: showering thoroughly before entering the bath, not wearing swimwear, and keeping towels out of the water. This respect for tradition enhances the overall onsen experience for everyone.
Exploring Ito's Natural and Cultural Landscape
The town itself has a charm that invites exploration. Wandering through the streets of Ito Onsen allows you to discover local shops, traditional eateries, and the general laid-back atmosphere of a Japanese resort town. For a taste of local cuisine, be sure to try himono (dried fish), a specialty often found in local izakayas, providing a delicious culinary experience.
For travelers interested in history and culture, Ito offers more than just its onsen. The town is a gateway to the wider Izu Peninsula, known for its scenic coastlines and natural beauty, making it a great base for day trips and further exploration.
Accommodation Options: From Historic Ryokans to Modern Hotels
For those seeking more conventional hotel comforts with onsen access, Laforet Club Ito Onsen Yunoniwa and Laforet Ito Onsen offer modern amenities alongside hot spring facilities, with some rooms providing private onsen access. Similarly, Ito-en Onsen Hotel provides family-friendly onsen options, making it suitable for group or family stays. Hotel New Okabe is another option for those looking for a comfortable stay with onsen facilities.
When choosing accommodation, consider whether you prioritize a traditional ryokan experience, the convenience of a modern hotel, or the unique charm of a historic building. Many places offer packages that include meals, enhancing the overall value and experience of your stay in Ito Onsen.




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