In recent years, Japan has become a top destination for travelers, especially with the country’s open borders following the pandemic and the yen’s favorable exchange rate for Western tourists. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have always drawn massive crowds, and with good reason—the hustle and bustle, the history, the shopping, and the incredible food. However, if you’ve been to Japan before and are looking for a more tranquil getaway away from the tourist hotspots, I highly recommend taking a weekend trip to the charming town of Ito, located on the Izu Peninsula.
I recently spent a week between Tokyo and Ito, my fifth visit to Japan, and it was exactly the respite I needed after a few busy days in the big city. With my trip extending to South Korea afterward, I found Ito to be the perfect place for some calm and relaxation. The town, though not as well-known internationally, offers a more authentic Japanese culture and a slower pace of life that many visitors miss when they stay in the major cities.
Why Ito?
You might be wondering, “Why Ito?” It’s not as popular as places like Kyoto or Osaka, but that’s exactly why I chose it. After spending days immersed in Tokyo’s high-energy streets, I craved a quieter experience, and Ito offered just that. Only a couple of hours south of Tokyo by train, it’s an easy destination to access yet worlds apart from the city’s frenetic pace. Plus, Ito is a gateway to the stunning Izu Peninsula, a region known for its natural beauty, volcanic hot springs, and coastal views.
Ito, once a popular retreat in the 1970s and ’80s for both locals and foreign tourists (Marilyn Monroe even honeymooned here!), still maintains its relaxed charm. With its black sand beach, scenic nature, and local eateries, Ito is a perfect destination for those looking to unwind. The area is less crowded, offering more opportunities for connecting with locals and exploring the culture at your own pace.
K’s House: A Cozy Ryokan Experience
For my stay, I opted for K’s House, a historical ryokan (traditional inn) that offers both private and shared accommodations. Located just a short walk from the beach, K’s House is a wonderful blend of traditional Japanese charm and modern comfort. The rooms feature tatami mats, shoji (sliding doors), and big windows that overlook the river that winds through the town, perfect for a tranquil morning tea.
One of the best features of K’s House is the onsen (hot spring bath), which is open 24/7 for guests. I was traveling solo, so I appreciated the affordable rates and the intimate size of the ryokan as a hostel but they also offer traditional rooms. The onsen, often a highlight of staying in Japan, was a peaceful sanctuary where I could soak in the natural volcanic waters. Bonus: The onsen is tattoo-friendly, which is a rarity in Japan due to the stigma surrounding tattoos and their association with the yakuza (Japanese mafia).
If you’re visiting Ito as a solo traveler or with family, K’s House is a great option—it’s cozy, welcoming, and perfectly located near the beach and the town’s main strip of shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
Exploring Ito’s Charm
Though Ito is small, there’s plenty to see and do. On my first evening, I strolled along the main road by the beach and stumbled upon the Joynt Brewing Company, a quirky little bar run by an American and Japanese couple. They brew their own beer, and the vibe is casual and friendly. To my surprise, I was invited to join the owners and a few locals for a night of karaoke, which ended up being one of the highlights of my trip! Singing 80s tunes with strangers in a small bar made me feel like I was part of the community rather than just a tourist passing through.
Ito has a laid-back, small-town feel that makes it easy to relax. You can enjoy a quiet walk through the town’s residential streets, head down to the beach, or explore the lush greenery of Maruyama Park. This peaceful park offers sweeping views of the town and the ocean, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or simply relaxing with a good book. On the way to the park, I stopped by a little bakery, 三木洋菓子店 (Miki Yōkashiten), which sold the most delightful desserts in the cutest packaging. The friendly grandmother who ran the shop even packed my sweets with icepacks so they would stay fresh until I reached the park.
A Taste of Ito: Food and Drink
Food is always a highlight of any trip to Japan, and Ito was no exception. The town is known for horse meat sashimi, a delicacy that was delicious. Served with a raw eggs, miso soup and a side of vegetables, it was tender and flavorful. I paired it with a crisp highball, and it made for a delightful meal.
If you’re looking for a truly local experience, don’t miss Chinese Bar Shala. The owners, a husband and wife duo, were incredibly warm and welcoming. Between them, they speak several languages, including Japanese, English, and Mandarin. The food was outstanding—one of the best meals I had during my stay. We shared a bottle of Chinese wine and a variety of dishes, including gyoza (the best I’ve ever had!) and a rich tofu dish, some fish and savory soup. The meal, with drinks and appetizers, cost only about 50 USD for two people, which is an incredible value for the quality and freshness of the food.
A Local Language Experience
One of the unique things about Ito is the small but vibrant local community. If you find yourself there on a Tuesday or Thursday, I highly recommend checking out the local English school that offers incredibly affordable lessons. For just 100 yen (less than a dollar), you can participate in a couple of hours of Japanese language lessons. It’s a wonderful way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture plus, it’s a great way to show respect for the language and community.
The Unwind You Didn’t Expect
What surprised me most about my time in Ito was how much it allowed me to disconnect and truly relax. I didn’t have an agenda, no packed itinerary, just a weekend to enjoy the beach, the food, the people, and the culture. Unlike the big cities, Ito is a place where you can take a slow walk, enjoy a cup of tea by the river, or spend an afternoon at the onsen without feeling rushed.
I didn’t expect to leave with so many memories, but meeting locals, making new friends, and discovering local gems in a quieter town gave me a deeper appreciation for Japan’s charm beyond its most famous cities. Sure, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are iconic, but sometimes the best travel experiences come when you step off the beaten path, respect the local culture, and slow down.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and have some extra time, I highly recommend taking a detour to Ito. It’s a peaceful, welcoming town where you can truly unwind and experience a side of Japan that’s a little less traveled, but just as beautiful.
