Ito Onsen 伊東温泉

Ito Onsen is one of Japan's top onsen resorts, alongside Atami Onsen , also in Shizuoka . Ito Onsen's healing waters and scenic beachside views make it a popular weekend escape from Tokyo.

Ito Onsen is easy to access by train from Tokyo.

It takes about two hours to get to Ito Station from Tokyo Station by regular train. You can also take the limited express or Shinkansen bullet train to reach your destination faster.

Among the many places to bathe in Ito Onsen, there are eight unique public bathhouses associated with Ito's seven deities of good luck. You can follow a path from one to the next.

The main types of hot springs here are simple springs, and weak salt springs. Simple springs are gentle on the skin and body, making them ideal for infants and the elderly. Weak salt springs are also known as "Netsu no Yu," (literally "fever hot water") because the minerals of the water keep the body warm after bathing. The springs are believed to have various healing properties.

There are several museums in Ito. There is the Ikea Museum of 20th Century Art, which primarily exhibits and houses humanity-themed paintings and sculptures of the 20th century. There is also the Music Box Museum of Izu, which exhibits about 130 items, mainly music boxes, automatic musical instruments, and phonographs.

If you have the time to spare and the weather cooperates, check out Ito's pleasant sandy beaches. Ito Orange Beach and Usami Beach are popular local favorites.