Last week on the way to my father in law's house in Inatori, I drove thru the near city of Ito, on the Izu Peninsula's East Coast.

I've always enjoyed to drive on the seaside road and I think that it looks more like a California road, with palm trees on both sides and the beautiful Ocean close by.

In summertime and during national holidays it is always very crowded, especially the Ito Marine Town, where you can find many small restaurants and cafe and take a rest while watching the ocean.

But in autumn and wintertime it is more easy to spend some relaxing hours in this beautiful city.

It can be also reached easily by train, by changing train at Atami Station or even directly from Tokyo with the Odoriko Line:

https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/superviewodoriko.html?src=gnavi

A view of the small Ito Station

On the other side Ito is surrounded by mountains.

By crossing them through the Usami Pass you can get to Izunokuni City and Eroica Japan's Hq in Nirayama within less than one hour.

Due to the Amagi mountains, that have a volcanic origin, as all the Izu Peninsula it is famous for its hot springs.

As all the Izu Peninsula it is also famous for its delicious fishery.

The Kinmedai fish (splendid alfonsino) of east Izu is famous all over Japan and what better place to try it, if not here in Ito?

It really worth a visit and maybe also some relaxing nights in its beautiful hot spring-furnished ryokan(s)!

Alberto