Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Itō (伊東市, Itō-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [ì.tó̞ó̞, -tó̞ò̞.ɕì]) is a city located on the eastern shore of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 August 2023, the city had an estimated population of 63,343 and a population density of 510 persons per square kilometer. The total area was 124.13 square kilometres (47.93 sq mi).
Within Shizuoka Prefecture (Chubu region), Itō (伊東市) serves as a city in shizuoka prefecture. Travelers exploring Shizuoka often combine a stop in Itō with regional highlights such as Southern views of Mount Fuji (Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira, Fujinomiya), Izu Peninsula hot springs and coastline (Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji), and Hamamatsu.
| Fact | Details for Itō (伊東市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 伊東市 (Itō) |
| Administrative Status | City in Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Shizuoka Prefecture (Capital: Shizuoka) |
| Region of Japan | Chubu |
| Population | 72,038 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 124.13 km² · 580 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 1947-08-10 |
| Coordinates | 34.9657°N, 139.1019°E |
Getting to Itō & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen)): 45m–1h 25m from Tokyo Station (or 1h–1h 30m from Kyoto/Osaka) directly on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari or Kodama.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Shizuoka Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Shizuoka with Itō. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Shizuoka have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Itō en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Itō are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Shizuoka can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Itō & Shizuoka
Itō shares the culinary traditions of Shizuoka Prefecture and the wider Chubu region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Shizuoka green tea (sencha & matcha) — a signature specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Hamamatsu gyoza & Lake Hamana unagi (eel) — a signature specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Fujinomiya yakisoba — a signature specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Suruga Bay sakura-ebi (cherry shrimp) & namashirasu — a signature specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Shizuoka oden — a signature specialty across Shizuoka Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Itō.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Early February–March for Kawazu early cherry blossoms on the Izu Peninsula; October–February for crisp, unobstructed southern views of Mount Fuji.
Regional highlights across Shizuoka Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Itō include: Southern views of Mount Fuji (Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira, Fujinomiya), Izu Peninsula hot springs and coastline (Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji), and Hamamatsu.
Practical Travel Tips for Itō
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Itō (or at Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Itō accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Itō (伊東市) located in Japan?
Itō (伊東市) is a city located in Shizuoka Prefecture in the Chubu region of Japan (coordinates: 34.9657°N, 139.1019°E). It has a population of approximately 72,038 across an area of 124.13 km².
How do I get to Itō by train?
Most visitors reach Itō via the main prefectural gateway of Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Atami & Mishima Stations (Tokaido Shinkansen). 45m–1h 25m from Tokyo Station (or 1h–1h 30m from Kyoto/Osaka) directly on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari or Kodama. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Itō. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Itō and Shizuoka known for?
In Itō and across Shizuoka Prefecture, top local dishes include Shizuoka green tea (sencha & matcha), Hamamatsu gyoza & Lake Hamana unagi (eel), Fujinomiya yakisoba, as well as Suruga Bay sakura-ebi (cherry shrimp) & namashirasu and Shizuoka oden. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Itō?
Early February–March for Kawazu early cherry blossoms on the Izu Peninsula; October–February for crisp, unobstructed southern views of Mount Fuji. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: