Ito Onsen

Overview

Ito Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is said to have been discovered in the Heian period. In the Edo period, it flourished as a spa resort, with hot spring water even presented to Tokugawa Iemitsu. From the Meiji period onwards, many literary figures, including Rokuhan Kouda and Yasunari Kawabata, visited Ito. After the war, it also thrived as a pleasure resort. Ito Onsen is characterized by its abundant hot spring water, with 780 sources and an outflow of 34,000 liters per minute – ranking third in Japan. As a result, many inns and hotels offer *onsen* fed directly from the source. There are ten public bathhouses in the hot spring town, eight of which feature statues of the Seven Gods of Fortune. This is believed to be related to the temples and shrines dedicated to the Seven Gods of Fortune located in the center of Ito. Public bathhouses are available to those outside the city for a fee, so exploring various *onsen* is highly recommended. Ito Onsen is also familiar from Hatoya Hotel commercials, and in recent years, the retro-chic "Tokaikan," a popular spot, has gained attention. Tokaikan operated as a hot spring inn from 1928 to 1997 and is now open to the public as a cultural facility. Around Ito Onsen, you'll find many scenic spots, including the thrilling Jogasaki Coast with its dramatic cliffs, Mount Omuro offering a 360-degree panoramic view from its summit, Sakura no Sato (Cherry Blossom Village) with its expansive lawns perfect for cherry blossom viewing, and Komuroyama Park, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers year-round. Ito Onsen is a hot spring resort brimming with diverse charms: hot springs, history, and nature. Be sure to visit and relax.