7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Ito

As a digital nomad living in Ito, you have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of weekend getaways that offer both popular tourist spots and hidden gems off the beaten path. Ito is located on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula and is known for its hot springs, scenic coastline, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a cultural experience, outdoor adventure, or just a quiet place to unwind, these seven destinations provide a perfect escape from your routine while not straying too far from your temporary home base.

Hakone

Hakone is a well-known destination for those looking to enjoy natural beauty and hot springs. Just a short trip from Ito, Hakone offers a plethora of attractions such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the serene Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Shrine. The area is also famous for its views of Mount Fuji on clear days. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, which winds through the mountains offering stunning vistas.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Hakone from Ito is by train. Take the JR Ito Line to Atami and transfer to the JR Tokaido Line for Odawara. From there, switch to the Hakone Tozan Line to get to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Hakone Ropeway, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the volcanic Owakudani Valley where you can try the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs.

Where to Stay: Hakone has a range of accommodations, from traditional ryokans like Hakone Ginyu with its private onsen baths, to more modern hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa, known for its cozy fireplace lounge.

Where to Eat: For a memorable meal, visit the Hakone Gora Park Café, which offers a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine. The café is also known for its beautiful rose garden and the opportunity to enjoy your meal al fresco.

Shuzenji

Shuzenji is a quaint hot spring town located in the heart of the Izu Peninsula. It's a less crowded alternative to some of the more popular destinations, offering a more authentic and serene experience. The town's centerpiece is the Shuzenji Temple, around which you can find charming shops and footbaths fed by the local hot springs. Take a stroll along the Katsura River or visit the Shuzenji Nijino Sato, a park with beautiful gardens and a miniature railway.

How to Get There: To get to Shuzenji from Ito, take the Izu Hakone Railway Sunzu Line directly to Shuzenji Station. The trip usually takes about 40 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit the Tokko-no-yu hot spring, which is said to be the oldest in Izu and is located right in the middle of the Shuzenji Onsen town.

Where to Stay: Arai Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that has been welcoming guests for centuries and offers a glimpse into Japan's past with its beautiful architecture and gardens.

Where to Eat: Shuzenji has several traditional eateries where you can enjoy local specialties. Try the soba noodles at Kadoya, a restaurant known for its handmade buckwheat noodles and tempura.

Nijima

For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, consider a weekend trip to Nijima, one of the Izu Islands. Nijima is known for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. The island also boasts unique Koga Stone, a type of volcanic rock used in sculptures and architecture. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and visiting the Nijima Glass Art Center.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Nijima is by ferry from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed jet ferry from Atami, which is closer to Ito.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Yunohama Onsen, an outdoor hot spring with ocean views, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the island.

Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses and minshuku (family-run bed and breakfasts) on the island, such as the Nijima Seaside Hotel, which offers ocean views and easy access to the beach.

Where to Eat: Try the island's fresh seafood at Maruichi Shokudo, a local favorite known for its generous portions and friendly atmosphere.

Mount Omuro

Mount Omuro is an extinct volcano that offers a unique outdoor adventure. The mountain's circular crater is a distinctive feature, and visitors can walk around the rim to enjoy 360-degree views of the Izu Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. For thrill-seekers, paragliding off the mountain is a popular activity. The mountain is also home to the Izu Shaboten Zoo, which features a variety of cacti and exotic animals.

How to Get There: From Ito, take a bus to the Izu-Kogen Station and then transfer to another bus that goes directly to Mount Omuro. The total travel time is around 1 hour.

Travel Tip: In the spring, the mountain is covered in pink with blooming shibazakura (moss phlox), making it an especially picturesque time to visit.

Where to Stay: Stay at the nearby Izu Kogen Pension Wave Inn, which offers cozy accommodations and is conveniently located for exploring the area.

Where to Eat: After your hike, enjoy a meal at Omuro Kogen Beer Restaurant, where you can try local craft beers and hearty German-style dishes.

Kawazu Seven Waterfalls

The Kawazu Seven Waterfalls (Kawazu Nanadaru) are a series of waterfalls located in the town of Kawazu, south of Ito. This natural attraction is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and nature. The waterfalls vary in size and shape, and the surrounding forest provides a tranquil setting for a day of exploration. The area also features hot spring baths where you can relax after your hike.

How to Get There: Take the Izu Kyuko Line from Ito to Kawazu Station, and then a bus to the Nanadaru Loop Bridge, which is the starting point for the waterfall trail. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit during early spring to witness the famous Kawazu cherry blossoms, which bloom earlier than in other parts of Japan.

Where to Stay: The Amagiso Ryokan offers traditional Japanese accommodations and has its own onsen with views of the largest of the seven waterfalls, the Odaru Waterfall.

Where to Eat: Sample some local cuisine at the Nanadaru Onsen Rest House, where you can enjoy dishes like wasabi-flavored soft-serve ice cream and river fish grilled with salt.

Yugawara

Yugawara is a coastal town known for its hot springs and art scene. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture, with its many onsens, ryokans, and the Yugawara Art Museum. The town is also close to the beautiful Manyo Park, which is filled with plum trees and inspired by the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest collection of poetry.

How to Get There: From Ito, take the JR Ito Line to Atami and then transfer to the JR Tokaido Line to reach Yugawara Station. The trip takes about 1 hour.

Travel Tip: If you're visiting in February or March, don't miss the Yugawara Plum Festival, where you can see the plum trees in full bloom and enjoy various cultural events.

Where to Stay: The Yugawara Spa Fukiya Hotel offers a luxurious stay with its own hot spring baths and traditional kaiseki meals.

Where to Eat: For a unique dining experience, visit the Potomak Western-style house and restaurant, which serves a blend of Japanese and Western cuisine in a historic building.

Atami

Atami is a seaside resort town famous for its hot springs and the Atami Sun Beach. It's a popular getaway for those looking to enjoy a mix of beach activities and cultural experiences. The Atami Castle and the MOA Museum of Art are must-visit attractions, offering insights into Japanese history and art. The town also hosts regular fireworks displays, which are a spectacular sight over the bay.

How to Get There: Atami is easily accessible from Ito by the JR Ito Line, with a direct train that takes about 25 minutes.

Travel Tip: Check the schedule for the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival, which is held multiple times throughout the year and is one of the most impressive fireworks displays in Japan.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Micuras offers modern accommodations with ocean views and an onsen overlooking Atami Sun Beach.

Where to Eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at the Atami Kaihanten, which is known for its sushi and sashimi platters with fish sourced directly from the local market.

Each of these destinations offers a unique experience for digital nomads looking to explore the area around Ito, Japan. Whether you're in the mood for adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, these weekend getaways provide the perfect balance to your work and travel lifestyle.