Inatori Onsen (Higashiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Inatori Onsen is a coastal hot spring resort in Higashiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture. Its location overlooking the Sagami Sea and the Pacific Ocean is a defining feature, and fishing and hot springs have long supported the local community's livelihood. The town's major attractions include the "open-air baths with ocean views," unique to a hot spring town close to the sea, and fresh seafood, including the locally caught, high-quality fish, kinmedai.

Inatori is also known as one of the birthplaces of "Tsurushibina" (hanging dolls), and every year in early spring, beautiful hanging decorations are displayed throughout the town, becoming a tourist attraction.

Highlights

• Open-air baths overlooking the sea, hot springs at hotels and inns: Most accommodations have baths and open-air baths with ocean views, allowing you to bathe while enjoying the sunset and night view.
• Golden-eyed snapper dishesInatori is famous for its alfonsino catches. Be sure to try the local cuisine, including simmered fish, sashimi, and shabu-shabu.
• Hanging Hina Dolls Exhibition: The Hanging Doll Festival is held every year from February to March at a venue in the town, where many handmade ornaments are displayed (the dates change from year to year, so please check in advance).
• Stroll around Inatori Port and the fishing port scenery: Enjoy a stroll while watching the early morning market, the harbor scenery, and fishing boats.
• Coastal walking spots: You can enjoy walking along the seaside promenade or the beach, as well as sea fishing. In the summer, you can also swim in the sea.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: Izu-Inatori Station on the Izu Kyuko Line. From the station, you can travel to the hot spring town or accommodations by taxi, local bus, or on foot (some accommodations offer shuttle service).
• Access by train (from Tokyo)From Tokyo, the most common route is to take the "Odoriko" limited express train or the "Izu Kyuko Direct Train." The travel time varies depending on the type of train and transfers, but it generally takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Another option is to take the Shinkansen to Atami and then transfer to a local train to Izu Inatori.
• Access by carThe most common route is the Tomei Expressway → Odawara Atsugi Road → National Route 135 heading south. The estimated travel time from Tokyo varies depending on traffic conditions, but it is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Please use hotels or public facilities for parking.
• bus: Seasonal express buses and local buses from Ito and Shimoda are available. Please check in advance as the number of buses varies depending on the departure point and time of year.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: A hot spring bath, lunch (local cuisine), and a stroll around the port and exhibits will take approximately 4 to 6 hours. Please check in advance whether there are facilities that offer day-use baths.
• 2 days and 1 nightThe classic plan is to enjoy seafood such as alfonsino for dinner and then take a leisurely stroll the next morning. The most recommended plan is to stay overnight and enjoy the hot springs and food.
• 2 nights or more: If you plan to visit nearby tourist attractions (Atagawa Banana Crocodile Park, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms in Kawazu, Jogasaki Coast, etc.), we recommend staying for two nights or more.

Nearby spots

• Atagawa Banana Crocodile Park (Atagawa): A zoo and botanical garden in Atagawa Onsen. Approximately 20-30 minutes by car (approximately).
• Kawazu (Kawazu cherry blossoms): Famous for its Kawazu cherry blossoms in early spring. Accessible by car in approximately 30-45 minutes. Many tourists visit during seasonal events.
• Jogasaki Coast (suspension bridge): A tourist spot known for its cliff coastal scenery and suspension bridge. Day trips are possible by car or public transport.
• Izukogen area: There are many museums, cafes, walking trails, etc., scattered within a 30-60 minute drive.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: Accommodations and public transportation will be crowded on weekends, national holidays, Golden Week, Obon, New Year's, during the Hanging Hina Dolls exhibition, and during Kawazu cherry blossom season. Be sure to book accommodation and express train tickets early.
• Bathing etiquettePlease observe general hot spring etiquette, such as washing your body with plenty of water and in the washing area before bathing, not putting towels in the bath, and avoiding occupying the bath for long periods of time. Please be considerate of others when eating, drinking, or talking loudly in the open-air bath.
• Tattoo: Some facilities may refuse entry to bathers due to tattoos. If you have a large tattoo, please check with the accommodation or facility in advance, or consider using a private bath.
• Weather and Season: There are windy days along the coast. In winter, the sea breeze can make the temperature feel lower, so be sure to dress warmly, and in summer, be sure to take precautions against heatstroke when swimming in the sea or outdoors. The hanging dolls are mainly on display in early spring (February to March), but the exhibition period changes from year to year, so please check the official information.
• Last bus and pick-up service: If you are arriving late at night or departing early in the morning, public transportation may be less frequent. It is a good idea to check the shuttle service provided by your accommodation and the timetable of the nearest station in advance.

If you wish, we can also create recommended accommodations and itinerary plans for different seasons (e.g., spring hanging doll season, winter golden-eyed snapper season, etc.), as well as specific access transfer information (specifying the departure point). Please let us know how you plan to use it.