Explore Izu Peninsula hot springs near Tokyo, with a complete overview of East, Central, South, and West Izu. See Atami, Ito, Shuzenji, Shimoda, Kawazu, and Dogashima at a glance, plus access tips.
Published: Jun 28, 2026
Explore Izu Peninsula hot springs near Tokyo, with a complete overview of East, Central, South, and West Izu. See Atami, Ito, Shuzenji, Shimoda, Kawazu, and Dogashima at a glance, plus access tips.
Published: Jun 28, 2026
Izu Peninsula is a peninsula projecting from the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, and one of the Kanto region's leading hot spring areas, where sea, mountains, and hot springs come together. Thanks to shinkansen and limited express trains, it is relatively easy to reach from central Tokyo in a short time, and its hot spring towns differ clearly depending on where you go on the peninsula. In short, when choosing an Izu hot spring trip, it is easier if you first decide which area of the peninsula, and what kind of hot spring town, should be the center of your journey.
This article is a comprehensive hub that gives an overview of Izu Peninsula's representative hot spring towns by area and links to their detailed complete guides. Divided into four areas — East Izu, Central Izu, South Izu, and West Izu — it presents representative destinations and features in a quick-reference table, while organizing the character of famous hot springs such as Atami, the gateway, Ito, known for its abundant hot water, and Shuzenji, known for its bamboo grove and history. Travel times and access are only rough estimates, so please check the official information from each hot spring area and transport operator.
One reason Izu Peninsula hot springs have long been popular is their proximity to the Tokyo area. Shinkansen service reaches Atami, the gateway to the peninsula, and limited express trains run along the eastern coast, making it possible to reach seaside hot springs from central Tokyo in a relatively short time. The distance is ideal for weekend or one-night trips, which has made Izu one of the Kanto region's signature hot spring areas.
Another feature is that sea, mountains, and hot springs are all found on one peninsula. The eastern side is lined with seaside hot spring towns facing Sagami Bay, while Central Izu has mountain and valley hot springs inland. At the southern tip, there is a port town known for the arrival of the Black Ships, and the western side is famous for sunsets over Suruga Bay. Even within Izu, the scenery and way of spending time change by area, so reading this together with the types of hot spring destinations guide can help you decide which area suits your trip.
Izu is also often praised for its abundant seafood, a charm unique to a peninsula surrounded by the sea. Along the coasts of East Izu, South Izu, and West Izu, many travelers enjoy meals that make use of the area's proximity to fishing ports. The ability to build a trip around both hot springs and scenery, while also adding great food, is a defining strength shared across the entire peninsula.
To help you grasp the overall picture, here is a table dividing Izu into four areas and listing representative hot spring towns and their features. The destinations listed here are only a small part of Izu's hot spring towns, and the characteristics are general tendencies only. For destinations with links, please check the detailed complete guides.
| Area | Representative hot spring towns | Features (general tendencies) |
|---|---|---|
| East Izu | Atami Onsen, Ito Onsen, Izu Kogen, Inatori, Kawazu | Seaside hot spring towns line the Sagami Bay coast. Easy access from the Tokyo area |
| Central Izu | Shuzenji Onsen | Inland mountains and valleys. Known for bamboo groves and historic hot spring streets |
| South Izu | Shimoda | A port town at the southern tip of the peninsula. History of the Black Ships and coastal scenery |
| West Izu | Dogashima, Toi | Facing Suruga Bay, known for sunsets sinking into the sea |
This table is only a guide for understanding the general tendencies of each area, and there are many other hot spring towns in each one. Below, we will look in a little more detail at the character of representative hot spring towns by area.
East Izu is the area along the eastern coast of the peninsula where seaside hot spring towns are strung together, and it is the easiest to access from the Tokyo area. With shinkansen and limited express service, it is possible to reach seaside hot springs in a short time from central Tokyo, so it is often chosen as the starting point for an Izu trip.
The gateway town for this area is Atami Onsen. Its hot spring district spreads along the coast, combining the convenience of a shinkansen stop with a location overlooking the sea. It has long been a hot spring town, yet also has a strong urban side, and is known as an easy-to-visit hot spring destination. Its overall profile is summarized in the Atami Onsen Complete Guide.
Even within East Izu, Ito Onsen is often described as a hot spring town with abundant hot water. It is a seaside hot spring town and a representative destination of East Izu alongside Atami, though the way people spend time there and the atmosphere are different. For details, see the Ito Onsen Complete Guide. East Izu also includes Izu Kogen, where villas and attractions are scattered across the highlands, Inatori, known for its Hina no Tsurushi Kazari hanging doll festival, and Kawazu, famous for its early-blooming cherry blossoms, offering a wide range of ways to enjoy the sea, mountains, and seasonal events.
Central Izu is the inland area of the peninsula, and unlike the seaside East Izu, it is centered on mountain and valley hot spring towns. The representative destination of Central Izu is Shuzenji Onsen.
Shuzenji Onsen is known for a hot spring district along the river, where visitors can enjoy strolls through Bamboo Grove Path and historic temples and shrines. Its atmosphere is quite different from seaside hot spring towns, making it a good fit for those who value the calm mood of a mountain retreat. It is also an old hot spring town with a long history, so the pleasure of walking through the hot spring district itself often becomes the center of the trip. For details, see the Shuzenji Onsen Complete Guide. Because East Izu by the sea and Central Izu in the mountains differ greatly in character within the peninsula, combining both makes it easier to experience Izu's full range.
South Izu is the area at the southern tip of the peninsula, known for its mild climate and coastal scenery. The representative town of this area is Shimoda. Shimoda is historically famous as a port town where the Black Ships arrived in the late Edo period, and it is a place where you can enjoy historic sites related to Japan's opening, seaside hot springs, and beaches together.
Because reaching the southern tip means traveling farther from the East Izu gateway area, it is best to allow extra time in your itinerary. This area is well suited to travelers who want to enjoy history and ocean scenery together, or who want to stay calmly at the tip of the peninsula. Travel conditions and times can change, so please check the official information from the Shimoda tourist association and transport operators before planning.
West Izu is the western side of the peninsula, facing Suruga Bay, and is widely known for sunsets sinking into the sea. Representative places include Dogashima, known for its intricate coastline and island scenery, and Toi, a long-established hot spring town.
West Izu is an area where you can enjoy a different expression of the sea from the hot spring towns on the eastern coast. Many travelers especially enjoy the scenery at dusk, making it a good choice for a stay centered on the sea and the sunset. On the other hand, there are many sections without rail service, so getting around by public transportation requires more planning than in East Izu. General ideas for reaching hot spring destinations by public transport are summarized in hot spring destinations you can visit without a car, so if you want to visit West Izu without a car, please refer to that as well. Access conditions vary greatly by area, so be sure to check the official information from each tourist association and transport operator before visiting.
Many travelers choose the Tokyo area as the starting point for an Izu trip. Shinkansen service reaches Atami, the gateway to the peninsula, and limited express trains run along the eastern coast, so East Izu is relatively easy to arrange even without a car. In contrast, public transportation in Central Izu, West Izu, and South Izu varies by location, so it is best to decide your starting point and destination first, then consider how to travel.
The key to choosing an area is not to select a hot spring town based only on its fame, but to first decide how you want to spend your time — seaside relaxation, quiet mountain surroundings, or a trip rich in history and scenery. If you want an easy seaside stay, East Izu is a strong choice. If you prefer mountain atmosphere, Shuzenji in Central Izu is ideal. If you want history and the sea, choose Shimoda in South Izu. If sunset scenery is your priority, West Izu is the one to consider. Linking each area to your preferred style makes it easier to narrow down the options. The types of hot spring destinations guide organizes hot spring town characteristics, so please use it as a reference when planning your trip. Also, travel times, access, and business hours can change, so please check the official information from each tourist association and transport operator before visiting.
It depends on the area. Shinkansen service reaches Atami, the gateway to the peninsula, making it possible to get there from central Tokyo in a relatively short time, so East Izu is easy to plan even for a one-night or weekend trip. In contrast, public transportation in Central Izu, South Izu, and West Izu differs by location, and travel can take more time or require more planning. Travel times and service vary by route and season, so please check the official information from each transport operator.
It depends on the kind of hot spring experience you want. If you want an easy seaside stay, Atami Onsen or Ito Onsen in East Izu are good choices. If you want a calm mountain atmosphere, Shuzenji Onsen in Central Izu is a strong candidate. Deciding how you want to spend your time first will make the choice easier. Please use the types of hot spring destinations guide as a reference.
Yes, it is easy to do. In Izu, the seaside East Izu and the mountainous Central Izu are adjacent within the peninsula, so you can combine and visit hot spring towns with very different characters, such as Atami and Ito by the sea and Shuzenji in the mountains. If your itinerary allows, combining the sea and mountain areas makes it easier to experience Izu's breadth. Please check travel times between areas and access using the official information from each transport operator.
East Izu is relatively easy to plan without a car because shinkansen and limited express trains serve the area. On the other hand, in places such as West Izu, where many areas have no rail service, public transportation requires more planning. General ideas for reaching hot spring destinations by public transport are organized in hot spring destinations you can visit without a car, so if you are traveling around Izu without a car, please refer to that as well.
Because Izu is a peninsula surrounded by the sea, meals that make use of the area's proximity to fishing ports are often counted among the pleasures of staying in East Izu, South Izu, and West Izu. However, what is served and when it is available varies by inn and season, so if food is an important part of your trip, please check the official information from your accommodation. Building a trip around both hot springs and scenery while adding good food is one of Izu's defining attractions.
Izu Peninsula is a major hot spring area where sea, mountains, and hot springs are all available, with excellent access from the Tokyo area. Its four areas — East Izu, Central Izu, South Izu, and West Izu — each have very different characters: seaside Atami and Ito, mountain Shuzenji, the historic port town of Shimoda, and sunset-famous Dogashima all offer distinct charms.
The key to an Izu hot spring trip is not to choose based on fame alone, but to first decide which area of the peninsula, and what kind of hot spring town, should be the center of your journey. By combining areas with different characters, such as the sea and the mountains, you can experience Izu in a richer, more three-dimensional way. For details on each hot spring town, see the complete guides linked from this article. For hot spring town types, see types of hot spring destinations, and for public transport access, see hot spring destinations you can visit without a car. Travel times, access, and business hours are all approximate, so please check the official information from each tourist association and transport operator before visiting.
Izu Peninsula is a peninsula projecting from the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, and one of the Kanto region's leading hot spring areas, where sea, mountains, and hot springs come together. Thanks to shinkansen and limited express trains, it is relatively easy to reach from central Tokyo in a short time, and its hot spring towns differ clearly depending on where you go on the peninsula. In short, when choosing an Izu hot spring trip, it is easier if you first decide which area of the peninsula, and what kind of hot spring town, should be the center of your journey.
This article is a comprehensive hub that gives an overview of Izu Peninsula's representative hot spring towns by area and links to their detailed complete guides. Divided into four areas — East Izu, Central Izu, South Izu, and West Izu — it presents representative destinations and features in a quick-reference table, while organizing the character of famous hot springs such as Atami, the gateway, Ito, known for its abundant hot water, and Shuzenji, known for its bamboo grove and history. Travel times and access are only rough estimates, so please check the official information from each hot spring area and transport operator.
One reason Izu Peninsula hot springs have long been popular is their proximity to the Tokyo area. Shinkansen service reaches Atami, the gateway to the peninsula, and limited express trains run along the eastern coast, making it possible to reach seaside hot springs from central Tokyo in a relatively short time. The distance is ideal for weekend or one-night trips, which has made Izu one of the Kanto region's signature hot spring areas.
Another feature is that sea, mountains, and hot springs are all found on one peninsula. The eastern side is lined with seaside hot spring towns facing Sagami Bay, while Central Izu has mountain and valley hot springs inland. At the southern tip, there is a port town known for the arrival of the Black Ships, and the western side is famous for sunsets over Suruga Bay. Even within Izu, the scenery and way of spending time change by area, so reading this together with the types of hot spring destinations guide can help you decide which area suits your trip.
Izu is also often praised for its abundant seafood, a charm unique to a peninsula surrounded by the sea. Along the coasts of East Izu, South Izu, and West Izu, many travelers enjoy meals that make use of the area's proximity to fishing ports. The ability to build a trip around both hot springs and scenery, while also adding great food, is a defining strength shared across the entire peninsula.
To help you grasp the overall picture, here is a table dividing Izu into four areas and listing representative hot spring towns and their features. The destinations listed here are only a small part of Izu's hot spring towns, and the characteristics are general tendencies only. For destinations with links, please check the detailed complete guides.
| Area | Representative hot spring towns | Features (general tendencies) |
|---|---|---|
| East Izu | Atami Onsen, Ito Onsen, Izu Kogen, Inatori, Kawazu | Seaside hot spring towns line the Sagami Bay coast. Easy access from the Tokyo area |
| Central Izu | Shuzenji Onsen | Inland mountains and valleys. Known for bamboo groves and historic hot spring streets |
| South Izu | Shimoda | A port town at the southern tip of the peninsula. History of the Black Ships and coastal scenery |
| West Izu | Dogashima, Toi | Facing Suruga Bay, known for sunsets sinking into the sea |
This table is only a guide for understanding the general tendencies of each area, and there are many other hot spring towns in each one. Below, we will look in a little more detail at the character of representative hot spring towns by area.
East Izu is the area along the eastern coast of the peninsula where seaside hot spring towns are strung together, and it is the easiest to access from the Tokyo area. With shinkansen and limited express service, it is possible to reach seaside hot springs in a short time from central Tokyo, so it is often chosen as the starting point for an Izu trip.
The gateway town for this area is Atami Onsen. Its hot spring district spreads along the coast, combining the convenience of a shinkansen stop with a location overlooking the sea. It has long been a hot spring town, yet also has a strong urban side, and is known as an easy-to-visit hot spring destination. Its overall profile is summarized in the Atami Onsen Complete Guide.
Even within East Izu, Ito Onsen is often described as a hot spring town with abundant hot water. It is a seaside hot spring town and a representative destination of East Izu alongside Atami, though the way people spend time there and the atmosphere are different. For details, see the Ito Onsen Complete Guide. East Izu also includes Izu Kogen, where villas and attractions are scattered across the highlands, Inatori, known for its Hina no Tsurushi Kazari hanging doll festival, and Kawazu, famous for its early-blooming cherry blossoms, offering a wide range of ways to enjoy the sea, mountains, and seasonal events.
Central Izu is the inland area of the peninsula, and unlike the seaside East Izu, it is centered on mountain and valley hot spring towns. The representative destination of Central Izu is Shuzenji Onsen.
Shuzenji Onsen is known for a hot spring district along the river, where visitors can enjoy strolls through Bamboo Grove Path and historic temples and shrines. Its atmosphere is quite different from seaside hot spring towns, making it a good fit for those who value the calm mood of a mountain retreat. It is also an old hot spring town with a long history, so the pleasure of walking through the hot spring district itself often becomes the center of the trip. For details, see the Shuzenji Onsen Complete Guide. Because East Izu by the sea and Central Izu in the mountains differ greatly in character within the peninsula, combining both makes it easier to experience Izu's full range.
South Izu is the area at the southern tip of the peninsula, known for its mild climate and coastal scenery. The representative town of this area is Shimoda. Shimoda is historically famous as a port town where the Black Ships arrived in the late Edo period, and it is a place where you can enjoy historic sites related to Japan's opening, seaside hot springs, and beaches together.
Because reaching the southern tip means traveling farther from the East Izu gateway area, it is best to allow extra time in your itinerary. This area is well suited to travelers who want to enjoy history and ocean scenery together, or who want to stay calmly at the tip of the peninsula. Travel conditions and times can change, so please check the official information from the Shimoda tourist association and transport operators before planning.
West Izu is the western side of the peninsula, facing Suruga Bay, and is widely known for sunsets sinking into the sea. Representative places include Dogashima, known for its intricate coastline and island scenery, and Toi, a long-established hot spring town.
West Izu is an area where you can enjoy a different expression of the sea from the hot spring towns on the eastern coast. Many travelers especially enjoy the scenery at dusk, making it a good choice for a stay centered on the sea and the sunset. On the other hand, there are many sections without rail service, so getting around by public transportation requires more planning than in East Izu. General ideas for reaching hot spring destinations by public transport are summarized in hot spring destinations you can visit without a car, so if you want to visit West Izu without a car, please refer to that as well. Access conditions vary greatly by area, so be sure to check the official information from each tourist association and transport operator before visiting.
Many travelers choose the Tokyo area as the starting point for an Izu trip. Shinkansen service reaches Atami, the gateway to the peninsula, and limited express trains run along the eastern coast, so East Izu is relatively easy to arrange even without a car. In contrast, public transportation in Central Izu, West Izu, and South Izu varies by location, so it is best to decide your starting point and destination first, then consider how to travel.
The key to choosing an area is not to select a hot spring town based only on its fame, but to first decide how you want to spend your time — seaside relaxation, quiet mountain surroundings, or a trip rich in history and scenery. If you want an easy seaside stay, East Izu is a strong choice. If you prefer mountain atmosphere, Shuzenji in Central Izu is ideal. If you want history and the sea, choose Shimoda in South Izu. If sunset scenery is your priority, West Izu is the one to consider. Linking each area to your preferred style makes it easier to narrow down the options. The types of hot spring destinations guide organizes hot spring town characteristics, so please use it as a reference when planning your trip. Also, travel times, access, and business hours can change, so please check the official information from each tourist association and transport operator before visiting.
It depends on the area. Shinkansen service reaches Atami, the gateway to the peninsula, making it possible to get there from central Tokyo in a relatively short time, so East Izu is easy to plan even for a one-night or weekend trip. In contrast, public transportation in Central Izu, South Izu, and West Izu differs by location, and travel can take more time or require more planning. Travel times and service vary by route and season, so please check the official information from each transport operator.
It depends on the kind of hot spring experience you want. If you want an easy seaside stay, Atami Onsen or Ito Onsen in East Izu are good choices. If you want a calm mountain atmosphere, Shuzenji Onsen in Central Izu is a strong candidate. Deciding how you want to spend your time first will make the choice easier. Please use the types of hot spring destinations guide as a reference.
Yes, it is easy to do. In Izu, the seaside East Izu and the mountainous Central Izu are adjacent within the peninsula, so you can combine and visit hot spring towns with very different characters, such as Atami and Ito by the sea and Shuzenji in the mountains. If your itinerary allows, combining the sea and mountain areas makes it easier to experience Izu's breadth. Please check travel times between areas and access using the official information from each transport operator.
East Izu is relatively easy to plan without a car because shinkansen and limited express trains serve the area. On the other hand, in places such as West Izu, where many areas have no rail service, public transportation requires more planning. General ideas for reaching hot spring destinations by public transport are organized in hot spring destinations you can visit without a car, so if you are traveling around Izu without a car, please refer to that as well.
Because Izu is a peninsula surrounded by the sea, meals that make use of the area's proximity to fishing ports are often counted among the pleasures of staying in East Izu, South Izu, and West Izu. However, what is served and when it is available varies by inn and season, so if food is an important part of your trip, please check the official information from your accommodation. Building a trip around both hot springs and scenery while adding good food is one of Izu's defining attractions.
Izu Peninsula is a major hot spring area where sea, mountains, and hot springs are all available, with excellent access from the Tokyo area. Its four areas — East Izu, Central Izu, South Izu, and West Izu — each have very different characters: seaside Atami and Ito, mountain Shuzenji, the historic port town of Shimoda, and sunset-famous Dogashima all offer distinct charms.
The key to an Izu hot spring trip is not to choose based on fame alone, but to first decide which area of the peninsula, and what kind of hot spring town, should be the center of your journey. By combining areas with different characters, such as the sea and the mountains, you can experience Izu in a richer, more three-dimensional way. For details on each hot spring town, see the complete guides linked from this article. For hot spring town types, see types of hot spring destinations, and for public transport access, see hot spring destinations you can visit without a car. Travel times, access, and business hours are all approximate, so please check the official information from each tourist association and transport operator before visiting.