Ito Ferry

Ito Ferry Port

The scenic city of Ito, found on the craggy eastern coast of Japan’s Izu Peninsula, is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and astounding natural beauty. The entire city is nestled between a sweep of verdant mountains in the west (culminating in the colossal form of Mount Omuro), and the ultramarine waters of the Sagami Sea in the east. Over half of Ito is protected by the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and wildlife thrives. The twisting web of the city’s streets, spread out in districts that fringe the jagged cliffs of the coast, are shaded by the leafy greens of subtropical trees, manicured bushes and the multi-coloured blooms of exotic flowers.

The port in Ito is found on the shoreline edge of the city’s central Wada district. It sits at one end of a bay and is shaped by a group of piers and jetties that jut into a squared-off section of the Sagami Sea sheltered by breakwaters. The ferry terminal is found on one of the smaller piers used locally as a fishing spot. There are not many passenger facilities at the terminal save for a ticket office, a small car-park and a number of vending machines selling food and drink; though a well-stocked supermarket can be found just a short walk from the port entrance.

Travelling to and from the port is relatively simple due to its location alongside the 135 motorway. This extensive route circles around the city centre before cutting north and south on a route that traces the entire length of the peninsula. Ito train station is just under a 20-minute walk away too, with lines whisking passengers to the nearby cities of Shimoda and Atami.

Two ferry routes currently operate from the port regularly throughout the week. The services hosted by Tokai Kisen sail in opposite directions along the edge of the peninsula; one heading the short distance south to the port of Izu Oshima on the island of Oshima, and the other venturing north to the mainland city of Atami.