Getting to Izu Peninsula

By limited express train
  • 80 min
  • ¥3,500
Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

Limited express trains, named "Odoriko" and "Saphir Odoriko", connect Tokyo via Atami (80 minutes, around 3500 yen) and Ito (100 minutes, around 4000 yen) with Shimoda (160 minutes, around 6000 yen) in the south of the Izu Peninsula. In Tokyo, most trains use Tokyo Station, while a few use Shinjuku Station. Shimoda's railway station is called Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

"Saphir Odoriko" trains carry only Green Car and Premium Green Car seats (Premium Green Car seats are not covered by the Green Car version of the Japan Rail Pass) and require advance reservations, while "Odoriko" trains carry ordinary and Green Car seats, including some non-reserved ordinary seats.

Note that between Ito and Shimoda, these limited express trains are running on the tracks of the Izukyu Railway, which means that Japan Rail Pass holders will have to pay a supplement fee when traveling along this section. The one way supplement fee for the journey between Ito and Shimoda is around 2000 yen. In contrast, the journey is fully covered all the way to Shimoda by the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass thanks to an exception to the rule.

Some Odoriko trains carry a few wagons which are separated from the rest of the train at Atami Station and continue to run via Mishima Station to Shuzenji Station. The one way journey from Tokyo to Shuzenji by direct Odoriko limited express train takes two hours and costs about 4500 yen.

Note that between Mishima and Shuzenji, the Odoriko limited express is running on the tracks of the Izuhakone Railway Company, which means that Japan Rail Pass holders will have to pay a supplement fee of 520 yen when traveling along this section. On the train journey to Shuzenji, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass are not valid beyond Atami.

By local trains
  • 100 min
  • ¥2,000
Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

It is also possible to access the Izu Peninsula by local trains along the JR Tokaido Line. The one way journey from Tokyo to Atami takes about 100 minutes and costs 1980 yen. To Mishima it takes about two hours, costs 2310 yen and usually requires a transfer of trains at Atami Station.

If you are based in Shinjuku, you could save a few yen by taking the Odakyu Railway from Shinjuku to Odawara and transfer to the JR Tokaido Line there. The whole journey to Atami would take more than two hours but cost only 1320 yen. To Mishima it would take about 2.5 hours and cost 1580 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

The Izu Peninsula is served by two railway lines and a relatively efficient bus network. It is also a suitable region of Japan to be explored by rental car, motorcycle or bicycle. Please see the individual pages about Shimoda, Ito and Atami for further access and orientation details.

Rail

The JR Ito Line leads from Atami to Ito, from where the Izukyu Line continues further south to Shimoda. Note that Shimoda's railway station is called Izukyu-Shimoda Station. There are roughly two local trains per hour that run all the way between Atami and Shimoda in each direction plus a few Odoriko limited express trains to/from Tokyo. The one way journey from Atami to Shimoda by local train takes about 90 minutes and costs 2020 yen. By limited express train it takes about 70 minutes and costs around 3500 yen.

Since the railway tracks south of Ito are owned by Izukyu Railways, holders of the Japan Rail Pass will have to pay a supplement when using this section. The supplement between Ito and Shimoda is 1680 yen on local trains and around 2300 yen on limited express trains (one way). However, thanks to a special agreement, the trip is fully covered by the JR Toyko Wide Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass.

The other railway line serving the Izu Peninsula is the Izuhakone Line from Mishima to Shuzenji. There are departures every 10-20 minutes in each direction. The one way journey takes 30 minutes and costs 550 yen. JR passes are not valid for this trip.

Bus

Tokai Bus operates a dense and relatively efficient bus network that covers most of the Izu Peninsula and is centered around the major railway stations, including Atami, Ito, Shuzenji and Shimoda. The fare is proportional to the distance traveled and is paid when exiting the bus. The ten major IC cards, including Suica, Icoca and Pasmo, are accepted on Tokai buses.

Tokai Bus also offers a variety of bus passes for the different areas of the Izu Peninsula. In addition to unlimited use of buses, many also include discounted admission to selected attractions within the areas covered. Some of the most useful passes include:

  • Atami 1-Day Pass (800 yen)
    Unlimited use of the YuYu sightseeing loop bus and other buses in central Atami.
  • Ito 2-Day Pass (1800 yen)
    Unlimited use of buses in central Ito and around Izu Kogen and the Jogasaki Coast.
  • Izu Kogen and Jogasaki 1-Day Pass (900 yen)
    Unlimited use of buses around Izu Kogen and the Jogasaki Coast.
  • Irozaki and Shimoda 2-Day Pass (2400 yen)
    Unlimited use of buses around Shimoda, including Cape Irozaki and Kawazu.
  • Dogashima, Matsuzaki and Irozaki 2-Day Pass (3400 yen)
    Same coverage area as the above-listed "Irozaki and Shimoda 2-Day Pass" plus the buses to Matsuzaki and Dogashima.
  • Izu Dream Pass (from 2800 yen)
    There are three versions of the Izu Dream Pass, each providing 2 or 3 days of unlimited use of buses and trains in selected regions of the Izu Peninsula plus the ferry ride between the peninsula and Shimizu Port in Shizuoka City.

Rental Car

Exploring the Izu Peninsula by rental car can be very pleasurable and efficient. Rental car outlets can be found near many major railway stations, such as Mishima, Atami, Ito, Izu Kogen, Shuzenji and Shimoda. Driving from Atami Station to Cape Irozaki takes about 2.5 hours.

Like around most of Japan, the roads on the Izu Peninsula are well maintained and drivers are relatively considerate. However, traffic jams along the peninsula's eastern coast are not unusual on weekends and during holidays. Traffic along the western and southern areas of the peninsula tends to be much lighter.

Due to the mountainous terrain of the peninsula, many inland roads have steep and winding passages, including the Izu Skyline and Nishi-Izu Skyline, two toll roads with spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.

Hotels around Izu Peninsula

Top rated on the Izu Peninsula
Budget:
    • Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI
      Luxury
      Facing the beachfront, Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI offers 5-star accommodation in Atami and features a fitness centre, terrace and restaurant. The property is set 600 metres from Atami Sun Beach, 26 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station and 30 km from Shuzen-ji Temple. The hotel has a sauna, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The units come with a fridge, minibar, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. All rooms are equipped with a coffee machine and a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries, while some rooms come with a kitchen equipped with a microwave. At the hotel each room has bed linen and towels. Guests at Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The accommodation offers a hot spring bath. Guests can make use of the business centre or relax in the bar. With staff speaking English, Japanese and Chinese, information is available at the reception. Mount Daruma is 44 km from Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI, while Hakone Checkpoint is 24 km away.
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    • Watei Kazekomichi
      Luxury
      Featuring mountain views, Watei Kazekomichi provides accommodation with balcony, around 2.1 km from Atami Sun Beach. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. Guests can use the hot spring bath and the open-air bath, or enjoy sea views. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a hot tub. The ryokan offers certain units with garden views, and each unit is equipped with a kettle. At the ryokan, all units include bed linen and towels. An Asian breakfast is available daily at the ryokan. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 28 km from Watei Kazekomichi, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 33 km away.
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    • SOKI ATAMI
      Luxury
      SOKI ATAMI features a sauna and a hot spring bath, as well as air-conditioned accommodation in Atami, 1.7 km from Atami Sun Beach. This 4-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. There is a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, and free private parking is available. At the ryokan, all units include a balcony. Each unit is fitted with a kettle, a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box and free WiFi, while some rooms are fitted with a terrace and some have sea views. All units have a private bathroom, slippers and bed linen. The ryokan offers a buffet or Asian breakfast. There is a coffee shop on-site. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 27 km from SOKI ATAMI, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 33 km from the property.
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    • Atami Sekaie
      Luxury
      Atami Sekaie is set in Atami, 2.6 km from Atami Sun Beach, 25 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, as well as 36 km from Shuzen-ji Temple. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk. At the ryokan, each unit comes with a private bathroom. Hakone Checkpoint is 22 km from the ryokan, while Hakone Shrine is 25 km away.
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    • Kiten - slow & work stay -
      Mid-range
      Located in Atami, 200 metres from Atami Sun Beach and 26 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, Kiten - slow & work stay - provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and a terrace. It is situated 34 km from Shuzen-ji Temple and features a shared kitchen. Hakone Shrine is 27 km from the guest house and Lake Ashi is 28 km away. A fridge and kettle are also provided. At the guest house, every unit includes a desk and a private bathroom. Mount Daruma is 48 km from the guest house, while Hakone Checkpoint is 24 km away.
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    • Taiseikan
      Mid-range
      Offering an open-air bath and sea view, Taiseikan is set in Atami, 2.3 km from Nagahama Beach and 24 km from Shuzen-ji Temple. Ideally located in the Ajiro Onsen district, this ryokan offers a shared lounge, as well as a hot spring bath and a public bath. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 33 km from the ryokan, while Mount Daruma is 38 km from the property.
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    • Guest House MARUYA
      Budget-friendly
      Located in the central area of Atami and a 15-minute walk from JR Atami Station, Guest House MARUYA offers capsule rooms fitted with Japanese futon-bedding. Guests can take a few minutes' walk to soak in the nearby hot springs or a 10-minute drive to visit the Atami Castle. JR Shinyokohama Station can be reached with a 50-minute ride on the shinkansen (bullet train). Haneda Airport is a 2-hour drive away from the property. There is a shared kitchen and lounge, where guests can socialise and relax. Washing machines and towel rentals are available at a surcharge. Each room at MARUYA Guest House comes with a power outlet and clothes hangers. Bathroom facilities are shared with other guests. Meals are not provided at the property; however, there are several dining options nearby.
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    • Atami Korakuen Hotel
      Luxury
      Situated in Atami, 1.4 km from Atami Sun Beach, Atami Korakuen Hotel features accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 27 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, 29 km from Shuzen-ji Temple and 44 km from Mount Daruma. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi. The units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV, and some units at Atami Korakuen Hotel have a balcony. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Atami Korakuen Hotel offers a range of wellness facilities including a sauna and a hot spring bath. Hakone Checkpoint is 26 km from the hotel, while Hakone Shrine is 28 km from the property.
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    • Yuyado Ichibanchi
      Mid-range
      Featuring open-air hot-spring baths and traditional multi-course meals, Shihomiya Ryokan is a 3-minute walk from JR Atami Train Station. The Japanese rooms include futon beds and a flat-screen TV. Ryokan Shihomiyafs air-conditioned rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors and shoji paper screens. Guests can make fresh green tea or enjoy a drink from the minibar. A Western toilet is attached, and bathing facilities are shared. Kurai Shrine and MOA Museum are just 1.6 km away. Himenosawa Park and Nishi-Atami Golf Course are about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. A hot-spring bath can be reserved for private use, for a fee. Guests can relax with a massage. Coffee and tea are offered at the lobby cafe.
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    • Relax Resort Hotel
      Luxury
      Located at the top of the hill overlooking the sea, MC Relax Resort Hotel bNX][gze offers luxurious resort accommodation with exotic Bali-inspired d?cor. Guests can enjoy rejuvenating beauty treatments at spa facilities or relax in hot spring baths. The hotel offers butler and concierge services to cater for each guestfs needs. All spacious rooms feature a balcony and views of ocean. They are equipped with Bali-made canopy beds and furniture, as well as a flat-screen TV and a well-stocked fridge. A DVD player, an air purifier and a hairdryer are also included. Some rooms come with an open-air hot spring bath on the balcony. Resort Hotel Relaxfs 24-hour front desk offers free luggage storage services. The indoor hot spring baths and sauna can be used privately. A dedicated butler and an English-speaking concierge can take care of shoe shine, taxi hire and sightseeing arrangements. The hotel is a 5-minute drive away from JR Atami Station. Atami Plum Garden is a 10-minute drive away, and MOA Museum of Art is a 20-minute drive from the property. Organic & Natural Nine restaurant serves Japanese/Western breakfast and lunch meals, as well as delicately prepared course meals at night. The Lounge caf? offers refreshments and cocktails in a stylish ambiance.
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