Izu Peninsula: Getting there and around
How to travel between the Izu Peninsula and Tokyo

By Tokaido Shinkansen
The JR Tokaido Shinkansen provides direct connections from Tokyo to Atami (40-50 minutes, 3740 yen one way by non-reserved seat) and Mishima (45-60 minutes, 4070 one way yen by non-reserved seat) at the entrance to the Izu Peninsula. The journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but not by the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass.
By limited express train
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 Company, 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
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 1980 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 1650 yen on local trains and around 2000 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 520 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 (1500 yen)
Unlimited use of buses in central Ito and around Izu Kogen and the Jogasaki Coast. - Izu Kogen and Jogasaki 1-Day Pass (800 yen)
Unlimited use of buses around Izu Kogen and the Jogasaki Coast. - Irozaki and Shimoda 2-Day Pass (2-day pass for 2100 yen)
Unlimited use of buses around Shimoda, including Cape Irozaki and Kawazu. - Dogashima, Matsuzaki and Irozaki 2-Day Pass (2900 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.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Izu Peninsula
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Watei KazekomichiLocated in Atami, within 2.1 km of Atami Sun Beach and 31 km of Shuzen-ji Temple, Watei Kazekomichi provides accommodation with an open-air bath and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Each accommodation at the 4-star ryokan has sea views, and guests can enjoy access to a hot spring bath. Each room is equipped with a balcony with views of the mountain. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms 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. Watei Kazekomichi offers certain units with garden views, and each room comes with a kettle. At the accommodation every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. An Asian breakfast is available daily at Watei Kazekomichi. The restaurant at the ryokan serves Japanese cuisine. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 31 km from Watei Kazekomichi, while Mount Daruma is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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Guest House MARUYALocated 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.View on Booking.com
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Hotel MicurasLocated along Atami Sun Beach and looking out to the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Micuras boasts spacious hot spring baths, a sauna and a massage spa. This modern and stylish hotel offers large guestrooms and free Wi-Fi at the public area. JR Atami Station is a 10-minute walk away. Fitted with a relaxing ambience and wide windows, each room comes with a comfortable sofa, a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. A fridge and an electric kettle with tea bags are also included. Rooms with sea views feature a shower booth with a rain shower head. While staying at the Micuras Hotel guests can unwind in the public hot spring baths with a great ocean view, or receive rejuvenating massages at on-site Sanacion Spa. Free luggage storage services are offered. The hotel is a 12-minute walk from Kinomiya Shrine. MOA Museum of Art is a 10-minute drive or taxi ride away. Micuras Dining restaurant offers exquisite French cuisine and fine wine in an elegant setting. The hotel serves American breakfast daily.View on Booking.com
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TaiseikanBoasting a shared lounge, Taiseikan is set in Atami in the Shizuoka region, 2.3 km from Nagahama Beach and 25 km from Shuzen-ji Temple. Ideally located in the Ajiro Onsen district, this ryokan provides an open-air bath, 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. At the ryokan, every room has a tatami. Taiseikan offers some units with sea views, and all rooms include a kettle. All guest rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 34 km from Taiseikan, while Mount Daruma is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 61 km from the ryokan.View on Booking.com
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ATAMI SPRING TERRACE HOTELSet in Atami, 1.5 km from Atami Sun Beach, ATAMI SPRING TERRACE HOTEL offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a spa and wellness centre, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is located 26 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Some rooms also feature a kitchenette with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. At the hotel the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. ATAMI SPRING TERRACE HOTEL offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a hot spring bath. You can play table tennis at the accommodation. Shuzen-ji Temple is 33 km from ATAMI SPRING TERRACE HOTEL, while Mount Daruma is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Hotel New AkaoHotel New Akao is a 10-minute ride from JR Atami Train Station, and a free shuttle is offered. The modern accommodation features hot-spring baths with ocean views, a rooftop garden and a French restaurant. Spacious guest rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is equipped with a fridge, a tea maker and a television set. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub. Free WiFi is availble in all areas.View on Booking.com
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Atami Korakuen HotelSituated 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 set 28 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, 33 km from Shuzen-ji Temple and 47 km from Mount Daruma. The hotel has a sauna, room service and free WiFi. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, all rooms at Atami Korakuen Hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms also boast a balcony. The units will provide guests with a fridge. The reception at the accommodation can provide tips on the area. Hakone Checkpoint is 21 km from Atami Korakuen Hotel, while Hakone Shrine is 24 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 54 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Guesthouse NishiharaFeaturing a garden, barbecue facilities and views of garden, Guesthouse Nishihara is located in Atami, 1.9 km from Atami Sun Beach. This 2-star guest house offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The guest house features family rooms. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, a toaster, a coffee machine, a hot tub, slippers and a desk. The guest house provides certain rooms with mountain views, and each room includes a kettle. At Guesthouse Nishihara each room comes with bed linen and towels. At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot spring bath. Guesthouse Nishihara provides a daily maid service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 25 km from the guest house, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 34 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from Guesthouse Nishihara.View on Booking.com
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Yuyado IchibanchiFeaturing 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.View on Booking.com
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Atami Onsen Guest House MegumiSituated in a quiet neighbourhood in Atami, Guest House Megumi is just a 5-minute walk from JR Atami Station. Atami Sun Beach is can be reached via a 4-minute stroll. Private parking and free WiFi are available on site. Every room has a sea view, and guests can enjoy fireworks during Atami Fireworks Festival in a guest room. A shared bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is a shared lounge with a TV at the property. For guests' comfort, a natural hot spring bath is provided free of charge. Rental towels and washing machine are available at a fee. There are some dining options and convenience store within a 10-minute walk. Izusan Shrine is 1.6 km from Guest House Megumi, while Nagahama Beach is 5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 81 km from Guest House Megumi.View on Booking.com
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