Ito & Shimoda, Shizuoka: Izu Coastline Homes with Onsen and Ocean Views

Supervised By: Hiroki Kazato

Real Estate Expert

The Izu Peninsula is a region known for its excellent coastal environment. Both Ito and Shimoda are resort towns located on the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, and surrounded by hot springs and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, nevertheless, each of them has its own charm and characteristics.

Ito is a popular resort city with a rich history of onsen (hot spring) culture, while Shimoda is located more to the south and is home to spectacular white sand beaches. Together, they represent a significant diversity of properties, including luxury condos with ocean views, resort-style apartments, detached homes, and more. The residents of Ito and Shimoda are offered incredible opportunities for vacations, retirement, or remote work, complemented by the tranquility of a high-class residential area – an alternative to Japan’s traditional mountainous resorts.

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Area Overview

Ito and Shimoda are located on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Ito is located on the east coast of the peninsula and faces Sagami Bay, while Shimoda is located to the south and also enjoys spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Both cities are known for their natural hot springs, which are formed as a result of the activity of volcanoes located in the Izu Peninsula. The area of Ito extends from central Ito to the Izu Kogen region. Shimoda is an important cultural and historical center of Japan, recognized as one of the first cities in Japan to open up to foreign trade in the late Edo period. The Izukyuko Railway connects the cities, with services running from Ito through Izu Kogen to Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

Access to Major Cities

Ito is a good choice for commuting to the capital and the surrounding suburbs as Ito is located quite close to Tokyo compared to other resort towns in the Izu Peninsula. However, traveling from Shimoda to Tokyo takes significantly longer. Thus, while Ito provides excellent conditions for commuting to the capital, visiting resorts, and returning to the city in the evening, Shimoda gives a better opportunity to enjoy a holiday or retirement.

In Ito, you can get around without a car due to the developed transport infrastructure. However, having a car is essential for exploring the area and visiting hot springs because restaurants, shops, golf courses, and apartments with wonderful views of Nature are located far from the central part of Ito.

Atmosphere and Vibe

Both Ito and Shimoda are picturesque, but while Ito offers the appeal of a traditional hot spring resort, in Shimoda, the beaches and coastlines are at the forefront.

Ito has the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese resort, combining local culture and convenience for every day and year-round living. Ito has stores, medical clinics, restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment venues within walking distance from local residents. In addition, Ito offers a selection of ryokan (Japanese-style inns), resort-style accommodation, and hot spring-related services.

The convenience of Ito is reflected in the fact that central Ito offers a typical onsen-town experience, while neighborhoods located on the outskirts of the city are ideal for enjoying the scenery of Sagami Bay, the forest, and the mountains. Villages located near the Izu Kogen region are especially desirable for their residents as they offer a wider range of private villa estates. Ito is a great place for people who want to experience the local community life and an active lifestyle. The city is lively during the day and moderately calm and sleepy at night and is very convenient for daily life and commuting. At the same time, it is not saturated with noise and bustle, which is often the case in large Japanese cities.

Unlike Ito, Shimoda emphasizes the experience of living in a coastal environment with many opportunities for water activities. The local community is much calmer and less developed compared to Ito, offering a more authentic and local experience. At the same time, the nature surrounding Shimoda, including beaches, mountains, forests, and volcanoes, is one of the best in Japan.

The most attractive feature of Shimoda is its white sand beaches and coastal areas. The local heritage of Shimoda, Perry Road, is particularly charming and memorable with its historical legacy. In addition, restaurants offering local specialties such as Kinmedai fish (golden-eye snapper) are also very popular with residents and are well developed in central and coastal areas. Nightlife is not very developed in central parts of Shimoda, except for entertainment venues concentrated in the restaurant district. However, the local community is welcoming and offers a selection of shops, clinics, and other amenities.

Compared to Ito, Shimoda has a more laid-back pace of life and is ideal for those looking to enjoy the coastal lifestyle while still being able to lead a comfortable everyday life. The climate in Shimoda is similar to Ito, with relatively warm and humid summers and generally mild winters. Thus, the weather in these cities is milder compared to mountainous resorts, offering a more comfortable stay all year round.

Tourist and Local Destinations

The local color of Ito and Shimoda, as well as the attractions inherent to them, have a considerable impact on the choice of residents.

Ito Onsen

Ito Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring resorts in the Izu Peninsula, famous for its long history and numerous natural hot spring resources. Many of the local villas and private accommodation have private hot spring baths or are located in close proximity to them.

Izu Kogen

The Izu Kogen region is renowned for its forested landscape, including rural settlements, villages, cafes, museums, and scenic recreational areas. Thus, many people choose to live in Izu Kogen due to its recreational and natural features.

Jogasaki Coast

This natural treasure is unique in its kind and characterized by spectacular volcanic formations, including lava flows. Hiking trails along Jogasaki Coast allow you to enjoy spectacular views of Izu Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.

Mount Omuro

Another popular attraction for viewing Izu as well as coastal areas and the Sagami Bay is Mount Omuro. To appreciate the magnificent view of the local landscapes, including Izu Peninsula, Mount Fuji, and the Sagami Bay, it is enough to climb the local chairlift and slide down this volcano’s crater.

Shirahama Beach

This beautiful sandy beach located in the city of Shimoda is one of the most popular on the Izu Peninsula. In addition to being very picturesque and photogenic, Shirahama offers opportunities for water sports and is frequented by surfers and swimmers.

Perry Road

This street made of ancient stones near the harbor has a unique view of the coastal environment with a small canal. Thus, Perry Road is one of the most popular places for photo opportunities and is very picturesque compared to other cities in Japan.

Shimoda’s coastline

In the city of Shimoda, there are many opportunities for enjoying the local coastal landscape, visiting and exploring beaches, which is one of the main advantages of this city. In addition, diving, swimming, and fishing in the Pacific Ocean are available during the warm season. At the same time, the scenery of the coast is picturesque and can be seen throughout the year, as well as the volcanic formations characteristic of the Izu Peninsula. Thus, the proximity of the ocean and the ability to enjoy it is one of the most important advantages of living in Shimoda, as well as its unique selling point compared to other cities of the Izu Peninsula.

Local cuisine and seafood

Both cities are famous for their local dishes and food culture, with the Izu Peninsula known for its seafood and fresh products. Thus, there are many local restaurants and specialty stores, particularly in the city of Ito. At the same time, the city of Shimoda is famous for its seafood market, where many locals buy seafood for their daily meals. One of the most popular local specialties in Shimoda and Ito is Kinmedai fish. In addition to being able to enjoy local cuisine, many residents find comfort in the availability of local markets, which offer a wide range of products.

Livability

To enjoy a resort lifestyle, and at the same time have access to a wider range of everyday services, Ito is the best choice. Unlike Shimoda, Ito has a greater number of supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, clinics, restaurants, and other everyday amenities. These cities also offer excellent opportunities for education, healthcare, entertainment, and local community.

Ito is one of the most developed resort towns on the Izu Peninsula, providing residents with an opportunity to enjoy a resort lifestyle with an adequate level of services and daily life. Although central Ito is well-developed, the outskirts provide more opportunities for exploring the local scenery and beaches. In addition, Ito has many shopping centers, including malls and supermarkets suitable for everyday use. However, if you are looking for a more authentic local experience and are not afraid of the lack of some conveniences common to large cities, Shimoda might be the better option for you.

For families, Ito and Shimoda offer public education and community resources. While Ito offers a more developed urban environment, in Shimoda, students can enjoy the local natural environment and beaches. Healthcare services are of particular importance to many families, offering excellent conditions for retirement or elderly care. In this regard, Ito offers a greater choice of clinics and medical services, while facilities in Shimoda might require more effort to reach.

In terms of remote work, both cities offer great opportunities as most residential areas and villas are fully equipped and offer access to high-speed Internet and all the comforts of home. Nevertheless, the availability of such infrastructure may depend on the chosen real estate, and you should do your homework before buying.

Since everyday services and transport infrastructure are not as well developed in the outskirts of these resort towns, having a car is mandatory in order to get to the nearest shops, restaurants, and clinics without spending too much time on the road.

Real Estate: Rent and Property Information

Both Ito and Shimoda offer a wide selection of real estate, including resort-style apartments, luxury villas, and private homes. Compared to other cities on the Izu Peninsula, Ito offers more opportunities in terms of proximity to Tokyo, while Shimoda offers more privacy, comfort, and beach access.

Rental Market

While there are many available long-term rental properties, you should be aware that they are limited to condos and homes with an ocean view.

Rental prices vary depending on the condition and location of the property, its size, interior equipment, and whether it offers an ocean view and/or access to hot springs.

Property Prices in Ito

Ito offers a wide range of housing, from older resort-style condos to luxury villas. Typical estimated purchase prices include:

While older condos may be a more cost-effective option, you may want to consider potential additional costs associated with these types of properties, such as repair funds, building maintenance fees, and spa maintenance costs (if applicable).

Property Prices in Shimoda

In contrast to Ito, property prices in Shimoda depend to a greater extent on the location and proximity to the beach. Typical estimated purchase prices include:

It is important to remember that the closer the house is to Shirahama Beach, the higher the price is likely to be.

Onsen Properties and Investment

One of the main advantages of real estate in Ito and Shimoda is the availability of onsen (hot spring). Some residential buildings have private onsen facilities while others share it with other spa residents. However, it is always worth considering additional costs associated with the maintenance and use of these facilities.

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Other Information

Ito's easy access makes it popular among second-home buyers from Tokyo, while Shimoda attracts those looking for a relaxed lifestyle and a deeper connection to the coast. As with any resort market, location, maintenance costs, tourism demand, and local rules should all be carefully factored in before purchasing.

Foreign ownership

Foreigners are welcome to purchase any real estate in Japan, however, it is necessary to understand the peculiarities of the law and taxes in order to fully enjoy the purchase, for example, obtaining a visa.

Right to use onsens 

If private onsens are not included in the purchase contract, it is important to study the conditions for their use.

Landscaping and natural hazards

The Izu Peninsula is a region characterized by natural hazards, therefore it is important to study the terrain and topography of the house before buying. In addition, Ito and Shimoda are located on the Pacific coast, which means that residents must also consider potential risks such as tsunamis and coastal erosion.

Climate and renovation costs

Due to the subtropical climate, winters are relatively warm, while summers are rather hot and humid. Consequently, there may be additional costs for repairs associated with storms and heavy rains. At the same time, older houses may require more expenses due to their poor condition and the difficulty of access to them. However, houses built in the forest or mountainous areas will have a greater number of expenses for renovation and improvement of the estate.

Final Thoughts

Ito and Shimoda offer coastal lifestyles that are distinct from each other, however, both resort towns are picturesque and provide their residents with extraordinary opportunities for enjoying the local landscape and culture. Ito is more popular among locals and foreigners as it offers a wider range of services and is closer to Tokyo, providing many visitors with an opportunity to rent a place for a long-term stay. In addition, Ito has a vibrant atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort and is well-developed for everyday life and commuting year-round. By contrast, Shimoda offers a more private and authentic experience of coastal living with great opportunities for water activities and a wider range of nature-related recreation. Therefore, while Ito offers an onsen-type stay with its resort infrastructure, Shimoda is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the coastal lifestyle with its beaches and unique cultural heritage. Both towns are great for retirement, as well as for remote work and recreation in a quiet and comfortable environment.

Source

• Ito City Official Website
• Shimoda City Official Website
• Ito City Tourism Association
• Shimoda City Tourism Association
• Shizuoka Prefectural Government
• Japan National Tourism Organization
• Izukyuko Corporation
• JR East
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism – Real Estate Information Library
• SUUMO – Real Estate Listings and Market Information
• At Home – Real Estate Listings
• LIFULL HOME'S – Housing and Real Estate Information

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