Itō & Jōgasaki

Introducing Itō & Jōgasaki

Itō is another hot-springs resort and is famous as the place where Anjin-san (William Adams), the hero of James Clavell’s book Shogun, built a ship for the Tokugawa shōgunate. It is said that this resort town was so popular that 100 geisha entertained here in Itō a century ago, although these days it’s a commendably relaxed place. Itō station has a Tourist Information Center (37-6105; 9am-5pm).

A couple of blocks off the beach is the monumental Tōkaikan (36-2004; adult/child ¥200/100; 9am-9pm, closed 1st Tue of the month), a former inn and now a national monument for its elegant woodwork, each of its three storeys designed by a different architect. The rooms, and the canal views from them, will take you back to the time of those geisha.

South of Itō is the striking Jōgasaki coast, windswept cliffs formed by lava. A harrowing 48m-long suspension bridge leads over Kadowakizaki Point, with waves crashing 23m below. It’s a popular location for film and TV shoots, particularly suicide scenes. If you have time, there’s a moderately strenuous cliffside hike with volcanic rock and pine forests, south of the 17m tall lighthouse.

If you like Tōkaikan, the splendid Ryokan Inaba (37-3178; fax 37-3180; www.inaba-r.co.jp; r per person incl 2 meals ¥13, 000) next door has many of the same traditional touches, sumptuous seafood meals, in-room facilities, and indoor and outdoor onsen baths. Pick-up is available from Itō station.

Last updated: Sep 16, 2008