Ito, Japan, is a fantastic place to explore for those who love a mix of outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and cultural sights. Its proximity to the Izu Peninsula’s coast and mountains makes it ideal for unique tours and experiences. Whether you want to cruise along mountain trails on a bike, explore underwater life through scuba diving, or spend a day discovering historic towns, Ito offers options that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Our favorites include the Half Day Izu Kogen Highlands Downhill Cycling Tour, a perfect mix of light adventure and scenic views, and the Ultimate View Izu Car Tour, which brings you to the area’s most iconic sights with ease and comfort.
If you’re an active traveler craving a bit of adrenaline, the Scuba Diving in Izu Peninsula promises colorful marine life and a chance to learn or refine your skills. For those who prefer a relaxed, culturally rich day, the Kanto 10-hour chartered day trips to Kawagoe or Kobe reveal Japan’s historical side. No matter your style, this list has you covered.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best tours and experiences in Ito covers a broad spectrum: scenic outdoor adventures, underwater exploration, private car trips, and cultural day excursions. For a light but exciting cycling adventure, check out the Half Day Izu Kogen Highlands Downhill Cycling Tour. Those wanting to see underwater life will love the Scuba Diving in Izu Peninsula. For in-depth exploration of East Izu’s landscapes and towns, the Ultimate View Izu Car Tour is ideal. If you seek a cultural day trip, the Kanto 10-hour Kawagoe or Nikko trips will satisfy your curiosity.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Half Day Izu Kogen Highlands Downhill Cycling Tour
- 2. Let’s enjoy Scuba diving in Izu Peninsula for certificate Diver
- 3. Ultimate View Izu Car Tour with Hotel Pickup and Local Guide
- 4. Enjoy Diving In Izu Discover Scuba Diving for Nondiver
- 5. Kanto 10-hour chartered day trip — Kawagoe
- 6. Kansai 10-hour chartered day trip — Kobe
- 7. Kanto 10-hour chartered day trip — Nikko
- How to Choose Your Perfect Ito Experience
- Final Thoughts
1. Half Day Izu Kogen Highlands Downhill Cycling Tour
At number 1, this small-group cycling tour offers a relaxed way to see the Izu Highlands without pushing too hard. The tour includes a chairlift ride to Mount Omuro’s summit, with panoramic views of the surroundings, then follows a downhill route to Jogasaki Coast. What makes this tour stand out is its personalized experience, limited to just four participants, which means more attention from your guide and fewer crowds.
Your guide shares insights into the landscape and local culture as you pedal through Sakura no Sato, a peaceful park near Mount Omuro. The ride is described as “not too strenuous,” making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just want a gentle ride with great scenery. The tour lasts around 3.5 hours, and the price of $50.53 per person makes it an excellent value, especially considering the small group size and personalized service. Reviews rave about the experience, with a perfect 5/5 score from 23 reviews, highlighting the friendly guides and the stunning views.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a scenic, beginner-friendly cycling adventure with enough local flavor and nature to make your day memorable—ideal for families or travelers who want light activity with a dose of adventure.
2. Let’s enjoy Scuba diving in Izu Peninsula for certificate Diver
At number 2, this scuba diving experience is perfect for certified divers eager to explore the rich marine biodiversity of Izu Oceanic Park. The tour includes a 6-hour dive, with options to rent full equipment or bring your own, and a delicious packed lunch. Its key appeal is the chance to see various fish species, dragon moray eels, and juvenile fish—all in clear, safe waters.
Run by Dive Dream, the guides have a reputation for patience and expertise. One diver describes it as “a wonderful dive” with “a wide variety of marine life,” and highlights Morita San’s calm, clear instructions. The tour is tailored to your skill level, making it suitable for experienced divers who want a reliable, well-organized trip. The cost is $457, which includes equipment rental if needed, and the reviews (all 5-star) reflect the high quality and enthusiasm of the dive operators.
Bottom Line: For serious divers seeking a well-led, marine-rich dive in a beautiful setting, this tour offers excellent value, especially for those comfortable with diving gear and looking for memorable underwater sights.
3. Ultimate View Izu Car Tour with Hotel Pickup and Local Guide
Number 3 on our list is a full-day private car tour, designed for travelers who want to see the highlights of East Izu without the hassle of planning. For around $456.07 per group (up to five people), your Japanese-speaking guide will take you to sites like the Jogasaki Suspension Bridge, Mount Omuro, Kawazu Waterfalls, and Shuzenji Onsen Town.
This tour offers flexibility: your guide can tailor the stops based on your interests—whether that’s snapping photos, enjoying local wines, or strolling through historic towns. The Jogasaki Suspension Bridge is a star feature, offering dramatic views from 23 meters high. The tour also includes lunch at Izu Kogen Beer, where you can sample local craft beer and fresh seafood. Reviews consistently praise the guide’s helpfulness and flexibility, with one noting, “She knew all the spots that we would be interested to see, tailored to our personal choices.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups or couples who prefer a personalized, relaxed experience with a local guide that hits all the scenic and cultural highlights of Izu.
4. Enjoy Diving In Izu Discover Scuba Diving for Nondiver
Number 4 offers a introductory scuba experience for those who haven’t dived before but want to try it out. This one-day activity includes a brief classroom session, a shallow dive, and snorkeling opportunities, with rental equipment provided. Morita San, the instructor, is highly praised for being patient and friendly, making it a great choice for nervous beginners.
The experience lasts about a day, and while it doesn’t require prior certification, participants should be comfortable in water. The tour costs $144.05 and includes a lunch. Reviewers mention how much fun they had, with one saying, “He picked us up at the train station and had a lunch prepared—plus, he speaks English well.” It’s a great way to see if scuba is for you before committing to certification.
Bottom Line: Ideal for curious non-divers who want a safe, guided introduction to the underwater world of Izu’s coast. It’s fun, friendly, and offers a taste of the underwater beauty.
5. Kanto 10-hour chartered day trip — Kawagoe
At number 5, this private day trip takes you to Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo” for its well-preserved merchant streets and historic buildings. For $491, your group (up to four) can enjoy a customized 10-hour itinerary, including visits to Kawagoe’s Old House Street and traditional crafts, as well as scenic spots like Nagatoro’s rock formations.
This tour is perfect for history and culture enthusiasts who want to explore outside of Tokyo at their own pace. The guide can tailor the experience to your interests, making it a flexible, immersive day. The reviews are glowing, emphasizing the guide’s local knowledge and ability to craft a memorable day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with a day to spare and an interest in Japan’s Edo period culture, seeking a private, personalized experience outside the city.
6. Kansai 10-hour chartered day trip — Kobe
Number 6 offers a private day trip to Kobe that covers scenic viewpoints, hot springs, and portside sights. For $562 per group, the itinerary includes a ride up Mt. Rokko for panoramic views, a visit to Arima Onsen, and time at Kobe Port. The guide helps you make the most of this rich city, blending natural beauty with urban culture.
This is perfect for travelers who want a personalized day out without the stress of navigating public transport. The guide’s flexibility and local insights provide a deeper experience. One review noted, “We saw so many amazing places that we never would have seen on our own.” It’s a great choice for those who want a full day of sightseeing with comfort.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those eager to experience Kobe’s highlights in a day, especially if they value a private guide and tailored itinerary.
7. Kanto 10-hour chartered day trip — Nikko
Our final pick is a full-day private tour of Nikko, Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. While specific pricing isn’t listed, this trip covers Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls—some of Japan’s most striking natural and cultural attractions.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a curated, hassle-free experience of Japan’s spiritual and scenic icons. The guide can adapt the itinerary based on your interests, making it ideal for photography, history, or nature lovers. It’s suited for those with a full day to explore and a desire for a deeper, more personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors keen to see Japan’s iconic UNESCO sites without the hassle of planning, with a guide ensuring you get the most out of your day.
How to Choose Your Perfect Ito Experience
When deciding among these tours, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For a relaxed day of sightseeing with minimal walking, the Ultimate View Izu Car Tour offers comfort and flexibility. If underwater adventures excite you, the Scuba Diving in Izu is unbeatable, especially for certified divers. For active travelers who love cycling, the Half Day Izu Kogen Highlands Downhill Cycling Tour combines light exercise with spectacular views.
Those seeking culture should look at the Kawagoe or Kobe day trips for their focus on history and local flavor. Keep in mind that private tours like the Kanto and Kansai day trips are best booked early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Ito offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, cultural sights, and underwater exploration, suitable for all kinds of travelers. For those who love a good view and a bit of activity, the cycling tour is a standout. If diving calls to you, the marine life in Izu’s waters won’t disappoint. And for a more relaxed, personalized experience, the private car tours deliver ease and local insight.
No matter which you pick, booking early is wise—these experiences fill up quickly in high season. Now’s the time to lock in your spot and get ready for an unforgettable visit to Ito.