Local Supporter Akitoshi Goto

Local Supporter

Akitoshi Goto

Onsen Sommelier

Soon after being assigned to Ito, he went on many drives around the Izu Peninsula, and is now able to talk about the charms of Izu that he has seen with his own eyes.
He has sparkling eyes and is full of curiosity. He is good at absorbing new things.
Shortly after joining the company, he acquired the Hot Spring Sommelier qualification and is also a member of the in-house team discovering the charms of Ito tourism. He is a hopeful talent in Ito whose future success is highly anticipated.

KAI Ito: A luxurious hot spring inn that features free-flowing hot spring water from sources boasting abundant volume and quality throughout the entire building. It is equipped with a 100% source-fed hot spring pool and offers guest rooms with various layouts. The signature Izu tea-infused dish, "Kinmedai Gyokuro Steamed," is a harmony of Ito's specialty tea leaves.

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Local Supporter FAQ

What are your recommendations for the Ito area (places, experiences, gourmet food)?: There is an abundance of activities to enjoy the nature of Izu, such as diving and paragliding. Since being assigned to Ito, I personally experienced flying for the first time. The moment I took off, the sight of the Izu mountains and the vast ocean of Sagami Bay, including the Izu Islands, opening up before my eyes was breathtaking.

Please secretly tell us some hidden gems that only a local would know.: I recommend the restaurants around Minami-Ito, one stop away from Ito Station, where tourists rarely venture. I am impressed by the many shops scattered about that have been loved by locals for a long time, rather than shops aimed at tourists. In particular, my favorite is "Nonki Sushi," which is within walking distance of Minami-Ito Station. The owner is very friendly, and since he is a true native of Ito, you can hear a wide range of stories from him, from talk about seasonal ingredients to local anecdotes. It is also attractive that he provides dishes suited to the occasion according to your budget!

Who did you travel with and where did you go last year?: I really love the scenery of alleys that retain the townscapes of the past, so I went island hopping with friends to Izu Oshima and Himakajima in Aichi Prefecture. I have also traveled alone to wander around Kamakura, Omihachiman in Shiga, and Hikone. When I go, I look forward to dining at restaurants in renovated old folk houses, as I also love the interiors of such buildings.

How do you spend your days off?: On my days off, I like driving, so I basically enjoy sightseeing around Izu. Besides that, I have also started doing simple DIY projects so I can enjoy myself at home. Because of this, I often spend my time at home improvement stores.

Is there anything you always bring with you when you travel?: I take one of my favorite novels with me. It is perfect for enjoying some relaxing time at my accommodation or while traveling. However, when the destination is exciting the whole time, I often don't end up reading it. I value my mood at the time. This summer, I was reading "Hachigatsu no Muikakan" (Six Days in August).