Shimoda

Shimoda is located at the southern end of the Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka prefecture). This coastal town is surrounded by hills and forests, and is best-known for its beautiful beaches and natural hot springs (onsen). It has a rich cultural heritage, with many temples, shrines and museums to explore. Southern Izu offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Shimoda’s history

Shimoda has a rich history, particularly in relation to its role as a port town. The city was first opened to foreign trade in 1854, when a fleet of American ships, led by Commodore Matthew Perry, arrived in the city’s harbor. This event, known as the “Opening of Japan,” marked the end of the country’s isolationist policy and the beginning of a period of rapid modernization and westernization. In fact, Shimoda was the site of the first American Consulate in Japan, established in 1856 (at Gyokusenji Temple to be exact, just to the east of Shimoda town center), and served as an important center of diplomacy and trade between the two countries.

The city also played a significant role in the Meiji period (1868-1912) and Taisho period (1912-1926) as a major port and tourist destination. The city was popular with foreigners; many of whom built summer villas in the area.

Shimoda was also an important center for the whaling industry in the 19th century, with many foreign ships visiting the port after its opening in 1854.

Things to do in Shimoda

Visitors to Shimoda can enjoy a variety of activities such as: swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, as well as hiking and cycling through the scenic hills and forests of the surrounding area. Visiting a natural hot spring is a must when visiting this region. Most Japanese-style ryokan inns have hot springs for guests to enjoy, and some are open during the day for day-trippers, for a small fee.

Shimoda has a rich cultural heritage, and some recommended sights to visit are:

• Ryosenji temple: where the Treaty of Peace and Amity was signed between the US and Japan
• The Black Ships Memorial Hall (MoBS Kurofune Museum): All about Perry and the Black Ships
• The Shimoda Kaikoku History and Folklore Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts related to the history and culture of Shimoda, including traditional crafts and local customs.

Shopping and cafe-hopping is best done down by the port and on Perry Street, which runs along the canal between Shimoda Park and Ryosenji Temple. Most of the souvenir shops and local markets are in this area as well.

One recommended walk to do while in Shimoda starts from Ryosenji Temple. After walking down old Perry street, you will find a walking trail that takes you through Shimoda Park and the botanical gardens, past a number of historic points of interest and finally ends at the Shimoda Aquarium (open 365 days of the year). This is a nice 1.5km walk, and it is possible to get a taxi back to Shimoda station from here.

Best beaches in southern Izu

Some of the best beaches around Shimoda include:

• Shirahama beach: This is a beautiful white sand beach with clear blue water, perfect for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. It’s located just a short distance north-east of Shimoda.
• Yumigahama: This is a more protected beach ideal for families with young children. There are also plenty of small guest houses here, located a short walk from the beach. Yumigahama is a 20-minute drive south from Shimoda.
• Three other beautiful small beaches are Tatadohama, Iritahama and Kisami Ohama beach. This whole area is referred to as ‘Shimoda-by-Za-sea’. These three beaches are just 3-4km south of Shimoda. The turnoffs from Shimoda are Tatadohama first, then Iritahama, and then Ohama. Yumigahama is another 7-8km further south from here.

What to eat in Shimoda

As Shimoda is situated on the coast, it is naturally well-known for its uber fresh seafood, such as:

• Ise-ebi (Spiny lobster): This is a type of lobster that is considered a delicacy in Japan. It is typically served grilled or in a hot pot.
• Kinmedai: Golden eye snapper
• Maguro: Maguro is a type of tuna fish that is commonly served raw as sushi or sashimi.
• Tako: Tako is octopus; it is typically served grilled or in a hot pot.
• Kamameshi: Kamameshi is a type of Japanese rice dish that is cooked in an iron pot. It is typically made with seafood and vegetables.
• Unagi: Unagi is a freshwater eel, often grilled and glazed with a sweet soy sauce-based sauce, served over steamed rice.