Shimoda

About Shimoda

Shimoda was where Japan's forced opening to the West was formalised. Today the town is known for its beautiful beaches and the hydrangea festival in June.

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  Shimoda Floating Aquarium

  ★4.1(5,001)

  Floating aquarium with an underwater viewing deck, plus dolphin shows, penguin feeding & rays.

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  Ryugu Sea Cave

  ★4.2(2,839)

  Round sea cave known for the large hole in its roof & panoramic ocean views from the crater edge.

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  Kinmetei

  ★4.2(1,574)

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• 

  Shirahama Shrine

  ★4.5(1,383)

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  Shimoda Park（Shiroyama Park）

  ★4.2(1,145)

  Scenic park on a hill with many hydrangeas & 3 observatories overlooking the bay & ocean.

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• 

  Madogahama Seaside Park

  ★4.0(1,061)

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Getting around Shimoda

The Izu Kogen Line, operated by Izuhakone Railway, connects Shimoda to the wider Shizuoka region and typically runs every 30 - 60 minutes, with fares around ¥1,500 - 2,000 depending on your destination. Local buses operated by Tokai Bus cover most attractions and cost roughly ¥200 - 500 per ride; IC cards like Suica and ICOCA work at ticket machines and convenience stores, though single-journey paper tickets are also available. Shimoda itself is quite walkable, especially the compact historic district near the port where Perry's ships anchored, and bicycle rental shops near the station make exploring the coastline and outlying beaches easy and affordable. Taxis are reasonably plentiful and helpful for reaching more remote nature spots or timing visits around infrequent bus schedules, particularly if you're heading to hiking trails in the surrounding Izu hills. Most visitors combine walking with occasional bus trips or a rented bike to experience both the town's cultural heritage and its natural scenery at a leisurely pace.

Best time to visit

Late March through early April brings cherry blossoms to this historic Izu Peninsula port town, creating stunning pink canopies along streets and waterways while temperatures remain pleasantly mild. Autumn, typically October through November, offers another excellent window with comfortable weather and vibrant foliage reflecting in the surrounding hills. If timing allows, plan a visit around the Kurofune Festival in mid-May, which celebrates Commodore Perry's 1854 arrival with traditional parades, period costumes, and maritime ceremonies that bring the town's pivotal history to life. Avoid the rainy tsuyu season from June through early July and the typhoon months of August and September, when humidity spikes and storms can disrupt travel. Peak summer crowds also strain local accommodations and beaches. The shoulder seasons of late April-May and early December offer a sweet spot: fewer visitors than spring and autumn peaks, mild weather, and access to seasonal events without the intensity of peak season.

Where to stay

The relaxed port town offers several appealing bases for exploring its historic and natural attractions. The central Shimoda district near the waterfront clusters business hotels and modest ryokan, typically ranging from ¥8,000 - 15,000 per night for a double room, with easy walking access to Perry-related sites and local restaurants. For a more traditional experience, the quieter Rendaiji area inland features family-run ryokan where you might find rates around ¥12,000 - 20,000 with meals included, though it requires a short bus ride to main attractions. Beach-focused travelers prefer staying near Shirahama or Tatado beaches, where vacation rentals and casual inns predominate; these spots are 15 - 20 minutes by bus or car from the town center but offer direct access to coastal hikes and swimming. Business hotels generally dominate the accommodation landscape here, appealing to visitors seeking comfort without ceremony. Most areas connect via local buses to the Izu Cradle Museum and coastal trails within 10 - 15 minutes.

What to eat

Shimoda's coastal heritage shines through its seafood-forward cuisine, with fresh sashimi and **sazae tsubo yaki** (grilled turban shells) standing out as local favorites at waterfront restaurants. The historic port town's food culture centers around Shimoda Fishing Port Market, where visitors can watch the daily catch being unloaded and enjoy ultra-fresh preparations at modest prices, typically ¥1,000 - 2,000 per meal. For a deeper dive into local flavors, the Shimoda Dori shopping street offers traditional shops selling dried seaweed and pickled vegetables alongside casual eateries. The region produces excellent local sake, reflecting Shizuoka's brewing traditions, and several small breweries welcome visitors for tastings. Budget-conscious travelers will find satisfying bowls of seafood donburi (rice bowls) at market stalls for ¥800 - 1,200, making it easy to eat like a local without overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Shimoda historically?▾

What is the hydrangea festival?▾

What is the Gyokusen-ji Temple significance?▾

What are the best beaches near Shimoda?▾

Is there a tourist boat available?▾