Discover Shimoda: Where Black Ship History Meets Breathtaking Scenery!
Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, is a historic port town where Commodore Perry’s ‘Black Ships’ arrived, marking the ‘opening of Japan’. However, Shimoda’s charm extends beyond its history. It’s a treasure trove for tourists, offering new discoveries with every visit, from its crystal-clear emerald-green seas and mysterious caves sculpted by nature to its vibrant seasonal flowers.
For this guide, we’ve carefully selected 5 must-visit tourist spots in Shimoda, perfect for both short-term travelers and those looking to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere. Beyond just catalog information, we’ll provide insider tips on the best ways to explore, how to avoid crowds, and reveal the ‘deeper charms’ of each location.
Perry Road
📍 Address: 3-13-12 Shichikenchiyo, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0023, Japan
This approximately 500-meter-long path is where Commodore Matthew Perry, who arrived with the Black Ships, marched to ‘Ryosenji Temple’ with about 300 subordinates to conclude the ‘Shimoda Treaty’, an ancillary agreement to the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan. A cobblestone path runs along the Hiraname River, lined with retro buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras, featuring unique geometric ‘namako walls’ and ‘Izu stone’ craftsmanship.
The road strongly retains the vestiges of a former pleasure district, once praised as having ‘three thousand ships departing and arriving’. Today, it’s home to stylish cafes, antique shops, and general stores housed in renovated traditional Japanese houses. Gas lamp-style streetlights and willow trees create a charming atmosphere, making it a perfect location for a stroll in a yukata or kimono.
【Insider Tips & Cautions】
In early summer (June), Perry Road sees a surge of tourists as it coincides with the ‘Hydrangea Festival’ at the adjacent Shimoda Park. If you’re planning lunch at a specific cafe, it’s best to aim for right after opening or a slightly off-peak time. Be aware that popular menu items can sell out quickly. Enjoying the fragrance of early summer jasmine and bougainvillea flowers while listening to the murmur of the river is a luxurious experience unique to this season.
Shimoda Aquarium
📍 Address: 3-22-31 Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0023, Japan
This ‘aquarium floating on the sea’ is extremely rare in Japan, utilizing a natural cove in Shimoda Bay. The massive circular tank, ‘Aqua Dome Perry-go’, floating in the cove, offers a breathtaking exhibit replicating the sea of Izu. While the facility has a Showa-era retro vibe, its greatest appeal is undoubtedly the ‘close proximity to the creatures’.
The dolphin interaction programs, in particular, are outstanding. In addition to the dolphin show on the marine stage, there are unique experiences galore, such as the ‘Amazing Seat’ where you can watch the show from a box-shaped floating boat at sea level, and ‘Dolphin Beach’ where you can directly interact with dolphins at the water’s edge.
【Insider Tips & Cautions】
Dolphin feeding experiences and swimming programs are highly popular, leading to competition for advance reservations and same-day first-come, first-served slots. If you absolutely want to experience them, we recommend arriving right at opening. Furthermore, the sea lion, harbor seal, and Asian small-clawed otter feeding experiences are also excellent, with heartwarming shows that convey the trainers’ love for animals. Notably, small dogs are allowed inside if carried or in a cart, making this a rare and valuable aquarium for travelers with pets.
Monument to the Opening of Japan
📍 Address: 3-17-11 Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0023, Japan
This monumental stele is located on the hillside of ‘Shimoda Park (Shiroyama Park)’, the former site of Shimoda Castle built by the Hojo clan during the Sengoku period, now maintained as a natural park. It features reliefs of Commodore Perry and Townsend Harris, who played pivotal roles in the opening of Japan. From the ‘Kaigoku Hiroba’ (Opening of Japan Plaza) in front of the monument, you can enjoy panoramic views of Shimoda Port and the sea where Perry’s fleet anchored.
While usually a quiet place evoking historical romance, this spot reveals its most dramatic scenery in June. Shimoda Park is known as ‘Japan’s No. 1 Hydrangea Colony’, with over 150,000 bushes and 3 million hydrangeas blooming across an area equivalent to 5.5 Tokyo Domes. The area around the Monument to the Opening of Japan is also awash with colorful hydrangeas, creating a spectacular view that seems to adorn the monument itself.
【Insider Tips & Cautions】
The path leading to the monument takes advantage of the terrain of the former mountain castle, featuring steep slopes and stairs. Wearing comfortable sneakers is a must. Outside of hydrangea season, it might feel like ‘just a quiet plaza with nothing much else’, but conversely, it’s a hidden gem where you can have an excellent panoramic view overlooking Shimoda’s cityscape and Shimoda Bay all to yourself.
Ryugu Park (Ryugu-kutsu Cave)
📍 Address: 696-1 Touji, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0029, Japan
One of the representative spots of the Izu Peninsula Geopark, this is a ‘sea cave’ (kaishokudo) formed by the power of waves eroding rock. The cave’s ceiling has collapsed over a diameter of approximately 50 meters, creating a ‘skylight’ through which light pours down, forming a mystical space. It’s an otherworldly place reminiscent of the protagonist’s hideout in the Ghibli film ‘Porco Rosso’.
There are two ways to enjoy Ryugu-kutsu Cave. One is to descend the stairs and look up from the bottom of the cave. The sound of the waves reverberating and the light streaming in from the open sky are breathtaking. The other is to peer down from the promenade built on the cliff above. Looking down at the skylight from above, the shape of the hole appears as a magnificent ‘heart’ due to wave erosion, making it a popular power spot for lovers.
【Insider Tips & Cautions】
The biggest tip for visiting is to check the ‘tides’. During low tide, you can descend to the beach beneath the cave and walk around, but during high tide, waves may make it impossible to go down. Conversely, at high tide, when viewed from above, the heart-shaped space is filled with abundant blue seawater, allowing for even more romantic photos.
Also, when accessing by car, pay attention to parking. There are parking lots immediately before and slightly further inside, but prices vary between ‘500 yen’ and ‘1,500 yen’, so be sure to check the signs carefully before parking. Right next door is the ‘Touji Sand Ski Area’, where you can sled down a natural sand dune, making it a recommended combined visit.
Shimoda Ropeway (Shin-Shimoda Station)
📍 Address: 1-3-2 Higashihongo, Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0035, Japan
This ropeway connects ‘Shin-Shimoda Station’, located right in front of Izukyu-Shimoda Station, to the summit of ‘Nesugata-yama’ (Sleeping Figure Mountain), approximately 200 meters above sea level, in about 3.5 minutes. Named for its resemblance to a woman lying on her back, Nesugata-yama was also a Black Ship watch post during the late Edo period. The observatory at the summit offers panoramic views of Shimoda Port and the Suzaki Peninsula, and on clear days, even the Izu Seven Islands, making it one of the three scenic views of Izu.
The gondolas, renovated in 2019, were designed by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, who also worked on the luxury train ‘THE ROYAL EXPRESS’. With their royal blue exterior and warm, classic interiors featuring abundant natural wood, just riding them immerses you in an elegant mood.
【Insider Tips & Cautions】
The ropeway typically operates every 15 minutes, making it highly accessible for a quick round trip if you have about an hour between trains. The summit is a beautifully maintained natural park, and a popular ritual is making a wish by throwing ‘nagomi-ishi’ (harmony stones) at ‘Aizen-do’, a power spot for matchmaking. The summit restaurant, ‘THE ROYAL HOUSE’, offers meals with spectacular views but quickly fills up on weekends, so early action is recommended if you plan to have lunch there. It also has a sister agreement with Taiwan’s ‘Maokong Gondola’, serving as a base for international tourism exchange.
Local Tips to Enjoy Shimoda Tourism 120%
Shimoda’s attractions, from historic buildings to untouched nature, are widely scattered. To get around efficiently, utilizing rental cars or buses from Izukyu-Shimoda Station as your base is essential. Especially for scenic spots like Ryugu-kutsu Cave and Tsumekizaki Cape, which are some distance from the station, prioritize securing your transportation.
Furthermore, Shimoda is a city with high potential when it comes to dining. You can immerse yourself in nostalgia at a renovated traditional house cafe on Perry Road, or venture a bit further to savor fresh seafood, including the renowned Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), which is a highlight of any trip. Make the most of the season, weather, and tides (especially for Ryugu-kutsu Cave) to discover the deep charms of Shimoda that are uniquely yours.
