Shimoda (下田) is a pleasant coastal city in the south of the Izu Peninsula. It has historical importance as the landing place of several of Commodore Perry's "black ships" in 1854, an event which led to the end of Japan's era of isolation and the start of diplomatic relations between the US and Japan. Shimoda is a popular spot for tourists who want to do marine sports, go to beaches and hot springs.
Getting there and around
How to get to Shimoda
Shimoda is directly connected to Tokyo by Odoriko limited express trains (around 2.5 hours, 6660 yen one way, hourly departures). Alternatively, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami and transfer to the limited express Odoriko or a local train (requires a transfer at Ito to the Izukyu Railway) and get off at Izukyu-Shimoda Station, the terminal station of the Izukyu Railway. The trip takes about 2 hours and costs around 8000 yen one way if using the limited express, or about 2.5 hours, 6500 yen one way if using local trains.
The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the Tokaido Shinkansen and trains as far as Ito; however, those traveling beyond Ito will need to pay a supplement fee. Conversely, the Tokyo Wide Pass fully covers the trains all the way to Shimoda, but it does not cover the Tokaido Shinkansen.
How to get around Shimoda
Most of the sites are within a 20-30 minute walk of Izukyu-Shimoda Station. Alternatively, buses connect most of the sites to the station. For those planning to travel around the southern Izu Peninsula, Tokai Bus offers several discount passes that can make visiting multiple sites in the region more convenient and economical.
How to get to and around the Izu Peninsula
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Izu Peninsula
Top rated on the Izu Peninsula
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Watei KazekomichiView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Watei Kazekomichi in Atami offers a 4-star ryokan experience with adults-only rooms. Guests enjoy mountain and garden views, balconies, and private bathrooms equipped with modern amenities.Relaxing Facilities
The property features a hot spring bath, open-air bath, terrace, and lounge. Additional amenities include free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a romantic restaurant serving Japanese cuisine.Dining Experience
A romantic restaurant serves local specialities for breakfast, highly praised by guests. Dinner is a highlight, featuring Japanese cuisine in a relaxed setting.Prime Location
Located 2.2 km from Atami Sun Beach and 28 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the ryokan provides easy access to local attractions. Guests appreciate the scenic views and excellent service. -
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Furuya RyokanBuilt in 1806, Furuya is the oldest ryokan in the Atami hot-springs area. A 3-minute walk to Atami Sun Beach, it boasts a variety of beautiful hot-spring baths and features traditional Japanese rooms, some with their own private hot-spring bath. Rooms at Furuya Ryokan are decorated in Japan’s famous minimalistic style, and include an LCD TV and a low table with floor cushions. Each room is air-conditioned and includes an en suite bathroom. A 2-minute walk to the Atami Ginza shopping area, the ryokan is a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from JR Atami Train Station. On-site parking is free. Guests can soak in the indoor bath, which uses pure hot-spring water pumped directly from the source. Guests can also unwind with a massage or check out the unique local wares at the gift shop. Multiple courses of gorgeously presented Japanese cuisine are served for the Kaiseki dinner, and breakfast is a traditional set menu. In-room dinners are served at 18:00.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Grand Bach Atami CrescendoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Grand Bach Atami Crescendo in Atami offers luxurious rooms with sea or mountain views, air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a bathrobe, tea and coffee maker, and free toiletries.Exceptional Facilities
Guests can relax in the hot spring bath, fitness centre, or on the terrace. The hotel features a restaurant serving French cuisine, a bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. Additional amenities include a public bath, fitness room, and free on-site private parking.Prime Location
Located 30 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station and Shuzen-ji Temple, the hotel is near Mount Daruma (45 km) and Lake Ashi (22 km). Hakone Checkpoint is 17 km away, providing easy access to local attractions.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for its luxury, dinner, and attentive staff, Hotel Grand Bach Atami Crescendo ensures a comfortable and memorable stay. -
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SOKI ATAMIView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
SOKI ATAMI in Atami offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea or mountain views. Each room includes a balcony, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, open-air bath, and terrace. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi.Dining Experience
The modern restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for dinner. A buffet breakfast with Asian options is provided each morning.Prime Location
Located 1.7 km from Atami Sun Beach, SOKI ATAMI is near attractions such as Hakone-Yumoto Station (27 km) and Mount Daruma (48 km). Free on-site private parking is available. -
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Pearl Star Hotel ATAMIView on Booking.comElegant Accommodation
Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI in Atami offers a 5-star experience with a hot spring bath, beachfront, spa facilities, sauna, fitness centre, terrace, open-air bath, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi.Comfortable Amenities
Guests enjoy air-conditioning, bathrobes, private bathrooms, sea views, balconies, and modern amenities such as streaming services and soundproofing.Dining Options
The traditional restaurant serves French, Japanese, Steakhouse, sushi, and barbecue grill cuisines. Breakfast includes local specialities, warm dishes, fresh pastries, and more.Prime Location
Located a 7-minute walk from Atami Sun Beach, the hotel is 26 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station and near attractions like Mount Daruma and Lake Ashi. -
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Atami SekaieView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Atami Sekaie in Atami offers private bathrooms with air-conditioning, baths, TVs, and electric kettles. Each room includes a terrace with scenic views.Dining and Leisure
Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant and unwind at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.Convenient Location
Located 2.5 km from Atami Sun Beach and 25 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the ryokan provides easy access to local attractions.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, scenic location, and excellent dinner. -
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Atami Onsen Sakuraya RyokanView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Atami Onsen Sakuraya Ryokan in Atami offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, bidets, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, shower, and free toiletries.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, open-air bath, and garden. Additional amenities include a lift, public bath, and free on-site private parking.Dining Experience
The ryokan provides a breakfast and dinner, highly praised by guests. Special diet menus are available, and daily housekeeping service ensures a comfortable stay.Prime Location
Atami Sun Beach is a 13-minute walk away. Nearby attractions include Hakone-Yumoto Station (26 km) and Mount Daruma (49 km). Free WiFi is accessible throughout the property. -
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TaiseikanView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Taiseikan in Atami offers a ryokan experience with tatami floors, air-conditioning, and sea views. Each room includes a private bathroom, bath, and shower.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, open-air bath, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a lounge, public bath, lift, daily housekeeping service, and luggage storage.Dining Experience
Dinner is highly rated by guests, featuring traditional Japanese cuisine with a variety of options. The value for money and scenic location enhance the overall stay.Local Attractions
Nagahama Beach is 1.8 km away, while Shuzen-ji Temple lies 24 km from the property. Other nearby attractions include Hakone-Yumoto Station (33 km) and Mount Daruma (38 km). -
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Atelier & Hostel Nagaisa-UraView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Atelier & Hostel Nagaisa-Ura in Atami offers a 2-star hostel experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a lounge. Guests can relax in the full-day security environment.Modern Amenities
The hostel features a bath, hairdryer, tatami floor, work desk, shared bathroom, shower, slippers, and electric kettle. These amenities ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.Prime Location
Atami Sun Beach is a 4-minute walk away, while Hakone-Yumoto Station is 26 km distant. Other attractions include Shuzen-ji Temple (33 km) and Mount Daruma (48 km). -
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Yuyado IchibanchiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Yuyado Ichibanchi in Atami offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bathrobe, tea and coffee maker, and a refrigerator.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, terrace, and open-air bath. Additional amenities include a public bath, lift, car hire, and luggage storage.Dining Experience
The ryokan provides dinner and breakfast, highly praised by guests. Dining options include a spa bath and private open-air bath.Local Attractions
Atami Sun Beach is a 15-minute walk away. Nearby points include Hakone-Yumoto Station (26 km) and Mount Daruma (49 km).
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