Shimoda (‰º“c) 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.
There are various sites and monuments in the town of Shimoda related to Commodore Perry. Visitors can see commemorative monuments in Shimoda Park and around the city, walk along the picturesque Perry Street, and visit Ryosenji Temple where various Perry-related articles are exhibited. There is also a black ship sightseeing cruise that goes around Shimoda Port. The Kurofune Matsuri (Black Ship Festival) is held in the city in mid May every year.
Shimoda Park covers a forested hill about a 20 minute walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station. The park is known for its hydrangeas, which flower in June, and is also the site of a Monument to the Opening of US-Japan Diplomatic Relations which was built in the park in 1957.
One of the Izu Peninsula's most famous and popular sand beaches for sunbathing and surfing. The official swimming season starts in mid July and lasts through August, but the swimming conditions tend to remain pleasant into September.
Getting there and around
How to get to Shimoda
Shimoda is directly connected to Tokyo by Odoriko limited express trains (around 2.5 hours, 6000 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 7000 yen one way if using the limited express, or about 2.5 hours, 6000 yen one way when using local trains.
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.
Set in Atami, 600 metres from Atami Sun Beach, Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI offers accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. This 5-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Guests can have a drink at the bar. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Each room has a kettle, while some rooms come with a balcony and others also have sea views. At Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI features amenities such as an on-site business centre, sauna and hot spring bath. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 26 km from the hotel, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 55 km from Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI.
Featuring an open-air bath and views of sea, Watei Kazekomichi is a sustainable ryokan located in Atami, 2.1 km from Atami Sun Beach. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The accommodation provides free shuttle service, full-day security and luggage storage for guests. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a hot tub. A balcony with mountain views is offered in all units. At the ryokan, all units include bed linen and towels. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Shuzen-ji Temple is 31 km from Watei Kazekomichi, while Hakone-Yumoto Station is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from the accommodation.
Located in the central area of Atami and a 15-minute walk from JR Atami Station, Guest House MARUYA offers capsule rooms fitted with Japanese futon-bedding. Guests can take a few minutes' walk to soak in the nearby hot springs or a 10-minute drive to visit the Atami Castle. JR Shinyokohama Station can be reached with a 50-minute ride on the shinkansen (bullet train). Haneda Airport is a 2-hour drive away from the property. There is a shared kitchen and lounge, where guests can socialise and relax. Washing machines and towel rentals are available at a surcharge. Each room at MARUYA Guest House comes with a power outlet and clothes hangers. Bathroom facilities are shared with other guests. Meals are not provided at the property; however, there are several dining options nearby.
Offering an open-air bath and sea view, Taiseikan is set in Atami, 2.3 km from Nagahama Beach and 25 km from Shuzen-ji Temple. Ideally located in the Ajiro Onsen district, this ryokan offers a shared lounge, as well as a hot spring bath and a public bath. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy an Asian breakfast. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 34 km from Taiseikan, while Mount Daruma is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 61 km from the accommodation.
Set in Atami, 1.5 km from Atami Sun Beach, ATAMI SPRING TERRACE HOTEL offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a spa and wellness centre, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is located 26 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Some rooms also feature a kitchenette with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. At the hotel the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. ATAMI SPRING TERRACE HOTEL offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub and a hot spring bath. You can play table tennis at the accommodation. Shuzen-ji Temple is 33 km from ATAMI SPRING TERRACE HOTEL, while Mount Daruma is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from the hotel.
Situated in Atami, 1.4 km from Atami Sun Beach, Atami Korakuen Hotel features accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The property is set 28 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, 33 km from Shuzen-ji Temple and 47 km from Mount Daruma. The hotel has a sauna, room service and free WiFi. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, all rooms at Atami Korakuen Hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms also boast a balcony. The units will provide guests with a fridge. The reception at the accommodation can provide tips on the area. Hakone Checkpoint is 21 km from Atami Korakuen Hotel, while Hakone Shrine is 24 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 54 km from the hotel.
Featuring a garden and views of mountain, Guesthouse Nishihara is a sustainable guest house located in Atami, 1.9 km from Atami Sun Beach. This 2-star guest house offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage space and free WiFi. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, a toaster, a coffee machine, a hot tub, slippers and a desk. There is also a dining area and a fully equipped kitchen equipped with a fridge, a stovetop, and kitchenware. At the guest house, every unit has bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 25 km from the guest house, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 34 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from Guesthouse Nishihara.
Situated in Atami and only 2.7 km from Atami Sun Beach, ISHINOYA Atami features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This 4-star ryokan offers a lift and free shuttle service. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. There is a shared bathroom with bidet in some units, along with bathrobes, slippers and a hair dryer. At the ryokan, some units are allergy-free. For guests with children, the ryokan provides an indoor play area. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 27 km from ISHINOYA Atami, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
Featuring open-air hot-spring baths and traditional multi-course meals, Shihomiya Ryokan is a 3-minute walk from JR Atami Train Station. The Japanese rooms include futon beds and a flat-screen TV. Ryokan Shihomiyafs air-conditioned rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors and shoji paper screens. Guests can make fresh green tea or enjoy a drink from the minibar. A Western toilet is attached, and bathing facilities are shared. Kurai Shrine and MOA Museum are just 1.6 km away. Himenosawa Park and Nishi-Atami Golf Course are about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. A hot-spring bath can be reserved for private use, for a fee. Guests can relax with a massage. Coffee and tea are offered at the lobby cafe.
Hotel New Akao is a 10-minute ride from JR Atami Train Station, and a free shuttle is offered. The modern accommodation features hot-spring baths with ocean views, a rooftop garden and a French restaurant. Spacious guest rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is equipped with a fridge, a tea maker and a television set. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub. Free WiFi is availble in all areas.