Shimoda (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.
Facing the beachfront, Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI offers 5-star accommodation in Atami and features a fitness centre, terrace and restaurant. The property is set 600 metres from Atami Sun Beach, 26 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station and 32 km from Shuzen-ji Temple. The hotel has a sauna, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with 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. At Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot spring bath. There is an on-site bar and guests can also make use of the business area. Speaking English, Japanese and Chinese, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical information on the area at the reception. Mount Daruma is 47 km from the hotel, while Hakone Checkpoint is 20 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 55 km from Pearl Star Hotel ATAMI.
Featuring mountain views, Watei Kazekomichi provides accommodation with balcony, around 2.1 km from Atami Sun Beach. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. Guests can use the hot spring bath and the open-air bath, or enjoy sea views. 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. The ryokan offers certain units with garden views, and each unit is equipped with a kettle. At the ryokan, all units include bed linen and towels. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Shuzen-ji Temple is 31 km from the ryokan, while Hakone-Yumoto Station is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from Watei Kazekomichi.
Situated in Atami, 1.1 km from Atami Sun Beach, MC̉Bꗢ features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 26 km from the hotel and Shuzen-ji Temple is 32 km away. Rooms have air conditioning, and some rooms at the hotel have a terrace. At MC̉Bꗢ all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Mount Daruma is 47 km from the accommodation, while Hakone Checkpoint is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 55 km from MC̉Bꗢ.
Situated in Atami in the Shizuoka region with Atami Sun Beach nearby, SOKI ATAMI features accommodation with free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation offers full-day security, and luggage storage for guests. Fitted with a balcony, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet and slippers. A fridge and kettle are also available. At the ryokan, each unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. The ryokan offers a buffet or Asian breakfast. There is a coffee shop on-site. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 28 km from SOKI ATAMI, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 55 km from the accommodation.
Atami Sekaie is set in Atami, 2.6 km from Atami Sun Beach, 25 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, and 35 km from Shuzen-ji Temple. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk. At the ryokan, each unit comes with a private bathroom. Mount Daruma is 49 km from the ryokan, while Hakone Checkpoint is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 57 km from Atami Sekaie.
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. 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 the ryokan, while Mount Daruma is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 61 km from Taiseikan.
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 units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV, and some units at Atami Korakuen Hotel have a balcony. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. The reception at Atami Korakuen Hotel can provide tips on the area. Hakone Checkpoint is 21 km from the hotel, while Hakone Shrine is 24 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 54 km from Atami Korakuen Hotel.
Offering a garden and mountain view, Guesthouse Nishihara is located in Atami, 1.9 km from Atami Sun Beach and 25 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station. With free WiFi, this 2-star guest house offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. Featuring 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. Shuzen-ji Temple is 34 km from the guest house, while Mount Daruma is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 56 km from Guesthouse Nishihara.