7 recommended sightseeing spots to visit in Shimoda, the ‘Land of Opening the Country’!

Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture, famous as the place where Perry’s Black Ships arrived and known as the “Land of Opening the Country,” is a nature-rich town located in the southern part of the Izu Peninsula. With white sandy beaches and deep blue seas, it attracts many tourists from inside and outside the prefecture during the swimming season. From hot springs with ocean views and historic townscapes to delicious seafood, there are endless highlights to enjoy! This time, we’ll introduce 7 recommended sightseeing spots you should definitely visit in Shimoda.

1. Shimoda Aquarium

The “Shimoda Aquarium,” floating in a natural inlet, is an aquarium that boasts a dolphin pool utilizing the inlet itself. It offers a variety of activities that dolphin lovers will adore, such as dolphin shows with breathtaking jumps, feeding experiences, dolphin touch, and even programs where you can swim with dolphins.

The dolphin pool even has pedal boats, so you can observe dolphins up close while riding. Depending on the activity, there may be age restrictions, but some allow participation by small children as long as they are accompanied by a guardian, so be sure to check it out.

Other attractions include taking commemorative photos with penguins, feeding them, interacting with seals, and experiencing doctor fish. Unlike the glamorous atmosphere of nationally famous aquariums, this is a hidden gem for those who want close interaction with animals.

2. Shimoda Port Cruise

Shimoda Port is known as the place where Admiral Perry’s Black Ships arrived. How about cruising this historic port aboard a Black Ship replica? By riding a sightseeing boat modeled after the Black Ship “USS Susquehanna,” you’ll feel as though you’ve time-traveled back to the late Edo period.

From the boat, you can take in views of the deep blue sea and many famous sightseeing spots representing Shimoda. These include “Inubashiri Island” and “Misago Island,” where seven Black Ships once anchored, “Benten Island,” where Yoshida Shoin tried to board a Black Ship, and “Shimoda Park,” the site of the largest mountain castle on the Izu Peninsula, Shimoda Castle.

Every late May, Shimoda’s biggest event, the “Black Ship Festival,” is held, attracting many Bakumatsu-period history fans from all over Japan. The port becomes the venue for fireworks displays, and even real U.S. Navy ships appear, making for a lively celebration.

3. Shirahama Ohama Beach

Shimoda is home to many beautiful beaches, but the most popular among them is “Shirahama Ohama Beach.” With convenience stores, restaurants, marine goods rental shops, and accommodations all nearby, it’s well-loved by people of all ages, from young travelers to families.

The pure white sand and crystal-clear waters rank among the best in Shimoda! Since jellyfish don’t appear even in August, you can enjoy swimming until around mid-September if the weather is good. The separate zones for swimming and surfing also provide a safe environment for everyone.

If you have extra time, it’s worth visiting “Shirahama Chuo Beach,” located just north of Shirahama Shrine. Not only is it selected as one of the “Top 100 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan,” but it’s also the only spot in the Shirahama area where barbecues are allowed.

4. Perry Road

Perry Road is the street where Commodore Perry landed at Shimoda Port and marched with 300 of his men to Ryosenji Temple, where the Treaty of Shimoda between Japan and the U.S. was signed. This 700-meter-long path is lined with retro shops that preserve the old atmosphere. With willow trees and stone pavements, the streetscape is truly charming.

Perry Road has also been used frequently for movies and TV dramas, and in recent years, many young visitors come here to capture “Instagram-worthy” photos. The old-style houses along the path now operate as cafes, restaurants, and antique shops, so you can enjoy dining and shopping while exploring.

5. Ryugu Sea Cave

Famous as one of Minami Izu’s leading “love power spots,” the “Ryugu Sea Cave” is a rare heart-shaped cave. Its charming shape can be admired from the skylight that has opened up at the top of the cave, but Ryugu Sea Cave is famous for much more than just its heart view.

When you descend into the cave, you are greeted by a breathtakingly beautiful sight. Sunlight streaming through the skylight sparkles on the emerald-green sea that surges into the cave, creating an indescribably mystical atmosphere. Although the many small rocks make the footing a bit difficult, it is absolutely worth seeing!

Along the mountain path leading to the heart-view spot, you’ll find “Ryuo Shrine,” which enshrines a dragon deity. It is said that this shrine itself is the true power spot. If you don’t just pass by but stop to pay your respects, your love power may very well increase.

6. Tsumekizaki

A rocky cliff with countless cracks shaped like rectangular pillars. These columnar joints, formed when magma intruded into the strata and solidified, can be seen at “Tsumekizaki” in Shimoda. Tsumekizaki, part of the Izu Peninsula Geosite, also has another face as the “wild daffodil habitat.”

The daffodils, which cover the entire cape in white, reach as many as 3 million at their peak, filling the area with a sweet fragrance. From December to February, when the flowers are in full bloom, the “Daffodil Festival” is held, bringing the whole town to life! The cape is also known for its beautiful starry sky, so visiting at night can be just as enjoyable.

7. Shimoda Park

It’s no exaggeration to say that “Shimoda Park” is the best place to overlook all of Shimoda. One reason is that the largest mountain castle on the Izu Peninsula, Shimoda Castle, once stood here, giving the site a vantage point over the entire town. But Shimoda Park also condenses both the history of Shimoda and its abundant natural beauty.

Famous for the “Hydrangea Festival,” Shimoda Park offers seasonal beauty year-round with cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, wisteria, autumn leaves, camellias, and plum blossoms, as well as a rich ecosystem of wild squirrels and birds. In winter, you can even spot swans. With campgrounds, barbecue areas, and sports facilities, it’s an excellent destination for those who want to fully enjoy nature.

Also known as “Shiroyama Park,” this is the site of Shimoda Castle (also called Ushimajō), which once served as the Hojo navy’s base. Even today, remnants such as the castle tower foundation and dry moats remain, making it enjoyable to explore as you walk through the park.

◎ Summary

Blessed with a mild climate, Shimoda offers countless nature-filled sightseeing spots. You can enjoy seasonal beauty and delicious seafood year-round, making it a wonderful place to visit regardless of the season. At the same time, as the first place in Japan to open to the world, Shimoda is also filled with historical sites connected to the late Edo period. If you learn the basics at the “Shimoda Kaikoku Museum” beforehand, you’ll be able to enjoy your Shimoda trip even more.

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7 recommended sightseeing spots to visit in Shimoda, the ‘Land of Opening the Country’!