A short trip to the exotic and retro town of Shimoda [Perry Road] and Izu Cruise to feel like Perry!

  • Shizuoka
  • Sightseeing
Courtesy of Shimoda City Tourism Association

Shimoda, the place where Japan opened to the world

Shimoda City, located on the eastern side of the southern Izu Peninsula, is a beautiful town overflowing with the blessings of nature. As Japan's first port to be opened to the outside world, the city has many cultural and historical sites dating back to the end of the Edo period, making it an attractive tourist destination. Blessed with a mild climate, Shimoda City offers a variety of seasonal events throughout the year. In this issue, we would like to recommend the "Izu Cruise" and "Perry Road" in particular!
Courtesy of Shimoda City Tourism Association

Izu Cruise" around Shimoda Port on a black ship

Once you arrive in Shimoda, you will first head to the historic port of Shimoda! Here you can take a ride on the black ship Susquehanna, which will take you around the port of Shimoda. Here, you can take a ride on the Black Ships Sasukehana, which will take you around Shimoda Harbor. The tour will take you to the streets along the coast, the place where Perry's fleet docked, Negatazan Mountain, and Bentenjima, where Yoshida Shoin is said to have hid out after planning a secret voyage.

From fall to spring, visitors can experience feeding seagulls from the boat! Why not take a cruise with your family, a couple, or a group of like-minded friends?
Courtesy of Shimoda City Tourism Association

Outline of Izu Cruise Shimoda Port Tour

Sailing days: Daily
[Departure times]
9:10, 9:40, 10:10, 10:40, 11:05, 11:30, 12:30, 13:20, 14:05, 14:50, 15:30
Fare: Adults: 1,500 yen, Children: 750 yen
Cargo Terminal: Sotogaoka Pier in Shimoda Port (19 Sotogaoka, Shimoda City)
Time required: Approximately 20 minutes per lap

Adults: 500 yen, children: 250 yen *There is a separate fee for boarding on the second deck.
*Bait for seagulls is available for 200 yen.

▼For more information, please visit

What is Perry Road?

Perry Road, a 15-minute walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station, is the route that Perry, who arrived by black ships in 1854 to conclude the Treaty of Shimoda, a detailed treaty of friendship between Japan and the United States, walked from Shimoda Port to Ryosenji Temple, where the treaty was concluded. Even today, the stone-paved path along the Hiranamegawa River, houses made of Shimoda's traditional "namako wall" or "Izu stone," and willow trees continue, creating a somewhat exotic atmosphere and a very special walking path.
Courtesy of Shimoda City Tourism Association

Elegant lunch time at Kushidagura, a cafe with a retro atmosphere

The first floor of this building, which is said to have been constructed in the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912), is said to have been built to protect goods from fire as a warehouse for a large store, with the first floor made of Izu stone quarried from the surrounding area, and the second floor made of wood with sea cucumber walls. The large warehouse, with a floor space of 15 tsubo, is a Shimoda treasure that should be handed down to future generations, and is recognized as a registered town heritage of Shimoda City.
Kushida Kura
How about an elegant lunch time in such a precious storehouse? We recommend this North Indian style chicken curry with bone! Please try it.
North Indian-style chicken curry with bones
Kushida Kura official Facebook here♪

Discover the historical building "Former Sawamura Residence"!

After strolling along Perry Road, why don't you take a break at the "Former Sawamura Residence" located at the end of the road? The former Sawamura Residence was built in 1915, using Izu stone and sea cucumber walls. The building was renovated to be earthquake resistant while preserving and restoring the sea caves walls, and is now a place of rest and relaxation as a free rest facility of Shimoda City. It is one of the recommended places to take a break while enjoying the view of Perry Road.
Courtesy of Shimoda City Tourism Association

Get souvenirs at "Roro Kurofune" at the end of the trip♪

Roro Kurofune Exterior
How about a souvenir before you go home at "Roro Kurofune," which is about a 5-minute walk from Perry Road? The store has a retro atmosphere from the outside, and you can get sweets that are unique to Shimoda! They have unique names and will surely be appreciated as souvenirs!
Kurofune-manju Black (Black)
Kaikoku Caramel
Roro Kurofune official website here!

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + lodging reservations in the Izu area, please visit the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package
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