A 2-day/1-night model course for Shimoda, Shizuoka (1)! Must-see places to stop by while walking around the city!

  • Shizuoka
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View from Mt.
Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture is rich in nature. Shimoda City is famous for its mild climate throughout the year and the beauty of its seasonal scenery, as well as for its golden threadfin bream fishery, which boasts the largest catch in Japan. The city is a great place to visit for a casual overnight trip, as you can enjoy both mountain and sea foods. Another attraction of this area is its convenient transportation, which can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes without changing trains by taking the limited express "Odoriko" or "Saphir Odoriko" from Tokyo Station, and its many hot spring facilities that are gentle to the skin.

2-day/1-night model course to visit Shimoda City

In this two-day and one-night model course, we will introduce popular local tourist spots in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can learn about the history of the port town that opened its doors to the world at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868). The historical spots are compactly located in the city center, making it perfect for city walking.

On the second day, we will visit popular tourist spots on SNS based on the theme of natural beauty in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture. There are many spectacular sights that can only be seen in Shimoda City, such as Shirahama Shrine, famous for its red torii gate facing the sea, and Ryugu Grotto, where you can see a heart-shaped cave.

If you want to eat fresh local fish and immerse yourself in nature, this is the perfect sightseeing spot for you, so please refer to it for your trip.

Click here to read about a model course for the second day.

Shimoda Ropeway" for a spectacular view of Shimoda Bay

After exiting the ticket gate of Izukyu Shimoda Station, leave your luggage in a locker and start your Izu sightseeing tour. Take the 540-meter long Shimoda Ropeway, located in front of the station, about a 1-minute walk from the station.The Shimoda Ropeway, which reopened in 2019, is inspired by the Izu sightseeing train "THE ROYAL EXPRESS" and has an exterior of "royal blue " . The floor is made of natural wood and marquetry, and the color and interior are stylish. The train arrives at the summit of the mountain in only 3 minutes and 30 seconds. At the top of the mountain, you will find the Aizen-do Temple for marriage, the Kurofune observatory, and a walking trail with many flowers, as well as many other attractions.
Shimoda Ropeway

The observatory at the top of the mountain with a spectacular view of Shimoda city and Shimoda Port

While walking along the Negatayama promenade toward the summit, visitors can admire a variety of flowers throughout the year. In particular, visitors can enjoy the "little angels," which bloom from mid-October to mid-December, changing their color three times from purple at the beginning of blooming to pink and then reddish-purple. About 800 little angels are planted in the park, and it is known as a new place of interest in Shimoda. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Shimoda city and Shimoda Bay from the Sleeping Beauty Observatory, the Kurofune Observatory, and the remains of the Bakumatsu Kurofune (black ship) watchtower.
Little Angel at Mt.

Aizendo, a temple for marriage where cute heart-shaped ema (votive picture tablet) is popular

Once at the top of the summit, you will see Aizendo, a temple for marriage. The official name of Aizendo is "Aizenmyoo-do" and the statue of Aizenmyoo is enshrined as the principal deity. It is popular as a power spot for matchmaking.
Aizen-do Temple
In addition to the heart-shaped ema (votive picture tablet), there are also hana-temizu (flower water fountain) and hana-mikuji (flower paper mikuji). When floated in the water, the flower-shaped paper fortune and lucky items based on the motifs of flowers and plants of Mt. Please try it out!
Hana-Temizu and Hana-Mikuji

Lunch at "THE ROYAL HOUSE SHIMODA", a restaurant overlooking Izu islands and Shimoda Bay from the top of Mt.

THE ROYAL HOUSE SHIMODA is a restaurant designed by Eiji Mitooka, the industrial designer of the luxury sightseeing train THE ROYAL EXPRESS. The menu is also prepared by Shunkantei, the culinary supervisor of THE ROYAL EXPRESS. Guests can enjoy the restaurant's artistic space and delicious cuisine while gazing out at the Pacific Ocean in a restaurant that exudes the warmth of nature.
Inside THE ROYAL HOUSE SHIMODA
The menu offers a variety of lineups such as curry with pork cutlet, pasta, and fried horse mackerel sandwiches, all made with the finest ingredients. We offer not only lunch, but also pancakes and shaved ice, so you can use the restaurant for afternoon as well. We invite you to find your favorite seat in the restaurant and spend a relaxing time while enjoying a delicious meal.
Shimoda Ropeway Official HP
THE ROYAL HOUSE SHIMODA Official HP

Ryosenji Temple" for a walk in downtown Shimoda

Go along "Mai Mai Street" to Ryosenji Temple

Ryosenji Temple is a 15-minute walk from the Shimoda Ropeway. From the Shimoda Ropeway, walk along "Mai Mai Street. Mai-mai" is another name for snails, and the name of this street comes from "Shimoda Mai-mai," named after the snails that Perry's fleet collected in Shimoda. The street is decorated with a pattern that resembles the mai-mai, and visitors can walk along the street to Ryosenji Temple while feeling the history of the area as the place where Perry's ships arrived.
Mai Mai Street

What is Ryosenji Temple like?

You have probably heard of the Treaty of Amity and Friendship between Japan and the United States at least once, haven't you? In fact, Ryosenji Temple is the historical site where the negotiations for the Treaty of Friendship between Japan and the United States were concluded!

Japan had been closed off from the rest of the world for about 200 years since the reign of the 3rd Shogun Iemitsu, but the arrival of Perry led to the opening of two ports, Shimoda and Hakodate. The Treaty of Friendship between Japan and the United States was concluded at that time, which stipulated (1) the supply of fuel and food to American ships, (2) the rescue of American shipwrecks and their crews, (3) the right of Americans to freely walk the streets of Shimoda, and so on. Although the general details had been decided in Yokohama, most of the details had not been finalized. After Perry landed in Shimoda, the details were decided at Ryosenji Temple located near the port.
Ryosenji Temple exterior

Too interesting! Lecture by the priest

After arriving at Ryosenji, we listened to a lecture. I entered the main hall of the temple with the impression that the priest's talk would be difficult, but to my surprise, a large screen was set up for us.

The theme of the lecture is "Foreign countries from the Japanese point of view, Japan from the foreign point of view. The large screen shows thousands of images from Ryosenji's collection, making you forget that you are in the main hall of the temple. The images used in this lecture are from Ryosenji's collection, but Ryosenji also houses most of the historical documents related to the Black Ships and the opening of Japan to the outside world. Therefore, most of the images of the Black Ships and the opening of Japan that are often seen on TV and in textbooks are provided by Ryosenji!

I have seen them before! Some of the images make you want to say, "I've seen that before!" and some make you laugh, making the tour visually enjoyable. During the lecture, there were quizzes, hot tea, and Shimoda's famous sweets, so the time passed by quickly without getting bored.
Lecture by the priest

Visit the "MoBS Kurofune Museum" on the Ryosenji Temple grounds to see actual historical documents!

After the priest's lecture, visitors can actually see historical documents related to the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate at "The Museum of Black Ship" (MoBS). Not only historical documents related to the Black Ship, but also documents related to the Tokugawa family and calligraphy by Yoshida Shoin and other people related to Shimoda at the end of the Edo period are also on display, making the museum a great place to see! Original Perry goods can also be purchased.
MoBS Kurofune Museum

Actually, it is also famous as "Jasmine Temple"!

Ryosenji Temple is also famous as a jasmine temple, and 800 American jasmine plants are planted from the temple grounds to the approach to the temple. They are usually in full bloom from mid to late May every year, and the area is said to be filled with the sweet smell of jasmine.
Ryosenji Temple and American jasmine flowers

Seasonal events will also be held!

The Kurofune Festival is held every year on a three-day weekend, including the third Saturday in May, when American jasmine flowers are in full bloom on the temple grounds, to commemorate the achievements of the pioneers in and out of Japan who contributed to the opening of Shimoda Port, and to contribute to world peace and international goodwill. At Ryosenji Temple, visitors can watch a comical reenactment of the events leading up to the signing of the U.S.-Japan Shimoda Treaty. The fireworks display at sea, a parade and concert featuring musicians from the U.S. Navy and Maritime Self-Defense Force, and other events are sure to be fun and international in nature, making this Shimoda City's largest event of the year!
(In 2025, the festival will be held from May 16 to May 18)
View of "Shimoda Kurofune Festival
Reenactment "Signing of the Treaty of Shimoda, U.S.A.
For Ryosenji Temple Official HP
For Izu Shimoda "Black Boat Festival" Official Website

Former Sawamura Residence" (Walking around downtown Shimoda)

The former Sawamura Residence in Shimoda City is a building with the characteristic architectural style of Shimoda: namako walls and Izu stones. It was built in 1914 by "Sawamura Kyuemon," who was the founder of the former Shimoda Dock and also served as the mayor of the former Shimoda Town before the war, and was later donated by "Sawamura Kiichiro. After seismic retrofitting and other improvements, the building is now used as a free rest area, a reference room, and a storehouse gallery. It is registered as "Shimoda Town Heritage" as an asset to be left to the future of Shimoda. The namako walls used in the former Sawamura Residence in Shimoda City are one of the traditional construction methods used since the Edo period, and there are many buildings with namako walls in old townscapes throughout Japan. Walking around Shimoda City, one can see many different types of buildings with maneko-walls.

After strolling along Perry Road and Ryosenji Temple, where the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Shimoda was signed, why not take a break at the former Sawamura Residence and browse the galleries and exhibits?
Exterior view of the former Sawamura Residence

Walking around downtown Shimoda "Perry Road

Perry Road, with its retro atmosphere, was named after the road on which Perry's fleet walked when the Treaty of Shimoda between the U.S. and Japan was concluded. In the early Showa period (1926-1989), there used to be a flower district, and today it is an emotional sightseeing spot with fashionable stone pavement and willow trees. At night, the area is lit by gas lamps, giving it a different atmosphere.

Our staff recommends this sightseeing spot, where you can find many unique cafes unique to Shimoda. Please try to find your favorite café!
Perry Road
The Treaty of Amity between Japan and the United States of America (1854) was a treaty concluded between Japan and the United States of America. This treaty ended Japan's 200-year isolation (1639-1854) and opened the country to the outside world. At that time, the navy led by Admiral Matthew Calbraith Perry stayed in Shimoda City to fulfill the great task of opening Japan to the outside world.

Stay at "Hotel Izukyu" overlooking the sea of Izu

Hotel Izukyu faces Shirahama Beach, the largest white sand beach in Izu. You can enjoy a moment of relaxation from daily fatigue while admiring the spectacular view of the blue sea and white sand beach.
Hotel exterior

Upon arrival, go to your room first!

We will be staying in a standard Japanese-style room with a window overlooking the beautiful ocean. For those who prefer a more private experience, special rooms with a bath with a view are also available, so please choose the room that best suits your needs.
Sea-side rooms
Bath with a view *The bath in the guest room is not a hot spring.

Attractions of Hotel Izukyu

In the large public bath, you can enjoy two types of hot spring water: "Ryujin-no-yu," a slightly alkaline sulfate spring that springs from the hotel grounds, and simple hot spring water from the Shimoda Rendaiji hot spring.

At dinner, guests can enjoy a variety of Izu specialty seafood dishes such as kinmedai (sea bream), a specialty of Izu-Shimoda, lobster, and abalone, as well as turban shells and tempura using a service ticket for a choice of three items at the venue's food stall corner. Breakfast is buffet style, and you can also taste freshly baked dried fish.

The hotel has a variety of entertainment facilities, including a swimming pool, which is very popular in summer, table tennis, a karaoke room, and diving. With a wide variety of ways to spend time inside the hotel, you can enjoy this spa resort all day and all season long without getting bored.
Ryujin-no-yu" hot spring outlet
Gourmet dinner with three great tastes (example)
Hotel Izukyu Official HP

Let's go to Shimoda to enjoy the nature, the sea, and the local cuisine of Izu Shimoda!

How about a 2-day overnight stay in Shimoda, Shizuoka?

Why don't you go to Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can enjoy both mountain and seafood?

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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