2 Day Package Plan for Shimoda, Shizuoka (2)! From popular local restaurants to must-see sightseeing spots!

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Shirahama Shrine seems to float on the sea
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 for Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture

On the first day, you will learn about the history of Shimoda, a port town that opened its doors to the world at the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), by walking around the city. 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 the following information for your trip.

Click here to read about the model course for the first day.

Shirahama Shrine, the oldest shrine in Izu, famous for its red torii gate floating on the sea

Start of the second day! After enjoying a leisurely breakfast buffet at the hotel in the morning, we recommend an after-dinner walk on Shirahama Beach. On the beach, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, you will find Izu's oldest shrine, Ikuna-hime no Mikoto Shrine (commonly known as Shirahama Shrine), which has a history of 2,400 years. Shirahama Shrine is dedicated to five deities: Ikona-hime-no-mikoto, Mishima-daimyojin, Mimoku, Wakamiya, and Ken-no-Miko. A huge 2,000-year-old tree towers over the temple grounds, and it is said that touching its trunk will help you live a long life.
Precincts of Shirahama Shrine

The best view in Shimoda! Daimyojin Iwa and Aka-torii (red gate)

After leaving the shrine grounds and passing through the parking lot, you will see a white sandy beach behind the shrine. In the distance, you can see a huge rock called "Daimyojin Iwa" (Great Myojin Iwa) set on the edge of the white beach, and towering above it is the Aka-torii (red gateway), which is said to be the most powerful power spot in Izu. As you approach, the red torii gate looks as if it is floating in the sea. The spectacular view of sky, sea, and white sand is like a natural ensemble, and the red torii gate standing there enhances the divine beauty of the place. Recently, it has become known as a popular spot on social networking sites.
Red torii gate standing between the sky and the sea
Shirahama Shrine Official HP

Tsumegisaki" and "Ryugu-kutsu" to see the spectacular view of Izu's natural beauty

Tsumekizaki, a mysterious place on the Izu Peninsula brought about by a prehistoric underwater volcano

Tsumekizaki on the Suzaki Peninsula, located in the southeastern part of the Izu Peninsula, hosts the annual daffodil festival from December 20 to January 31. About 3 million wild daffodils bloom, bringing an early taste of spring to visitors with their sweet fragrance. The aloe flowers that bloom at the same time are also a must-see!

On a fine day, you can enjoy the daffodils against the clear sea and blue sky. Why don't you go out and see with your own eyes the spectacular view that you can only encounter now?

Another attraction is the spectacular view of Tawaraso, which stretches along the west side of Tsumekizaki. Tawaraiso is a natural phenomenon in which magma or lava shrinks in volume as it cools and hardens, forming pentagonal or hexagonal pillars known as "columnar joints. Tawaraiso is where you can see the "columnar joints" gathered together. Why don't you experience the mystery of the earth firsthand?
The view from Tsumekizaki
There is a great spot at Tsumekizaki where you can take a picture to commemorate your visit. Follow the road to the lighthouse and you will see a heart-shaped object on the right side. You can take a picture of the heart object and the lighthouse together, and there is also a smartphone stand, making it a great reflection spot for a selfie.

On June 1, 2017, Tsumekisaki Lighthouse was certified as a "Lighthouse in Love" under the "Lighthouse in Love Project" jointly implemented by the Japan Romantic Association and The Nippon Foundation.

For more information about Shimoda Onsen Daffodil Festival, click here.

Lighthouse shaped like a heart
"Your Own Shimoda Trip: Narcissus Festival" Shimoda City Tourism Association Official HP

Heart-shaped Ryugugutsu (Dragon Palace Cave)

Another of Shimoda City's spectacular natural landscapes is the Ryugugugutsu Cave, said to be one of the largest caves on the Izu Peninsula, with a 50-meter-diameter skylight that has been expanded. The Ryugugugut Cave is located at the end of a flight of stairs from the entrance. It is a cave that was formed by wave erosion, and as the cave expanded, part of the ceiling peeled off. A round trip along the promenade provides a panoramic view of the entire cave, and on a clear day, the horizon can be seen from the cave's sea entrance, creating a mysterious space with the crystal clear sea, blue sky, and the Geopark created by Izu.
Mysterious Geopark created by the Izu Peninsula
Ryugugugut Cave is also known as "Mysterious Heart" because it looks like a heart when you look into the cave from above, making it a popular tourist attraction. The adjacent Toji Sand Ski Resort is a natural sand ski resort formed by sand carried by strong winds, and can be enjoyed by both children and adults all year round.
Mysterious heart

Lunch at "Shimoda Kaisen Kuriya," a popular local restaurant

We had lunch at Shimoda Kaisen Kitchen, located on Perry Road, about a 15-minute walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station. The chef, a native of Shimoda City who honed his skills at a hotel in Higashi Izu, offers a menu that focuses on local fish, with an emphasis on those from Shimoda, making it a popular local eatery.
Exterior view of Shimoda Kaisen Kitchen
Shimoda Kaisen Kitchen" has four attractive points. Once you know them, you will definitely want to go there!

1. a visual feast

Each seafood dish is like a delicate painting, the very art of Shimoda Kaisen Kitchen. Sushi, seafood rice bowls, tempura, soups, and desserts all blend perfectly together to highlight the freshness and beauty of the ingredients. You will surely marvel at the stunning results.

2. impressive taste

One bite and your mouth will be filled with aromas and delicacies that are too exquisite for words. The quantity is not too much or too little, but the perfect balance of both, making the dish satisfying and addictive, leaving you wanting more and more! It is also addictive and makes you want more.

3. homey warmth

Visit Shimoda Kaisen Kitchen at lunch time, after work, or on holidays with friends, and the elegant and relaxed atmosphere, smiling faces of the staff, and polite greetings will soothe your weary soul. The heartwarming service and food prepared with care will make you feel at ease, as if you have come home.

4. reasonable price

For such fresh, delicious, high-quality service, the prices are surprisingly affordable. The chirashi sushi (sushi rice bowl) costs around 2,500 yen, and there are eight types of kaisen donburi (seafood rice bowls) available, each for less than 2,000 yen.
Gorgeous set menus *Please note that the set menus in the photo are special order items (not on the regular menu)
Shimoda Kaisen Kitchen is a wonderful restaurant that you will want to visit again and again. When you visit Shimoda, be sure to stop by and experience its special taste with your eyes, your heart, and your taste buds.

Shimoda Underwater Aquarium, where you can also enjoy petting the animals

The last sightseeing spot is the Shimoda Underwater Aquarium. Make unforgettable memories at the aquarium!

The Shimoda Underwater Aquarium is located in the south of the Izu Peninsula, and as its name suggests, it is truly an aquarium in the sea, utilizing the natural sea. The Aqua Dome Perry floats in a cove, where you can see more than 50 species of fish that can be seen in the Izu sea swimming leisurely in a large aquarium that reproduces the Izu sea.
Entrance to Shimoda Underwater Aquarium

Many shows of various creatures!

One of the features of the Shimoda Underwater Aquarium is the marine life shows. Starting with a dolphin show, there are also various shows featuring sea lions, seals, and other marine creatures. Enjoy the shows at the Shimoda Undersea Aquarium, which are always different each time, no matter how many times you see them!
Dolphin Show
Penguin Show

Experience a touch with creatures that can only be experienced here!

We would like to introduce four different experiences that you can have with the creatures at Shimoda Undersea Aquarium!
The first experience is "feeding the sea turtles". The first experience is "Feeding the Sea Turtles" where you can feed the sea turtles at the entrance of the aquarium. The second experience is "feeding the otter." At the otter feeding experience, you can enjoy watching the otter eat food and feel its paw pads, and you can sometimes see the otter making various signs. The third experience is "Feeding the Seals," where you can get up close and personal with the adorable largha seals and even feed them. The large tank diving is a premium experience that allows you to dive into the large tank on board the Aqua Dome Perry. Since it is an experience diving, no license is required, so no experience is necessary!

*Please refer to the Shimoda Underwater Aquarium website for the dates and times of the event.
Lovely kotomekawaso (sea otter)

A variety of popular souvenirs!

In the souvenir corner, many original goods are available, such as the popular stuffed toy otter in the park and souvenirs unique to Shimoda mixed with surimi of sea bream. Please be sure to stop by for a memorable visit to the Shimoda Underwater Aquarium.
A store with one of the largest selections in the area
Shimoda Underwater Aquarium Official HP

Let's go to Shimoda to enjoy Izu's sea and seafood!

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?

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create 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 choose your train and accommodations freely 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! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

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