Shimoda Ropeway, Mt. Negatayama, and Perry Road: A tour of Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, with spectacular views and history!

  • Shizuoka
  • Sightseeing
Shimoda Port as seen from the observatory of Mt.
Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the southern eastern part of the Izu Peninsula, surrounded by a historic port, the sea, and mountains. You can visit the city without changing trains in about 2 hours and 30 minutes by taking the "Odoriko" or "Saphir Odoriko" from Tokyo Station. Let us introduce the charms of Shimoda City!

Negatazan (Mt. Negata), one of the "Three Views of Izu

Enjoy Shimoda's spectacular scenery and seasonal flowers!

First, let us introduce you to the "Shimoda Ropeway" and "Mt. Nezagata Summit Park," both of which are a 1-minute walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station. Riding the ropeway, you will arrive at the Nezagariyama Summit Station in about 3 minutes. From the gondola, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Shimoda and the mountains surrounded by lush greenery. Nezagariyama is so nicknamed because it looks like a woman lying on her back when seen from Shimoda City.
Shimoda Ropeway
After getting off the ropeway, visitors can enjoy a variety of spectacular views along the trail to the top of the mountain, and after a two-minute walk, the Nezagata Observatory on the right offers a panoramic view of Shimoda Port and the seven Izu islands. If your timing is good, you can even watch the Izu Cruise's black boat cruise the waters of Shimoda Port. The view of Shimoda Port spreading out in blue is so beautiful that you can't help but stop to take a look.
In addition, flowers of the four seasons add color to Mt. Among them, the hydrangea called "Nezigata Blue" turns a deeper and brighter blue than usual. This is due to the strong acidity of the soil, which makes the blue color darker.

A power spot for love!

Further along the promenade, you will see the "Aizendo for Marriage". Here, you can enjoy the "Hana-mikuji (flower lottery)" in the water fountain. When dipped into the water, the device causes the language of flowers, lucky items, power spots, etc., to float in the water! The cool water effect is very soothing, and the fact that the characters disappear over time gives it a sense of transience.
Hana-mikuji (flower-shaped fortune)

Try your hand at throwing a "Wami-Dama" (a Japanese traditional ball game)!

After the water fountain, take the stairs up about 10 steps and you will find a spot with a mysterious object called "Nago-mi-tama-toss place". The "Nagomidama-throwing" is to make a wish and throw it into a round earthenware "Nagomidama" with the character "Wa" (meaning "harmony" in Japanese) engraved on it. When the ball passes through the circle, the wish is fulfilled, and when it hits a stone, it is said to deepen the harmony. Incidentally, the "harmony ball throw" is more difficult than one might think, as the ball may fly too far or, conversely, not reach the target. In addition, there are various other places of interest, such as a pond with long-finned Nishikigoi carp and the Kurofune Observation Deck.
A place to throw a Japanese sweet ball

Perry Road, the road that Perry's fleet walked on

Roads that tell the history of Shimoda

Next, let us introduce "Perry Road," a 15-minute walk from the ropeway. The street is called "Perry Road" because the U.S. fleet led by Commodore Perry, famous for the arrival of the black ships, marched from the point where they landed in Shimoda to Ryosenji Temple, where they negotiated a treaty. The 400-meter-long "Perry Road" is dotted with retro and fashionable cafes and restaurants. There is also the "Old Sawamura Residence," which has a free rest area and a gallery in a renovated warehouse, and the "Black Ships Museum" on the grounds of Ryosenji Temple, where visitors can experience Shimoda's history.
Perry Road along the Hiraname River

Eye-catching and distinctive buildings

The Perry Road is lined with distinctive buildings made of "Izu-ishi" (Izu stone) and "Namako" (sea cucumber) walls. Izu-ishi" is the general name for the stone material obtained on the Izu Peninsula, of which there are two types. In general, it is soft and fire-resistant. Namako walls are a style of mud walls in which flat tiles are laid on the wall and plaster is applied to the joints of the tiles. The name "namako" comes from the fact that the plastered joints resemble sea cucumbers. Along the Hiraname River, willow trees line the street and hydrangeas can be enjoyed in June, giving the area a retro atmosphere. In the evening, the unique lights of the gas lamps create a fantastic sight that is slightly different from that of the daytime.

Sea cucumber wall

Don't forget to try Shimoda's gourmet foods and souvenirs!

In the city center of Shimoda, there is a liquor store founded in the Meiji era, a gelato store that focuses on Izu ingredients, and a store that produces seasonal sweets, making it a must-stop spot. All are delicious, so please be careful not to eat or drink too much.
Shimoda is a very nice town where you can enjoy the sea, mountains, and gourmet food while strolling on foot. There are many other attractive spots and gourmet foods in Shimoda in addition to those introduced in this article. Why don't you visit Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can fully enjoy the historical townscape and spectacular scenery?
Shimoda Ropeway Official Website

Combine your favorite train with a hotel or a day trip plan for a discount trip!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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