Enjoy a day trip to the fullest! Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Shimoda, Shizuoka

  • Shizuoka
  • Sightseeing
Aquadome Perry
Do you ever need to escape from your daily life and change your mind? Shimoda is located in the southeastern part of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture! Surrounded by the sea and mountains, you can feel nature everywhere you walk and relax your body and mind. Shimoda was the place where the Black Ships' fleet led by Perry arrived and opened Japan to the outside world, and retro streets and historical sites remain. It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo Station by limited express "Odoriko" or "Saphir Odoriko". With easy access from central Tokyo, it is perfect for a weekend day trip! The Pacific Ocean view spreads out from the train window, and the excitement never stops as you enjoy the scenery along the way.

In this issue, we will introduce some recommended spots in Shimoda that are full of charm!
Welcome to Shimoda Underwater Aquarium!

You can meet sea creatures at zero distance! Shimoda Underwater Aquarium

Shimoda Underwater Aquarium, a 25-minute walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station, is, as its name suggests, an aquarium located in the sea, utilizing a natural cove, which is rare in the world. The aquarium is located in a vast cove where dolphins are free-ranging and swimming freely, allowing visitors to get a close-up look at these creatures in a more natural setting.

Heal and learn from interaction! Experience Programs

The Shimoda Underwater Aquarium offers a variety of hands-on programs that allow visitors to interact with marine creatures. Let us introduce you to two of these hands-on programs.

Feeding the otters

When you place food in the palm of your hand and offer it to the creatures, they will try their best to reach out their tiny hands to take the food from behind the acrylic glass. After eating the food, they play around energetically or take a nap. Their appearance is adorable and sure to soothe you!
Feeding is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the feeding dates and times are limited, so please check for the latest information.
Lovely Kotome Otter

Dolphin petting program

Visitors can enter the shallow dolphin beach in the cove, touch and feel the dolphins, and observe them at close range.

Other attractions include penguin and sea lion shows, a huge aquarium displaying creatures that live in the Izu sea, and other attractions that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy meals using ingredients unique to Shimoda, and a store where you can buy souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Shimoda Underwater Aquarium!
Dolphins swimming at Dolphin Beach
Shimoda Underwater Aquarium official website is here:

Shimoda Park with its fantastic scenery of seasonal flowers

Located about a 20-minute walk from Izukyu Shimoda Station, Shimoda Park is a nature park on a small hill. The attraction of the park is the view from the park! You can enjoy a spectacular view of the open space of Shimoda city center and Shimoda Port. There are three observation decks in the park, each offering a different view.

Refresh yourself in nature!

The expansive grounds are filled with nature, with seasonal flowers blooming throughout the year: cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring and camellias in winter. Take a stroll and bask in nature, and enjoy a relaxing time of refreshment.

Vividly colored hydrangeas fill the park from June to early July!

And every June, the "Hydrangea Festival" is held. Shimoda Park is said to have the largest cluster of hydrangeas in Japan, with more than 3 million hydrangeas of over 100 varieties blooming in the vast park grounds, creating a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of hydrangeas, creating a fantastic landscape that will make you feel as if you have entered a fairy tale world. It is also a great place to take photojournalistic pictures. If you are visiting Shimoda during the Hydrangea Festival, be sure to stop by!
Spectacular view of hydrangeas and Shimoda Port

Follow in Shimoda's footsteps

Shimoda Park is also the site of a castle that was once a stronghold of the Go-Hojo clan when they ruled the area. Dotted with historical sites such as the ruins of the castle tower and a monument commemorating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the port of Shimoda, visitors can learn about the history of Shimoda while thinking back to that time.
Port Opening Monument
Shimoda City Tourism Association official website is here:
What did you think?
Please visit Shimoda on your next vacation and recharge your energy!

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, which allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and apply for them all at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, 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 trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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