Shimoda's Coastline, Izu Pensinsula

Discovering some of Japan's finest beaches

Ben Beechey Jul 12, 2012 - 1 min read

Shirohama beach, with the torii gate to Shirohama shrine

Shirohama shrine, a peaceful and beautiful location with stunning surroundings

Hotels and pensions in Shimoda often have stunning views

Shimoda is a popular surfing destination, with spots and swells suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike

Even the local dogs are keen for a bit of the action

Shimoda is also home to Touji sandboarding area, with steep sand dunes ideal for trying out this lesser known sport

The Shimoda coast line boasts some great coastal walks too

Walks along the Shimoda coast give you a great opportunity to see the rugged coast line up close

Picturesque views like this are in abundance around the Shimoda area, a great place to simply wonder and shoot away with your camera

It's hard to believe such scenic views are within a few hours train ride from Tokyo, the beaches are lined with palm trees

Parts of Shimoda are so quiet and laid back it's as if time has forgotten about them

Shimoda (下田市) is a city and port in Shizuoka, located at the southern tip of the Izu peninsula about 80 miles southwest of Tokyo. It is perfect for a nice weekend break away from Tokyo. Shimoda's location, between the Amagi Mountains to the north, and the warm Kuroshio Current to the south, gives the city a sub-tropical climate. Shimoda is famous for its hot springs and beautiful beaches.

Ben Beechey @ben.beechey

I moved to Japan in late 2007 and lived in the beautiful mountainous setting of Nagano-ken for two very fun years. Although the scenery in Nagano was stunning and the snowboarding conditions second to none, I decided to try life in the fast lane and moved to Tokyo in 2009. I have been in Tokyo si...