Shimoda is a port city of Japan which comes jam-packed with history. As one of the first places open to foreign trading, Shimoda was integral in opening Japan up to the world, and you'll see remnants of the city's story as you wander around.
It's not just history that Shimoda has by the bucket load. The beaches here are some of Shizuoka's best, presenting many opportunities for swimming or water sports. The beachy vibe extends to several of the eateries along the coastline, such as South Cafe, which has a relaxed atmosphere and some delicious menu items on offer. Their smoothies in particular come highly recommended.
Shimoda also has a host of hiking trails, which are a fantastic way to explore the region. Many of them give off spectacular views of the water and surrounding scenery.
Getting there
To reach Shimoda from Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami. From Atami, the Limited Express Odoriko will have you at Izukyu Shimoda Station in approximately 80 minutes.
