As an archipelagic nation with thousands of islands, it is not difficult to come across water in Japan. When paired with the scenic nature and vibrant culture of Japan, the coastlines can provide some of the best spots in the world. Naturally, everybody has their own favorite spot by the water--mine just happens to be Shimoda.

Located at the tip of the Izu peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture, Shimoda is tops in my book for three key reasons: 

Surfing:

Japan has some excellent gems of surfing spots, and the path to Shimoda is lined with beaches, each with different breaks, which means that you can almost always find some place to surf.  Depending on when you go, you will not have to fight for a spot on the break, either.

Serenity:

So much serenity...Shimoda's combination of hills, beaches, and wonderful climate yield a place that offers much for those seeking to escape the stresses of the urban jungle. Whether it's snoozing on a clean, beautiful beach, or taking a nature walk through the forests, Shimoda has much to offer all travelers.

One of the best ways to enjoy the serenity in Shimoda is to stay in a ryokan there. If you do, be sure to select an option that includes dinner. It can be pricey, but the fresh seafood and vegetables (fresh wasabi grown just up the road, too) make for some of the best meals you'll have in Japan.

For the serenity, Shimoda is best visited in the late spring time to enjoy the blossoming and fragrant flowers and summer, when you can enjoy the vast ajisai, or hydrangeas, that flank the narrow pathways and trails throughout the town.

Stories:

As an American living in Japan, I have always felt a deep interest with the heritage of the U.S.-Japan relationship, and it formally began some 150 years ago at the small port town of Shimoda. It was here that Commodore Perry steamed into harbor with his black ships and demanded the opening of Japan's borders, ending the centuries-long policy of sakoku, or closed country.

Shimoda has not forgotten its important place in Japanese history; rather, it embraces it, with regular tours of replica black ships around the bay, a small museum detailing the arrival of the Americans, and numerous shops offering themed cookies, prints, and other merchandise for the enterprising tourist.

Two essential stops in Shimoda are at the harbor where the black ships make their rounds (my daughter loved the sight of the ships zooming around the bay), and the Ryōsen-ji temple which was where U.S. and Japanese government representatives signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, and which served as the first consulate for the United States in the early years of the formal relationship between the two countries.

I hope that you'll be able to make it down to Shimoda at some point during your time in Japan. As a recommendation, take the train on long weekends--it is a favorite spot for folks from Tokyo to visit during 3- and 4-day holidays because of its proximity and all of the reasons I listed above, so traffic can be 3-4 times more than normal. 

Oh, and if you're in the area, be sure to stop by South Cafe--some of the best food and smoothies I've had in Japan (by far!). [South Cafe is located at 〒415-0028 Shizuoka-ken, Shimoda-shi, Kisami, 918−2, and the website is southcafe.net]