Top 5 Summer Spots in Shimoda, Japan

When we lived in Tokyo, Shimoda in Shizuoka was our favorite beachy getaway. It's in close enough proximity to make a weekend or even a long day trip out of it, but it's far away enough that you really feel like you've had a relaxing break.

Here are five of my favorite spots in the region that would be a perfect addition for any summer vacation itinerary.

Shirahama Beach

There are many beaches to choose from in the Shimoda region, but Shirahama Beach is our family's pick. I will say that it does get particularly busy on the weekends during summer, so if you can somehow swindle a couple of mid-week days off work that's your best bet to avoid sitting in traffic and ensure an enjoyable trip. The beach stretches out over 800 meters though, so even on busy weekends you're still able to snag a spot on the sand.

The beach here is convenient because there's parking right on-site and a 7-11 literally across the road from the parking area, even though when you're looking out at the water you feel like you're miles away from civilization. Best of both worlds - and you can't argue with those views.

Views for days at Shirahama Beach, Shimoda

A visit to the Black Ship replica

On our first-ever Shimoda trip, we visited here at the insistence of my husband who is a big history nerd. I actually found it much more charming than I thought I would! 

Shimoda was one of Japan's first ports opened up to international trading, and you can actually take to the water on this replica of the USS Susquehanna, the ship that Commodore Perry sailed to Japan on. Even if you don't actually board the ship for a cruise on the harbor, it's still neat to go and check it out from a distance!

Perry Road

Another one that's great for the history buffs, Perry Road is packed with plenty of charm. It sits right by a small canal and has a number of traditional buildings along a cobblestone street that now house cafes, restaurants and even arts and craft stores. If you do visit Perry Road and you're looking for a bite to eat, we stopped in once at a nice pizza and pasta place called Page One. Not a ton of seating but if you're there on a trip as a couple you should be able to get a table.

Charm by the bucket load at Perry Road

South Cafe

South Cafe is the perfect spot to get a bite to eat or a refreshing smoothie after you've been at Shirahama Beach - it's about a fifteen-minute drive away. Their menu has loads of options to choose from, including giant salads, pizzas, curries, and burgers. It's child-friendly too, with kids meals and high chairs available. It reminds me of the beachside cafes that I'm used to at home in Australia, so that's probably why I enjoy it there so much! If you're like me and enjoy scoping out the menu before you visit somewhere, you can find that here.

Major credit cards including Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and there's also free WiFi on site. Do note that they close every Thursday if you plan on making a special trip.

A delicious acai berry smoothie I enjoyed at a trip to South Cafe in Shimoda. They have loads of menu items to choose from!

Ryosenji Temple

Situated a short stroll from Perry Road, Ryosenji Temple has ties to history as well, being a key spot in negotiations for the Shimoda Treaty. The grounds themselves are scenic, and one of the first things we noticed on our visit was the beautiful fragrant smell! There are around a thousand jasmine trees on the grounds here, so it really is a place that invokes all the senses. 

Aside from the five spots I've listed, Shimoda is one of those places where it's pleasant just to walk around. If you're there on a summer day when it's not scorching hot, it's great to hike up one of the hills to get a view out over the area. Spectacular scenery awaits you! The area is well worth a visit year round, but due to its coastal location I feel that it has particular appeal during the warmer months.