Shimoda & the Southern Izu Coast

Shimoda sits at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula, about 165 km from Tokyo and reached directly in roughly 2 hours 15 minutes via the Limited Express Odoriko or Saphir Odoriko, or in 50-60 minutes from Ito on the local Izukyu Line. The town is historically significant as the site of the 1854 Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened Japan to foreign trade, and Perry Road and the Ryosenji Temple grounds preserve buildings and artifacts from that period. Beyond the historic center, the southern Izu coast around Shimoda offers Shirahama Beach's white sand and turquoise water, and Cape Iro's lighthouse and cliffside walking paths further south. A typical day trip begins with a morning arrival at Izukyu-Shimoda Station, a walk through the old town to Ryosenji Temple and the black-and-white namako-kabe walled streets near the harbor, then a short Tokai Bus ride to Shirahama Beach or Cape Iro for a coastal walk or swim depending on season, followed by a seafood lunch at one of the harborside restaurants specializing in Izu's kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) and other local catches. May through September suits swimming and beach time at Shirahama, while February and March bring the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms at nearby Kawazu, a worthwhile add-on for those extending the trip. Visitors driving rather than taking the train can use the Izu Skyline toll road from Mishima, though the scenic mountain route takes about 2 hours and is less direct than the coastal train line.