Shimoda day trip from Higashiizu

Train, Perry Road and the old town

The coastal local train runs from Atagawa through Inatori and Kawazu to Izukyu-Shimoda, the southern end of the railway.

Perry Road and the old town

Perry Road follows roughly 400 meters of stone paving beside willows and old houses with namako walls: dark panels crossed by raised white plaster seams. Cafés, craft shops and galleries occupy the small waterside buildings. Little bridges cross the channel between low houses.

Perry’s party followed this route toward Ryosenji when Shimoda’s port opened in 1854. From the station, walk about ten minutes to the road around 3-13-12 Shimoda; street access is free. Continue toward the harbor, where the Black Ship story began, and return through the old town to the temple.

Ryosenji and the Black Ship story

Ryosenji at 12-12 Shimoda was Perry’s reception site and a place of negotiation with the shogunate when the port opened in 1854. The temple grounds sit close to Perry Road, about ten minutes on foot from Izukyu-Shimoda. The grounds preserve the physical setting of those meetings and are free to enter.

The MoBS Kurofune Museum here contains more than 3,000 original visual materials relating to Japan’s opening. It has its own admission charge within the temple precinct. After the temple and museum, the town’s port can be seen from Nesugatayama, reached by ropeway near the railway station.

Nesugatayama, harbor lunch and cycling

The lower ropeway station is at 1-3-2 Higashihongo, one minute on foot from Izukyu-Shimoda station. At the top, the observatory looks over Shimoda Port toward the Izu Islands; Aizendo Hall is associated with matchmaking. After the close streets around Perry Road, the harbor and hills appear together. Steps prevent wheelchair access to the ropeway.

Departures run every quarter-hour, at :00, :15, :30 and :45. Weather, including strong winds, can suspend service. Finish the hill visit before the last descent, then return to the station for the evening local.

Harbor lunch and bicycle hire

Kaikoku Shimoda Minato, 1-1 Sotogaoka, overlooks the port and contains eateries serving local seafood, souvenir shops and the tourist information center. It is about ten minutes on foot from the station. The facility opens 09:00–17:00, with individual shops keeping their own schedules.

Collect electric-assist bicycles here if you want to explore beyond the central streets. Bring ID and pay cash in advance. Bikes are first come, first served and must return to the same collection point by 17:00.