Shimoda
Shimoda, The Port At The Tip Of The Izu Peninsula Where Commodore Perry'S Black Ships Landed In 1854 And The First US Consul Lived, With A Black Ship Cruise, A Restored Lane Of Old Stone Warehouses (Perry Road) And Good Beaches Nearby. · Shimoda, Shizuoka
Shimoda is a small port town at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, and one of the places where Japan's long closed door first opened. Commodore Perry's black ships came here in 1853 and 1854, and under the treaties that followed Shimoda became one of the first ports open to foreign ships - confirm the details. Townsend Harris, the first American consul, lived in the town from 1856, and a temple tied to his stay now keeps a small museum - confirm which. The old centre is easy to walk. A willow-lined stream runs through a lane of stone and plaster buildings, known as Perry Road, with cafes, craft shops and small galleries. A harbour cruise in a black-ship replica is the touristy extra. Shirahama beach, a short bus ride away, is the main summer sand. It suits history readers and people who want a quiet seaside night. It is worth the long ride if you add a beach or a hot spring, and less so for a rushed stop, because the sights themselves are small. Allow a full day.
Shimoda, Shizuoka, at the southern end of the Izu Peninsula, a rapid train from Atami and Tokyo (Odoriko limited express), Shimoda, Shizuoka, Japan
The streets, the stream lane and the harbour are open at all hours and free to walk. Museums, temples and shops keep daytime hours, commonly from about 9:00 until 16:30 or 17:00, with last entry earlier, and many small cafes and galleries close on one weekday - confirm each. Black-ship cruises run on a daily timetable that thins in winter and stops in rough seas - confirm. The Odoriko limited express from Tokyo takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, and slower trains change at Ito - confirm the route. Suica and PASMO work on local buses, but cash is needed in small shops. Nothing usually needs booking, except inns in summer.