Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Shimoda City Tourism Association. Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture is located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. With a population of about 20,000 people (as of January 2024 (Reiwa 6)), Shimoda City is known for its beautiful landscapes surrounded by the sea and mountains. ◇◆◇◆Introducing the history of Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda City played an important role in history as a place that inspired Japan to open up to the rest of the world. Known as the land of The Land of Perry's arrival, the Shimoda Kaikoku Museum, which conveys its historical background to the present, is a must see spot. ◇◆◇◆Sightseeing spots to visit in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Surrounded by the nature of the sea and mountains, Shimoda City has many recommended sightseeing spots. In this First Post of the COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will briefly introduce some of them. ・Shimoda Underwater Aquarium Use the natural cove of Shimoda, the aquarium is about the size of one Tokyo Dome, where you can interact with a variety of sea creatures. You can enjoy the appearance of creatures growing in an environment close to nature right in front of you. ・Shirahama Ohama Coast (Shirahama Coast) The crystal clear emerald green sea and beautiful white sand make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan. Nearby beaches also offer marine activities such as surfing, sea kayaking and diving. ・Ryugong Grotto It is a cave with a skylight with a diameter of about 50 m with a mysterious atmosphere that is also popular as a power spot. If you look down on the cave from above, you can see the heart-shaped terrain, so it is also popular as a photogenic photo spot. Perry Road It is the road where Perry, who came on a black ship at the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, marched, and it is a tourist spot full of retro history that retains the atmosphere of that time. ・Shirahama Shrine It is the oldest shrine in the Izu area with a history of 2,400 years, and it is a sacred tourist spot that is also a Power Spot with the benefits of Marriages and Romantic Power. ・Black Ship Sightseeing Boat / Izu Cruise Sightseeing boat Black Ship "Sasukehana" You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shimoda Port from the sea. ・Roadside Station Kaigoku Shimoda Minato The terrace offers a panoramic view of Shimoda Port. There are many local Souvenirs in the store, and there is a wide variety of seafood, especially Kinmedai. ・Mt. Nesugata Nature Park It is a park that can be visited by the Shimoda Ropeway for a total length of 540m, and you can overlook Shimoda Port from the observatory. You can also enjoy seasonal flowers in the park. ◇◆◇◆Shimoda City's Specialty Products and Local Gourmet ◆◇◆◇ Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture is a land blessed with fresh seafood. Seafood gourmet food is popular, and especially "Igenda ni miso nabe", "Kinme croquette", "Sanma sushi", "Tokoroten", "Ise shrimp", "Kinmedai" and "hijiki" are gems that you should definitely try when you visit Shimoda City. ◇◆◇◆Events and festivals in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda City hosts a variety of popular festivals, events, and functions throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular festivals in Shimoda City. ・Shirahama Sea Festival Noryo Fireworks Display At the fireworks festival held at Shirahama Ohama Beach, 1173 marine fireworks were launched in 2023 (Reiwa 5). ・Shimoda Drum Festival It is an annual festival at Shimoda Hachiman Shrine, which has been handed down for about 400 years, and more than 14 Drum and Mikoshi (portable shrine) carrying Drum and lanterns parade through the town of Shimoda. ・Hand-held fireworks The traditional hand-held fireworks held at Kawachi Suwa Shrine in the Inabusawa District are handmade using a manufacturing method that has been passed down since ancient times. ◇◆◇◆Enjoy the wonderful scenery of Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture◆◇◆◇ There are many attractions of Shimoda City, such as tourist spots rich in nature, tourist spots where you can experience Japanese history firsthand, abundant leisure facilities, a full range of marine activities, and heartwarming minshuku and hotels that will heal the fatigue of your trip. We will continue to deliver recommended information on Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, so please Fun!