Hello to all viewers of Cool Japan Videos! This is the Shimoda Tourist Association. Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, sits at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. With a population of about 20,000 as of January 2024, Shimoda is known for its beautiful scenery framed by sea and mountains. ◇◆◇◆Introducing the history of Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda played a historically important role as the place that led Japan to open to the world. Known as the landing site of Perry, the Shimoda Kaikoku Museum preserves and shares that historical background and is a must-see spot. ◇◆◇◆Sightseeing spots to visit in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Surrounded by the sea and mountains, Shimoda offers many recommended attractions. In this first Cool Japan Videos post, we briefly introduce some of them. ・Shimoda Underwater Aquarium This aquarium uses a natural Shimoda inlet, and its grounds equal roughly the size of one Tokyo Dome, where you can encounter a variety of marine life. You can observe creatures raised in environments close to nature right before your eyes. ・Shirahama Ohama Beach (Shirahama Beach) With emerald-green, clear water and beautiful white sand, this beach ranks among Japan’s most beautiful bathing beaches. Nearby shores offer marine activities such as surfing, sea kayaking, and diving. ・Ryugong Grotto This cave features a roughly 50-meter-diameter skylight and a mystical atmosphere, making it a popular power spot. Viewed from above, the cave’s heart-shaped formation makes it a photogenic spot. ・Perry Road This road was walked by Perry’s delegation when the Black Ships arrived in the late Tokugawa period. It retains a retro historical charm and is a popular sightseeing spot. ・Shirahama Shrine The oldest shrine in the Izu district with a history of 2,400 years, it is a sacred spot known for blessings related to matchmaking and improving love fortunes. ・Black Ships Tour Boat and Izu Cruise Board the Black Ship “Sasukehana” for a scenic cruise of Shimoda Port from the sea. ・Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato From the terrace you can enjoy panoramic views of Shimoda Port. The shop offers many local souvenirs, especially abundant seafood including splendid alfonsino. ・Mt. Negata Nature Park Accessible via the 540-meter ShimodaRopeway, the park’s observation deck offers sweeping views of Shimoda Port. You can also enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the grounds. ◇◆◇◆Local specialties and gourmet food in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture is blessed with fresh seafood. Seafood dishes are popular, and items such as igenda miso hot pot, kinme croquette, sanma sushi, tokoroten, spiny lobster, splendid alfonsino, and hijiki seaweed are specialties you should try when visiting Shimoda. ◇◆◇◆Events and festivals in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda hosts a variety of popular festivals, events, and gatherings throughout the year. Here are some of Shimoda’s well-known festivals. ・Shirahama Sea Festival Summer Fireworks A fireworks display held at Shirahama Ohama Beach; in 2023, 1,173 shells of sea fireworks were launched. ・Shimoda Taiko Festival A festival associated with Shimoda Hachiman Shrine that dates back about 400 years, featuring more than 14 taiko floats and portable shrines parading through Shimoda. ・Tetsutsu Fireworks The traditional hand-held tetsutsu fireworks performed at Kawachi Suwa Shrine in the Inabusawa District are handmade using methods passed down through generations. ◇◆◇◆Enjoy the wonderful scenery of Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture◆◇◆◇ Shimoda offers lush natural attractions, historical sites where you can feel Japan’s past, plentiful leisure facilities, rich marine activities, and welcoming inns and hotels to soothe your travel fatigue. Shimoda’s charms are abundant. We will continue to bring you recommended information about Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, so stay tuned!