It may seem as if all the most beautiful beach towns have been discovered, but there are still quite a few gems that haven’t made it onto the radar of most. According to Travel + Leisure experts, that includes the peaceful town of Shimoda, Japan, located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula.
Highlighted for stunning scenery and relaxed charm, Shimoda is just a few hours by luxury train from the capital city. Yet it seems most international tourists overlook it, following the well-traveled “Golden Route” destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Of course, that may soon change after being featured in T+L. But for now, you can still enjoy the soft, white sandy beaches and tropical-like turquoise waters in relative tranquility.
The Beaches
Shirahama Beach, located about 2.5 miles outside of central Shimoda, is often ranked among Japan’s most spectacular beaches. Incredibly photogenic, the half-mile expanse of sparkling quartz sand and vibrant blue-green water is overlooked by a striking red torii gate. During the summer, you’ll find typical beach gear rentals like umbrellas and kayaks along with food vendors. Changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and lockers are available year-round.
While Shirahama fills up with beachgoers during the warmest months of the year, if you head a bit further south along the coast, you’ll find quieter Kisami Ohama. A local favorite, it has separate surfing and swimming areas with calm water and gets significantly fewer visitors.
No matter which beach you choose, you can expect the sea temperature to be pleasantly warm from around late May through October, peaking at 82 degrees Fahrenheit in August, thanks to the Kuroshio current. Surfers come to ride the swells in wintertime, outfitted in wetsuits, with the sea ranging from 60 to 70 degrees.
Beyond the Beach
In between time at the beach, hop on the Shimoda Ropeway, a gondola that will take you up 656 feet to the observation deck on Mount Nesugata. Your reward is a 360-degree view of the historic harbor, the Pacific Ocean, the Amagi Mountains, and perhaps the Izu Seven Islands in the distance. On a perfectly clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. For another dazzling ocean view, take the short, 10 to 15-minute hike to the Cape Tsumekizaki Lighthouse at the tip of the Suzaki Peninsula.
Just like many other destinations in Japan, soaking in an onsen is popular in Shimoda. You’ll find them at ryokans in the Rendaiji Onsen area, which has attracted many over the past 1,200 years to relax in the warm, soothing, mineral-rich spring water.
