Shimoda (下田市) is a city and port in Shizuoka, located at the southern tip of the Izu peninsula about 80 miles southwest of Tokyo. It is perfect for a nice weekend break away from Tokyo. Shimoda's location, between the Amagi Mountains to the north, and the warm Kuroshio Current to the south, gives the city a sub-tropical climate. Shimoda is famous for its hot springs and beautiful beaches.
- 1 min read
Shimoda's Coastline, Izu Pensinsula
Discovering some of Japan's finest beaches
![Ben Beechey Ben Beechey](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/434/240x240!/565e87c967ba810c868b61c9.jpg)
By Ben Beechey
Community writer
![Shirohama beach, with the torii gate to Shirohama shrine](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11852/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11852.jpg)
Shirohama beach, with the torii gate to Shirohama shrine
![Shirohama shrine, a peaceful and beautiful location with stunning surroundings](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11853/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11853.jpg)
Shirohama shrine, a peaceful and beautiful location with stunning surroundings
![Hotels and pensions in Shimoda often have stunning views](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11854/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11854.jpg)
Hotels and pensions in Shimoda often have stunning views
![Ohama beach along the Shimoda coastline](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11855/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11855.jpg)
Ohama beach along the Shimoda coastline
![Shimoda is a popular surfing destination, with spots and swells suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11856/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11856.jpg)
Shimoda is a popular surfing destination, with spots and swells suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike
![Even the local dogs are keen for a bit of the action](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11857/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11857.jpg)
Even the local dogs are keen for a bit of the action
![Shimoda is also home to Touji sandboarding area, with steep sand dunes ideal for trying out this lesser known sport](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11858/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11858.jpg)
Shimoda is also home to Touji sandboarding area, with steep sand dunes ideal for trying out this lesser known sport
![Shimoda is also home to Touji sandboarding area, with steep sand dunes ideal for trying out this lesser known sport](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11859/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11859.jpg)
Shimoda is also home to Touji sandboarding area, with steep sand dunes ideal for trying out this lesser known sport
![The Shimoda coast line boasts some great coastal walks too](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11860/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11860.jpg)
The Shimoda coast line boasts some great coastal walks too
![Walks along the Shimoda coast give you a great opportunity to see the rugged coast line up close](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11861/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11861.jpg)
Walks along the Shimoda coast give you a great opportunity to see the rugged coast line up close
![Picturesque views like this are in abundance around the Shimoda area, a great place to simply wonder and shoot away with your camera](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11862/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11862.jpg)
Picturesque views like this are in abundance around the Shimoda area, a great place to simply wonder and shoot away with your camera
![It's hard to believe such scenic views are within a few hours train ride from Tokyo, the beaches are lined with palm trees](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11863/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11863.jpg)
It's hard to believe such scenic views are within a few hours train ride from Tokyo, the beaches are lined with palm trees
![Parts of Shimoda are so quiet and laid back it's as if time has forgotten about them](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/1972-11864/1000/shizuoka-shimoda-izu-11864.jpg)
Parts of Shimoda are so quiet and laid back it's as if time has forgotten about them
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Join the discussion
Victoria Vlisides
8 years ago
Izu really is so beautiful. Can't believe I've been in the Kanto area for this long and hadn't visited it more!
Olga
9 years ago
Really beautiful!
JJ Walsh
11 years ago
Looks like great fun- sand surfing, dogs in wetsuits- love the photos and hope to visit someday!
3 comments in total
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