Shimoda City, Shizuoka Pref., Tokai region

Shimoda City is located in the southernmost on Izu Peninsula ( above ), Shizuoka Prefecture, Tokai Region. Its population is a little more than 20 thousands. However the city has some fishing ports and restaurants which provide tourists with fresh and tasty seafoods. In addition, there are onsen ( hot springs ) and beaches where visitors could enjoy sunbathing, swimming and surfing.

Shimoda Bay ( above ) used to be important for vessels connecting Edo ( Tokyo now ) and Osaka. Sometimes they entered the bay to wait for favourable winds. Also untl the early 18th century, vessels were obliged to enter the bay before proceeding to Edo.

In A.D.1849, British Warship HMS Mariner entered Shimoda Bay and carried out a topographical survey. Since A.D.1639 Tokugawa Shogunate had closed the country to Westerners, except Dutch and Chinese vessels entering Nagasaki port ( ==> A History of Japan vol.2 Samurai Age ). So HMS Mariner surpeised the shogunate, which built an observation post on the hillside of Nesugata-yama mountain, which overlooks Shimoda Bay.

U.S.Commodore M.C.Perry and his squadron visited Japan in A.D.1853 and in A.D.1854 and after lasting negotiations, Kanagawa Treaty ( Japan and U.S. Treaty of Peace and Amity ) was signed, according to which the shogunate opened Hakodate port in Hokkaido and Shimoda. Then U.S.Commodore M.C.Perry and his squadron entered Shimoda Port. The above photo shows Shimoda Port and the monument to M.C.Perry's landing.

After landing at Shimoda Port, Commodore M.C.Perry and 300 U.S.Marines walked down a path, which is now called " Perry Road " ( above ), along which there are old houses and shops. It is said that the U.S. military band performed on the occasion. The residents of Shimoda must have been so surprised.

U.S.Commodore M.C.Perry and his marines walked to Ryosen-ji Temple, of which the main hall ( above ) was designated as his residence during his staying in Shimoda in A.D.1854. The temple was founded in A.D.1635.

Also the temple is the site where Japan and U.S. Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed in A.D.1858 by the deligate of the shogunate and Townsend Harris, the first U.S. Consul General to Japan.

So the site of the temple and main hall are one of the designated National Historic Sites of Japan. Also there is Ryosen-ji Treasure Museum, which displays artifacts related to U.S. Commodore M.C.Perry, his squadron and Townsend Harris, U.S. Consul General.

In A.D.1855 Japan and Russia Treaty of Commerce and Navigation was signed in Choraku-ji Temple ( above ), following Japan and U.S. Treaty and Japan and U.K. Treaty.

Russian Vice-Admiral E.V.Putiatin and the Russian delegation arrived in Shimoda in 22nd December 1854. On the following day, the Ansei Tokai earthquake shook Japan. Shimoda was attacked by a Tusnami 7 meter high, by which Russian ships were destroyed. Japanese carpenters and Russian sailors built a new vessel, so that the Russian delegation returned to Russia after signing the treaty.

In A.D.1856 the first U.S. Consul General Townsend Harris arrived in Shimoda and he opened the first U.S. Consulate in the site of Gyokusen-ji Temple ( above ). So the site is one of the designated National Historic Sites of Japan.

As mentioned in the above, in A.D.1858, Consul General Townsend Harris signed Japan and U.S. Treaty of Amity and Commerce, according to which Yokohama Port was opened in A.D.1859 as well as the Consul General and the U.S. Consulated moved to Edo ( now Tokyo ). Then Shimoda Port was closed.

Shimoda History Museum ( above ) displays what are related to U.S.Commodore M.C.Perry and his squadron, Russian Vice-Admiral E.V.Putiatin and the Russian delegation, the first U.S. Consul General Townsend Harris, the first U.S. Consulate and the treaties concerned with them.

In Shimoda City, there are not only historic sites but also onsen ( hot springs ) and beaches - such as Tatadohama Beach ( above ) which is famous especially among body-boarders and surfers. Shirahama is the most famous and popular sand beach for sunbathing.

Shimoda fishing port is the most famous for Kinme-dai ( golden eye snappers or splendid alfonsinos ). Kinme-dai ( above ) boiled with sake, soy sauce, sweet sake and sugar is especially tasty as well as they are good for Sashimi, Sushi and Grill.

Restaurants in Shimoda City serve not only Kinme-dai but also various kinds of seafoods. So a plate of assorted sashimi ( above ) could be recommended. Ise-ebi ( Japanese spiny lobster ), Sazae ( horned turban ), squid, sea bream, flounder and so on.

In Shimoda City, especially near fishing port, tourists would find some shops selling Himono ( dried fishes - above ). Himono could be tasty souvenirs from Shimoda as much as ones from Choshi are.