Sitting along the southern coast of Izu, Shimoda is home to some of the peninsula’s most stunning and fascinating beaches. From heart shaped caves, to sand ski slopes to little slices of Okinawa style paradises all within a stone’s throw from one another, Shimoda’s beaches have it all.
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Explore the Many Beaches of Shimoda
Spend some time here and you’ll quickly realize why Shirahama is Shimoda’s most popular beach. Crystal clear water, soft white sand, and decent waves, it’s a little slice of Okinawa just a few hours from Tokyo. Stretching 800 meters long, the beach has become one of Izu’s most popular tourist attractions. Thankfully though, even during the steamy summer months, when Tokyo locals flock down south, the area never feels too crowded. Located about five kms east of Izukyu-Shimoda Station, the beach surroundings are home to plenty of stores, restaurants and surf rental shops ready to supply you with everything you need.
Explore the Many Beaches of Shimoda
Peak swimming season typically starts in mid-July and goes all the way through to the end of August. However, if the weather is good, it can begin as early as May and stretch all the way through to September. No matter the season, if you’re in the area Shirahama is worth a visit even just to check out the Shinto shrine that stands on the cliffs looking over the beach.
Explore the Many Beaches of Shimoda
If you’re travelling by public transport the best way to get to Shirahama Beach is via the bus bound for Itadoichiki from Izukyu-Shimoda Station. From there you can get off at Shirahama Kaigan, the trip will take around 10 minutes and cost about 330 yen each way.
Explore the Many Beaches of Shimoda
If it’s laid back, understated beachside relaxation you’re after then you can’t go past the understated yet beautiful white sands of Nabetahama beach. Nested between towering cliff faces, this is actually the closest beach to the Shimoda city centre. Getting there is an easy seven-minute bus ride from the station or if you want to walk the trip it will take about 15 or 20 minutes by foot. If you get hungry, take a little journey away from the waterside and you’ll find a whole stack of locally run restaurants and cafes scattered alongside paths jutting off the main road.
Explore the Many Beaches of Shimoda
- Nabetahama Beach
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- Shimoda City Shizuoka Prefecture 5 chome
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View AllIf you’re after a little more adventure make your way to the nearby Touji sand skiing grounds to try your hand at the beach’s famous sand slopes. Covered in sand naturally deposited by the coastal winds, the slopes sit at a very accessible 30 degree angle and stretch on for 70 meters in long and 100 meters wide. If you are brave enough to try it out you can rent a sled nearby the grounds for 200 yen per 90 minutes.
Explore the Many Beaches of Shimoda