Shimoda: History, Museums and Views

Shimoda is a destination for anyone who wants to experience historical events and nature as different aspects of a stay. The cultural history centers on Ryosenji Temple, Perry Road, and two museums offering different perspectives on the opening of Japan and the city’s history. Shimoda Park complements these themes with viewpoints over the city and sea, as well as opportunities to walk in nature. When considering Shimoda, you can weigh whether your interest lies more in historical context or nature walks.

Ryosenji Temple and the year 1854

In 1854, Ryosenji Temple served as a reception venue for Commodore Perry and as a place for negotiations with the shogunate. The detailed terms of the Treaty of Shimoda were concluded there. The reception, negotiations, and conclusion of the treaty form part of a connected historical chapter. For travelers who want to understand Shimoda through its role in the opening of Japan, the temple is a tangible point of reference. These events link a named place with a specific year and political negotiations, rather than telling the story through a single person alone.

Perry Road and its historical association

Perry Road is said to have been the route Commodore Perry’s delegation took to Ryosenji Temple in the late Edo period. It adds the delegation’s reported route to the events at the temple. The historical association is phrased cautiously: the road is said to have been this route. For travelers interested in Shimoda’s historical traces, this offers a different perspective from the reception and treaty conclusion at the temple. The two connections can be distinguished: the temple represents the negotiations and treaty terms, while the road represents the route the delegation is said to have taken.

Two museums, two perspectives

The MoBS Kurofune Museum is located on the grounds of Ryosenji Temple. It houses more than 3,000 original visual materials related to the opening of Japan. Visitors who want to explore the subject through visual materials will find a dedicated focus here. The museum’s location and collection complement each other, but remain distinct points of connection: the temple is associated with the events of 1854, while the museum focuses on visual materials about the opening of Japan.

The Shimoda History Museum displays valuable local artifacts relating to Shimoda’s history and culture, including materials about Perry, Townsend Harris, Putyatin, and Yoshida Shoin. It offers a chance to learn about Shimoda as a port that opened to the world. Its subject therefore extends beyond a single collection about the opening of Japan to include local history and culture. The focus of each museum can help you decide where to start: MoBS focuses on original visual materials about the opening of Japan; the History Museum displays local artifacts and offers an introduction to Shimoda’s history as a port. Individual exhibits on display may change.

Views of the city and sea from Shimoda Park

Shimoda Park is situated on a small hill overlooking central Shimoda. From several viewpoints in the park, visitors can see the city and the sea and walk through nature. The park offers a different way to experience Shimoda from its historic sites and museums, with the focus here on views and walks. If you would like to include views of the city and sea, as well as time in nature, alongside the city’s history in your travel plans, the park offers a distinct focus.

Discover more destinations: Fuji, Fujinomiya, Fukuroi, Kawazu, Minamiizu, Midaka, Omaezaki, Shizuoka

For the broader travel overview: Shizuoka Prefecture.