1 upcoming voyage calls at Shimoda
Times shown are as scheduled and can change. Weather, sea conditions and port operations may shorten a call or prevent it — always check the latest information from NYK Cruises, and once aboard, from the ship.
About Shimoda
The town where Japan stopped being closed. The 1854 treaty with the United States opened two ports, Shimoda at once and Hakodate a year later, and Perry brought seven ships into this harbour to settle the details. The negotiations happened in a temple a few minutes from the water, the first American consulate opened in another one across the bay, and the streets between them have not much changed in scale since.
Within reach of the port
Perry Road
The lane Perry and his men walked from the harbour to the temple where the talks were held. A canal down the middle, willows over it, and the plaster-and-tile walls of Izu buildings on both sides.
Shimoda City (official) ↗in Japanese — your browser can translate it
Ryosen-ji
Where the Americans were received and where the supplementary Treaty of Shimoda was signed in 1854. A national historic site, with a museum attached holding several thousand items from the opening of the country.
Shimoda City (official) ↗in Japanese — your browser can translate it
Gyokusen-ji
Across the bay, and the building Townsend Harris used as the first American consulate in Japan from 1856. 'uieter than Ryosen-ji and the more affecting of the two.
Shimoda City (official) ↗in Japanese — your browser can translate it
Shore excursions
NYK Cruises run their own guided excursions at each port, booked by guests themselves through My ASUKA PLANS — the booking window opens before departure and depends on your cabin class. They are conducted in Japanese. Going ashore independently is always an option.
Official sources
- Izu Shimoda tourism (official) ↗in Japanese — your browser can translate it